Just the 'Events'

History in Iowa! Will YOU be there?

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

History is about to be made in Iowa…
WHERE will YOU be?


Stonewall 1969

Harvey Milk 1978

Massachusetts 2004
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Iowa 2009?

The Iowa Supreme Court could rule any day on marriage equality for same-sex couples. If the Court rules in favor of equality, Iowa would join Massachusetts and Connecticut in allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry! Win, lose, or draw, pledge to join us on this historic day!

One Iowa, along with our friends and allies across the state are planning statewide rallies on the evening of the ruling to make sure the voices of equality are heard loud and clear! The Court typically announces rulings on Fridays and gives 24 hour notice of an impending ruling. Sign up to attend your local rally and we will contact you on Thursday morning with details. This way, you’ll be among the first to know when a ruling is on it’s way! We’ll also direct you to the time and location of your local rally so you can take part in this historic event.

When the spotlight is on Iowa, will you stand as one with the thousands of Iowans supporting equality? THIS IS OUR MOMENT, IOWA! Pledge to attend your local rally today! And don’t forget to forward this email to your friends and family.

Rallies are currently being planned in the following cities: Ames, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Decorah, Des Moines, Iowa City, Grinnell/Newton, Mason City, Quad Cities and Sioux City. Pending support from local organizers, additional cities may be added in the future. If you’d like to help organize a rally in your community, email organize@oneiowa.org or mark the check box on the sign up page.

March Townhalls: Taking our Show on the Road!

Sunday, March 8th, 2009
As the case for marriage equality goes before the Iowa Supreme Court, join us for a series of Marriage Equality Townhall forums across Iowa! In the months ahead, One Iowa will be leading a conversation about the freedom to marry with our friends, family, neighbors, and elected officials. We hope you can join us to learn more!
Marriage Equality Townhalls with Academy Award-winning documentary Freeheld, One Iowa’s short film Our Story, and an update on the Campaign for Marriage Equality in Iowa

Burlington - Wednesday, March 11 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Burlington Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 N 6th St

Decorah - Sunday, March 15 - 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Avenue

Marshalltown - Thursday, March 19 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Marshalltown Public Library, 105 West Boone Street

Muscatine - Thursday, March 19 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Musser Public Library, 304 Iowa Ave

Waverly - Wednesday, March 25 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Whitehouse Business Center, Buckmaster Room, Wartburg campus

Newton - Thursday, March 26 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Congregational United Church of Christ, 308 E. Second St. N

Fort Dodge - Monday, March 30 – 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Avenue


Click to visit the Freeheld website and view a trailer!

Freeheld, an Academy Award-winning film, documents the real-life, unforgettable experiences of a same-sex couple in their quest of equality and justice during one woman’s battle with cancer. Join us for this inspiring and moving documentary along with One Iowa’s short film Our Story and an update on our Campaign for Marriage Equality!

Co-sponsors: Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, National Association of Social Workers – Iowa Chapter, Iowa Citizens Action Network, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Transgender Medicine 101 at DMU

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

a complimentary dinner will be offered at 5:30 and a presentation from Dr. Christine McGinn D.O. will begin at 6pm. RSVP By February 13th to 515-271-1440
RSVP is only required if people are coming for the dinner. This is open to the public and all are welcome!

Transgender Medicine 101

Transgender Medicine 101

Christine McGinn, D.O. is a plastic surgeon trained in general and plastic surgery as well as transgender surgery. Since her own transition in 2000, she has been an activist and speaker on many related issues. She founded Papillon Gender Wellness Center, a comprehensive gender support center, offering a holistic approach including preventive medicine, research, primary care and therapeutic support systems. She currently serves on the National Advisory Council in Sexual Health.

Before her transition, Dr. McGinn served as a NASA flight surgeon for nine years

For more information visit drchristinemcginn.com

One Iowa Happy Hour Feb. 13th

Monday, February 9th, 2009
One Iowa Happy Hours

One Iowa Happy Hours

(Click Image to Enlarge)

The One Iowa Happy Hour Kicks off 2009 at Azalea Restaurant!

Friday February 13, 2008 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The 2nd Friday of every month One Iowa kicks off the weekend with their friends and allays at a new location in the Metro Area!
Come to Azalea Restaurant & Lounge - 400 Walnut St Des Moines, IA 50309

RSVP by clicking here!

