Local and national organizations released their annual Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide today, to provide accurate information and encourage appropriate representation of the LGBTQ community in the media. One Iowa, Transformations Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, GLAAD, and Progress Iowa jointly released the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here.
The following leaders issued statements to be included in the Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide:
“The LGBTQ community has worked for equal treatment and respect for decades. While we’ve made progress, LGBTQ people, particularly transgender individuals, continue to face harmful stigma and policies here in Iowa. Respectful and accurate media coverage is key to educating the public and breaking through false narratives about LGBTQ people. One Iowa is committed to working with and educating journalists to accomplish this.”
Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel, Executive Director, One Iowa
Transgender people are facing directed attacks like few times before. From state governments denying us the right to bathrooms and life saving surgeries, to our federal government allowing discrimination towards us in all aspects of life, even from emergency room doctors. The message from them is clear, they do not believe we are people. As such it is more important than ever that media outlets respect our humanity. Using our name and pronouns, even when referring to our past, is just the first most basic step towards that. When the media respects who we are it helps the public see we are the same loving, kind, and caring people they are.
Sophia Stone, President, Transformations Iowa
“Words matter. It is important that the media take the time to understand and correctly use language that is based in best practices and is respectful. In doing so, it helps to report events accurately and educate the public in the process. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa has been a proud ally of the LGBTQ community for more than two decades. We will always advocate for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ Iowans and stand against any effort that uses religion as a weapon to discriminate.”
Connie Ryan, Executive Director, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa
Included in the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here, are an overview of the LGBTQ community in Iowa, including demographics, a background on Iowa laws, and best practices for LGBTQ coverage, including a glossary of common terms.
