IOWA CITY, Iowa — As the World Transgender Day of Visibility approaches on March 31, local groups in Iowa are stepping up in powerful ways to support the transgender community amid a surge of challenging legislation.
In response to new laws that have restricted healthcare access and other vital services for transgender Iowans, a coalition of advocacy groups and individuals have launched more than a week of inclusive events across Iowa City and surrounding areas. These efforts aim to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and fundraise for the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund (ITMAF) — a grassroots fund that helps transgender people secure necessary healthcare, often requiring out-of-state travel.
“Trans people aren’t going anywhere because we’ve always been here in Iowa,” said Dr. Emma Denney, LGBTQ Archive Community Resource Navigator. “If states are giving up on people, then it’s up to communities to step in. We take care of the people the state refuses to.”
A Community-Driven Response to Legislative Setbacks
Recent legislative developments in Iowa have made headlines for their potentially harmful impact on LGBTQ+ residents. Several proposed bills seen as anti-trans or anti-LGBTQ have alarmed advocates, sparking urgent organizing efforts.
“There’s room for everybody to get involved in supporting our community,” said Mandi Remington, Founder and Director of the Corridor Community Action Network. “Even if traditional rallies aren’t your thing, we’ve got creative ways for people to participate.”
A wide variety of events have been scheduled — from workshops and art sessions to concerts and potlucks — ensuring that people from all walks of life can join the movement in their own way.
Events All Month:
- Trans Day of Visibility Displays at the Iowa City and Coralville Public Libraries.
Saturday, March 22
- 11:00am–6:00pm: Flashart Fundraiser at Gray Goat Tattoo, West Branch.
- Workshops (Time TBD): “Ask Me Anything” with a queer nurse practitioner, and gender-affirming physical therapy – Sacred Collective, Iowa City.
- 1:00–3:00pm: Clothing Swap Open Hours – PS1 Close House.
- 4:00–7:00pm: “Transparency” Art Session – Iowa City Press Co-Op.
- 6:00–10:00pm: Clothing Swap Main Event – PS1 Close House.
Sunday, March 23
- 11:00am–3:00pm: Clothing Swap Open Hours – PS1 Close House.
Thursday, March 27
- 5:00–7:00pm: Community Potluck – Unitarian Universalist Society, Coralville.
Friday, March 28
- All Day: Free Gender-Affirming Haircuts – Book via Instagram or Christina Mitchell Hair.
- Time TBD: Sign-making & Zine Distribution – Iowa City Press Co-Op.
- 9:00pm: Trans-Mission – Burlesque, Drag, and Spoken Word fundraiser at Studio 13.
Saturday, March 29
- 12:00pm: Teaching Beyond Fear Webinar.
- 4:00–6:00pm: “Doing Gender Justice” Book Talk & Signing – The Green House.
- 6:00pm: Possible voice surgery/therapy session – The Green House.
- 9:00–11:30pm: Concert fundraiser featuring What Resembles Us, Early Girl, Miss Christine, Nightlight – Trumpet Blossom Café, Iowa City.
Sunday, March 30
- 12:15–12:45pm: Signal: Self-Possession Through Ritual Photography Exhibit – Iowa City Public Library.
- 1:00–3:00pm: Trans YAMS Art Meetup (ages 6–16) – Environmental Education Center.
- 4:00pm: “I Saw The TV Glow” Film Screening + Panel – FilmScene.
- 8:00–11:00pm: Gaymer’s Gathering – Diversions: Games & Café, Coralville.
Monday, March 31 – Trans Day of Visibility
- 11:00am–3:00pm: Letter Writing & Workshops at Iowa City Public Library:
- Workshop on age-appropriate sexuality education (1:00–2:00pm)
- Human Rights Watcher Training and Court Watcher Training (Time TBD)
- 4:00–8:00pm: Trans Day of Visibility Rally at College Green Park:
- 4:00–4:30pm: Socializing, safety team meetup, resource tables.
- 4:30–5:00pm: Community banner making.
- 5:00–5:30pm: Opening speakers and activities.
- 5:30–6:00pm: Community Sing with Mary Cohen & the Singing Love into Life Circle.
- 6:00–6:30pm: Speakers + Awful Purdies A Capella Performance.
- 6:30pm onward: Musical and spoken word performances from The Quire of Eastern Iowa and Allegra Hernandez, plus more speakers and surprises.
Confirmed speakers include Emma Denney, Taylor Pachico, Aiden Vasquez, Allegra Hernandez, and Johnson County Supervisors V Fixmer-Oraiz and Mandi Remington.
The Power of Mutual Aid and Hope
The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund remains a cornerstone of the initiative. With many trans Iowans forced to travel out of state to access gender-affirming care due to legislative hurdles, the fund is a lifeline.
“Trans Mutual Aid exists to help people who can’t afford their healthcare or need to cross state lines for treatment,” said Denney.
The newly launched Iowa for Transgender Folks Coalition is working beyond March to advocate for long-term policy change and support mechanisms.
“The legislature can’t erase our existence,” said Remington. “I have profound hope in my community to organize for our safety and future. I’ve seen that happening, and it’s beautiful.”
As Iowa’s transgender community faces increasing scrutiny and adversity, the outpouring of community-driven advocacy, care, and resilience stands as a vibrant reminder: trans Iowans are here, and they are not alone.
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