Local and national organizations jointly released the Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide today, to provide accurate information and encourage appropriate representation of the LGBTQ community in the media. This year’s guide comes after an unprecedented amount of hateful, anti-LGBTQ policies proposed and passed during this year’s Republican-led legislative session in Iowa.
One Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, GLAAD, and Progress Iowa jointly released the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here.
The following leaders issued statements on the need to provide the Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide and the positive impact it can provide to those reporting on LGBTQ issues in our state, discussing policies impacting Iowans, and ally with those in need of our support:
“Now is not the time to be silent. The LGBTQ community continues to be under attack in our state and across the country. We are proud to partner on the LGBTQ media guide because it is more important than ever to share the stories of LGBTQ folks living in Iowa. We are your neighbors, friends, and family. We are grateful to our media partners for not only sharing about the attacks on the LGBTQ community but also for sharing queer joy.”
- Courtney Reyes, Executive Director, One Iowa
“With the relentless attacks on LGBTQ youth in Iowa and nationwide, this guide will be crucial to journalists navigating the constantly evolving LGBTQ media landscape. We’re glad to be offering this crucial resource and will continue to elevate our student’s voices in all media markets.”
- Becky Tayler, Executive Director, Iowa Safe Schools
“Interfaith Alliance of Iowa works side by side with LGBTQ leaders and the community to promote inclusion, fight against discrimination, and create an Iowa welcoming to all. We will always advocate for the rights, worth, and dignity of LGBTQ Iowans and stand against any effort that misuses religion to discriminate against people who are LGBTQ. We encourage the media to be a partner in this effort by using the guide as a trusted resource and helping to dispel myths and misinformation.”
- Connie Ryan, Executive Director, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa
“America and the State of Iowa are at a true crossroads in defending the freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. It has become a popular platform for self-serving politicians who want to block ideas, thought, speech, and learning inclusivity. We rely upon strong, independent journalism to speak truth in our lives experiences. Marginalized communities and individuals depend on media’s critical role in accurately reporting on the issues that determine our healthcare, our mental health, our wellbeing, and our freedom to live honestly, openly, and proudly.”
- Matt McCoy, Polk County Supervisor
Included in the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here, are an overview of the LGBTQ community in Iowa, including demographics, background on Iowa laws, and best practices for LGBTQ coverage, including a glossary of common terms.
