Approximately 50 people gathered on the Public Space One Close House lawn for the Trans Day of Visibility on Saturday, April 2. The event was hosted by the LGBTQ Iowa Archives and Library, which will soon reopen its doors at the Close House.
Speakers condemned the recent waves of anti-trans legislation in Iowa, including the law that bans trans girls from participating in girls’ and women’s sport from kindergarten through college.
Members of the crowd talked about the support they’ve found in the Iowa City community and trans friendly spaces, as well as the importance of trans representation. Supporters carried signs, chanting, “Trans rights are human rights!” and “Hey hey, ho ho, transphobia has got to go!”
Attendees Jane and Heidi listen to speakers at the Transgender Day of Visibility Rally at the Public Space One Close House on Saturday, April 2, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. The event was hosted by the LGBTQ Iowa Archives and Library, soon to open at the Close House. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Logan Shoviak, president of the University of Iowa Trans Alliance, speaks at the rally about discovering his own identity as a nonbinary trans man, thanks to supportive spaces like the Trans Alliance. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Maddie Hoberg holds 1-year-old Cillian Hoberg and waves a pride flag at the rally. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
An attendee holds a sign reading, “Someone you know is trans, we are here!” at the Transgender Day of Visibility Rally at Public Space One’s Close House on Saturday, April 2, 2022. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Attendees brave the wind and cold to gather on the Public Space One Close House lawn. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
A trans pride flag blows in the wind. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Amrei Blaesing speaks about the affirming community she’s found in Iowa City. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Jane and wife Heidi make a sign that reads, “Someone you love is trans.” — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Callie Trainor pets two dogs at the rally. She also went to the mic and told the crowd about her lemonade. Callie is the daughter of Genevieve Trainor, the publisher of Little Village Magazine. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
Attendees listen to speakers during the rally. — Adria Carpenter/Little Village
