One Iowa Action, an affiliated advocacy arm of One Iowa, and Transformations Iowa, a support group for transgender and non-binary people, will host the Trans Policy Strategy Launch on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Raccoon River Park Biddle Shelter in West Des Moines.
“We anticipate policy issues for transgender Iowans will be prominent in the Iowa Legislature this session, much like they have been nationally over the past few months,” One Iowa Action Executive Director Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel said. “It is crucial for transgender Iowans and allies to come together as a community and prepare to face these issues head on. At this event, we will discuss the policy climate for transgender Iowans and begin developing our strategy for next session.”
“Ten years ago Iowa added gender identity to our Civil Rights Act, letting trans people everywhere know they are welcome here,” Transformations Iowa President Sophia Stone said. “Now our rights are being threatened all around the country, including here in Iowa. Transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people are some of the most vulnerable people in the U.S. Taking away our rights isn’t about protecting others; it is about making us disappear from society.”
Speakers for the Trans Policy Strategy Launch include:
- Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel, One Iowa Action executive director
- Sophia Stone, Transformations Iowa president
- Liz Bennet, the first openly LGBTQ woman in the Iowa Legislature
- Norio Umezu, Networking Project coordinator
- Jack Schuler, local transgender activist and military serviceman
This event is open to both public and press.