Save your spot for Lobby Day 2009!

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

Lobby Day 2009 is approaching quickly!

RSVP Today to save your spot!

Weekly Word - January 29, 2009

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

January 29, 2009         www.oneiowa.org

Our Work in Focus
Budget Crunch: One More Reason to Support Marriage Equality

Carolyn Jenison
Executive Director

Of the many reasons to support marriage equality for same-gender couples, the economic benefits the state would accrue are often overlooked. In April 2008, The Williams Institute estimated that allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry would add an additional $5.3 million to state coffers. While economic arguments pale in comparison to the civil rights and social justice repurcussions of denying marriage to committed gay couples, Iowa’s current budget crunch has brought economic issues to the forefront.

With an expected $779 million shortfall, an additonal $5.3 million in revenue could be used to help offset proposed budget cuts to education, healthcare, or other vital services. Spending on weddings alone could increase state sales tax revenues by an additional $2.7 million per year. In tough economic times, our elected officials are tasked with making difficult choices about state funding. In this light, marriage for gay and lesbian couples should be a no-brainer. Along with the economic benefits to the state, marriage would allow LGBT families the recognition and security they deserve.

Click here to view the full report

Upcoming Events

February 2, 2009 7-9 PM
Grace United Methodist discussion group
“Love, Sex, Relationships, and the Church”
Weekly Session 1 of 4
Grace United Methodist Church
3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines

February 3, 2009 7 PM
Grinnell Marriage Forum
Veteran’s Memorial Building
834 Broad St.

February 4, 2009 12 noon
Statewide Steering Committee Conference Call
Contact matt@oneiowa.org for dial-in information

February 9, 2009 5 PM
Mason City Steering Committee Meeting
5 Creekside Ct., Mason City

February 9, 2009 7 PM
Mason City Marriage Forum
First Presbyterian Church
100 S. Pierce Ave.

February 10, 2009 9 AM-4PM
Marriage Equality Day at the Capitol
Details and RSVP

February 11, 2009 8 PM
ISU/Ames “Our Story” premiere
ISU LGBTA Alliance meeting
ISU campus, Martin Hall 2121

February 12, 7 PM
Iowa City “Our Story” premiere
Englert Theater
221 E. Washington St.

February 13, 5-7 PM
One Iowa Happy Hour
Azalea Restaurant
400 Walnut St., Des Moines

February 16, 5:30 PM
“Transgender Medicine 101″
featuring
Dr. Christine McGinn
FREE and open to the public
Dinner at 5:45, lecture at 6:00
Des Moines University Student Education Center Auditorium
3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines

February 18, 2009 6:30 PM
Let My Parents Marry - Iowa City
Coralville Public Library
Meeting Room A
1401 5th St., Coralville

February 19, 2009 6:30 PM
Let My Parents Marry - Des Moines
Des Moines Public Library
Meeting Room 1
1000 Grand Ave.

Des Moines Register Nominated for GLAAD Media Award

With the news coverage and editorial commentary generated by the Varnum v. Brien court case, the struggle for marriage equality has been a major Iowa news story. In recognition of the quality of their coverage, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) nominated The Des Moines Register for a GLAAD Media Award in the category of “Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage”.

The Register is just one of many Iowa newspapers that have produced thoughtful news and commentary on LGBT issues over the last year. Along with the Register, pro-marriage editorials were published in the Iowa City Press Citizen and Cedar Rapids Gazette, among others. Please consider sending a letter to the editor complementing the Register on their coverage and congratulating them on their GLAAD nomination.

For additional contact information for newspapers across the state, click here. Consider writing a letter to the editor to your local paper to share your support for marriage equality or to comment on their coverage of LGBT issues.

In the News

Jan. 27 Sioux City Journal: Ferris wants to bring back marriage resolution
The original measure, proposed by Councilman Brent Hoffman, called for the council to lobby the Iowa Legislature to define traditional marriage as being between one man and one woman and to ask the legislature to put the question to a vote as a constitutional amendment.

Jan. 27 KTIV TV Video: Same-sex marriage debate to return to Sioux City city hall
So, Ferris wants to bring the discussion back, only this time the resolution would state that the city opposes any form of marriage except for that between a man and a woman.

