I recently had a coffee date with my friend Alison, with whom I share an interest (or should I say obsession) in talking about all things sex and sexuality. Alison, a University of Iowa lecturer, told me about several questions she poses to her human sexuality classes. After her students list qualities or characteristics they […]
On March 21, an article published in Washington High School’s newspaper, The Surveyor, split the Cedar Rapids community in two. “The Fight for LGBTQ Rights” by Sarah Altemeier and Quinn Wilcox centered around an open letter written by former Xavier High School student Landon Santel. Santel transferred to Washington for his junior year after “facing […]
I don’t need another drink but say I need another drink as I read the situation, one I’ve found myself facing for the past year or so. I’m attracted to women, but don’t know how to view it without a lens. Media portrayals say it’s hot, Catholicism says it’s not. Sexuality clouded by a sea of confusion. […]
On Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds said “from the very beginning” her position on same-sex marriage has been “it probably should go to a vote of the people and they should weigh in.” Later that afternoon, the governor’s spokesperson said the governor doesn’t believe what she said she believes, and that Reynolds accepts the legality of […]
On Wednesday, Polk County Chief District Judge Arthur Gamble ruled a provision in Iowa law prohibiting the use of Medicaid funds for gender-reassignment procedures deemed medically necessary by doctors “violates the ICRA [Iowa Civil Rights Act] and the Iowa Constitution.” Gamble issued his ruling in a lawsuit brought by two transgender Iowans, Carol Ann Beal […]
The Future Perfect Project, co-founded by Lacesne and performance artist Ryan Amador, brings LGBTQ high school students together to tell stories and express themselves through original writing, performances and musical compositions. Iowa City will have its own two-day Future Perfect Project workshop from 1-4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. […]
University of Iowa students and Walk it Out Multicultural Fashion Show leaders Ala Mohamed and Jocelyn Pai combine East Asian style with their own fashion sensibilities to present a confident but culturally-rich look. […]
On Tuesday, a federal district court judge ordered the University of Iowa to reinstate Business Leaders in Christ (BLinC) as an official student organization for 90 days. The 10 member organization was stripped of its status in November, following an investigation by university officials of a compliant by a former group member, who claimed he was prevented from serving in a leadership role because he is gay. […]
Five faith-based student organizations at the University of Iowa have filed a brief in federal court supporting the lawsuit filed against UI by Business Leaders in Christ (BLinC), after the university stripped the 10-member group of its official recognition as a UI campus organization, because university officials determined it had violated anti-discrimination laws and policies. Four of the groups — Chi Alpha, 24:7, Ratio Christi and Christian Medical & Dental Associations — define themselves as Christian. The fifth, Chabad on Campus, identifies itself as Jewish. […]
A first of its kind health survey of Iowa’s LGBTQ community is now underway. The Iowa Cancer Consortium, in partnership with One Iowa, the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Des Moines University, is sponsoring the survey. “Basically we saw the need for more data,” Levi Lappin of the Iowa Cancer Consortium explained. “There’s not much health data for the LGBTQ community at the state-level.” But that’s not an issue unique to Iowa, he said. […]
Kids of all genders and backgrounds gather at the center of the Grant Wood Elementary school gym, laughing and greeting their friends, only stopping when volunteers announce it is time to circle up. “Collide A Scope! Danimal! Bruz-A-Lot! Rainbow Assassin!” Introductions before practice are necessary for the I.C. Bruisers junior roller derby league. Its free price tag and welcoming environment bring in new skaters from the Iowa City area each week. […]
Cedar Rapid’s Pride festival is blowing up this year with a full week of events from Sunday, July 2 through Sunday, July 9. Saturday’s main event, CR PrideFest, outgrew its former location and will expand to NewBo City Market. “We have had such incredible outreach from individuals and companies in the community that we have […]