Local and national organizations released the annual Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide today, to provide accurate information and encourage appropriate representation of the LGBTQ community in the media. 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 to be included in the Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide:
“This Pride month we join in celebrating the diversity of our community while remembering all those who came before us. June may be a focal point for the LGBTQ community, but the work of preserving and advancing equality for LGBTQ Iowans happens year round. We look forward to working with our media partners to communicate the joys and struggles of LGBTQ Iowans throughout the year, and invite you to learn more by utilizing this guide.”
– Courtney Reyes, Executive Director, One Iowa
“Iowa Safe Schools is glad to be partnering on this media guide for Pride Month. Factual and respectful reporting has been essential in highlighting the issues faced by LGBTQ Iowans throughout recent history. On behalf of our students, we hope you find this guide as a useful resource as you navigate through future stories.”
– Becky Ritland, Executive Director, Iowa Safe Schools
“This pride month we must remember that pride was born out of a resistance to police violence and the Stonewall uprising was largely led by trans people of color. The lgbtq community must out of moral obligation and our own survival stand with all disenfranchised people, this includes the wholesale rejection of the Republican party that continues to oppress us and our friends we should stand in solidarity with.”
– Black Hawk County Supervisor Chris Schwartz
“Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community working on issues of inclusion and fighting against discrimination for more than two decades. We will always advocate for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Iowans and stand against any effort that misuses religion to discriminate. We encourage the media to be a partner in this effort by studying the guide and using it as a trusted resource for respectful language based on best practices.”
– Connie Ryan, Executive Director, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa
“When Iowans learn about LGBTQ people’s lives in a way that is fair, accurate, and inclusive then their acceptance of LGBTQ continues to grow. At the heart of acceptance is fair, accurate, and inclusive storytelling. That’s where this guide will come in handy.”
– Ross Murray, Senior Director, GLAAD Media Institute
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.
