Civil Rights under attack in Iowa

In the face of hatred, unity is our strongest ally.

As we confront an unprecedented wave of discriminatory legislation aimed at LGBTQ Iowans, our collective fight for equality has never been more important.

But this struggle hasn't always defined us. Fifteen years ago, Iowa stood proudly as the third state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage. And that historic achievement was not handed to us; it was the result of tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice.

There was a statewide effort to change hearts and minds about LGBTQ+ people. Advocates door knocked, held town halls, showed up at the Capitol, and rallied for the cause. It took years of grassroots advocacy, but on April 3, 2009, their efforts propelled Iowa to the forefront of equality.

Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves bombarded with over 40 proposed bills designed to strip away civil rights, marginalize LGBTQ+ Iowans, and weaponize religion to justify discrimination. Notably, this unprecedented wave of legislation disproportionately targets transgender Iowans, with a glaring emphasis on transgender youth.

HSB 649 would issue special drivers licenses and birth certificates to transgender Iowans that indicate their transgender status.

HF 2082 would remove gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

HF HSB 588 would narrowly defining the term “woman” to attempt to exclude transgender, intersex, and other women that they assume do not fit in their vague definition.

SF 2037 would prevent cities and counties from restricting conversion therapy.

HF 2060 would prevent gender-neutral language from being taught in certain world language courses.

SF 2055 would prevent transgender Iowans from using the appropriate restrooms.

SF 2129 would annul same-sex marriage at the federal level.

It’s become abundantly clear that Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republicans at the Capitol have a strategic tactic: to wear us down and make us lose hope. But we can’t afford to waver, not now, not ever.

We must draw strength from our legacy of resilience and channel the spirit of the advocates and allies who bravely fought 15 years ago for marriage equality. Our history shows us that when a collective movement for equality unites, anything is possible.

Our actions today will shape the future for generations to come. I know this to be true because I am a direct recipient of the privileges afforded to me by the grassroots advocates that came before me. Everyone has a stake in ensuring that Iowa's legacy of equality, justice, and dignity for all.

So show up at the Capitol. Attend a One Iowa rally. Have hard conversations with your friends and family. It’s not enough to complain at the water cooler about how far-right Iowa has gone. We need you to take action.

They may attempt to erase our hard-fought progress, but they cannot erase Iowa’s history or our ability to shape our future. What once defined us can resurface again.

Madeline Rocha Smith (she/her) is communications and events manager at One Iowa.