News from the Iowa Statehouse
Hi all,
I hope you are all well. Here is my content warning that this email contains reference to political actions and transphobia in the Iowa state government. If you don't want to take part in that, please skip everything below the horizontal rule, and know that you are loved, and we are all in this together.
For inspiration, here's the poem "The Moon is Trans", by Joshua Jennifer Espinoza. https://wordsfortheyear.com/2016/06/12/the-moon-is-trans-by-joshua-jennifer-espinoza/
I hope to see you at a future Transistors meeting, and until then, be well.
-Dani
The following email was sent to a colleague of mine at the University of Iowa, from the OneIowa mailing list. I've reproduced it in redacted form here, in all good faith, as it includes details of OneIowa's planned response:
From: One Iowa Action <action@oneiowa.org>
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2024 12:05 PM
To: <redacted>
Subject: [External] URGENT ACTION ALERT: Gender Identity Removal From Iowa Civil Rights Act
If passed, it would make Iowa the first state to remove transgender people from their civil rights code.
<redacted>,
The Iowa House has scheduled a hearing for HF2082, a bill that poses a severe threat to the civil rights of transgender Iowans. If passed, this legislation will remove gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, eliminating crucial protections in employment, credit practices, public accommodations, education, and housing. If passed, it would make Iowa the first state to remove transgender people from their civil rights code.
To counter this legislative threat, we need your support. Here's how you can make a difference:
Write to Your Representative: Use our online advocacy form to send a message to your Representative telling them that HF2082 is unacceptable. You can find a template and easily send your message here.
Attend the Subcommittee Hearing on January 31st at 12pm: Your physical presence matters. Join us at the subcommittee hearing and wear purple in solidarity. Your visibility and support are crucial in sending a powerful message to Iowa republicans.
Provide Written Comment for the Subcommittee: Share your thoughts and concerns directly with the subcommittee. You can submit written comments here.
We encourage allies to stand with us, show up, and be vocal in opposing this bill that threatens the rights and protections of the LGBTQ+ community in Iowa.
In solidarity,
Keenan
Keenan Crow
Director of Policy and Advocacy
One Iowa Action works to preserve and advance the rights of LGBTQ Iowans through grassroots efforts, policy work, voter education, and advocacy.
One Iowa Action
PO Box 1419
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States
So, a lot is happening, and this bill made it past "the funnel" at the Statehouse. I urge you to do what feels right for you, and don't feel you have to engage if you are at your limit. Conversely, please reach out to this group if you need support or care during this trying time. I personally don't plan on sitting still while my human rights are stripped away by law in Iowa, but first and foremost Transistors is a support group, where we come to care for each other.
If you are interested in political action, I recommend connecting with like minded people on the Transistors channel of the LIAL Discord, and then collaborating NOT on Discord, as they have had their contents subpoenaed in the past.
Be well, and Transist.