Jan. 27 Bilerico Project: 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Announce Nominees
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has announced 180 some nominees for their annual Media Awards gala that honors various film, television, print, and news media for their contributions in shaping the storytelling for the LGBT populace.


Save the Dates: One Iowa Happy Hour Schedule for 2009

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

Join One Iowa for our monthly happy hours! This is a great place for LGBT individuals to meet and network with other LGBT Iowans. Happy hours typically take place from 5-7 at the listed location each month. Please stay tuned to our weekly email updates for any changes or additions.

Be part of history with One Iowa!

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

One week from today, Iowa will take the national spotlight as the case for marriage equality goes before the Iowa Supreme Court. Join One Iowa across the state to celebrate and learn more about this historic opportunity for equality.

Oral Argument Watch Parties!

Given the interest in the case and limited capacity, we anticipate that there will not be enough seating for everyone in the Supreme Court chamber.  To accommodate growing interest from our supporters, One Iowa has planned several “watch parties” across the state!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 9:45 – 11:30 AM
Des Moines Watch Party - Des Moines Public Library, 1000 Grand Avenue
Ames Watch Party - ISU Memorial Union, Gallery Room (3rd Floor), 2229 Lincoln Way
Iowa City Watch Party - Iowa City Public Library, 123 South Linn

We are making every effort to ensure a live-feed at each of these locations; but due to technology limitations and previous experiences in other states, we cannot make any guarantees on the quality of the live-feed. Regardless, this will be a great way for our supporters to gather for a truly historic event!

Due to extremely limited seating we strongly encourage you to join your closest watch party, but if you prefer to attend oral arguments in person, click here for more information from the Iowa Supreme Court.

Our Story” Movie PremiereRSVP

Monday, December 8, 2008 - 6:30-8:00 PM
Fleur Cinema and Cafe, 4545 Fleur Dr., Des Moines

Join us for the public premiere of “Our Story”, One Iowa’s short film featuring Iowans speaking out in favor of marriage for gays and lesbians. Come celebrate with us and don’t miss your chance to mingle with the stars! Light appetizers will be provided with a cash bar.
Remarks by Senator Matt McCoy and Des Moines Register Columnist Rekha Basu.

“Making the Case” Des Moines ReceptionRSVP

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 6:30-8:00 PM
Pappajohn Center, 1200 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Oral arguments in the landmark Varnum v. Brien case take place before the Iowa Supreme Court on the morning of December 9. Join us in the evening for a reception to discuss this historic event with remarks by Camilla Taylor, Lambda Legal’s senior attorney on the case. If the district court ruling is upheld, it will provide gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry; full marriage equality in Iowa. Wine and hors d’oeuvres provided.

“Making the Case” Statewide Townhall Forums

Join One Iowa and Lambda Legal for a series of townhall forums across the state to celebrate and discuss the oral arguments before the Iowa Supreme Court in the landmark Varnum v. Brien case. RSVP not required for townhall forums.

Cedar Rapids Townhall Forum
Wednesday, Dec. 10 - 6:30-7:30 PM
CSPS/Legion Arts, 1103 3rd St SE

Davenport Townhall Forum
Thursday, Dec. 11 - 6:30-7:30 PM
Davenport Unitarian, 3707 Eastern Ave.

Council Bluffs Townhall Forum
Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 - 6:30-7:30 PM
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 22 Dillman

Sioux City Townhall Forum
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 - 6:30-7:30 PM
Public Library, Glesson Room, 529 Pierce St.

For more information on any of these events, contact One Iowa at organize@oneiowa.org or 515-288-4019

My Stuff Is Your Art Mix and Mingle Mixer

Monday, December 1st, 2008

My Stuff Is Your Art Mix & Mingle Mixer!

Wednesday December 10, 2008 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Grand Piano Bistro - 506 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines

RSVP HERE

Ames Marriage Equality Public Forum

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Click on the image above to enlarge

Ames Marriage Equality Public Forum

Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Ames Municipal Auditorium, City Hall (515 Clark Avenue, Ames)

Welcome: Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Iowa State Representative
Panelists: Tim and Sean McQuillan, Iowa’s only legally married same-sex couple; Camilla Taylor, Lambda Legal, Senior Staff Attorney; Linda Trudeau, Ph.D., Ames PFLAG President and proud parent of a lesbian daughter; Rev. Brian Eslinger, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames
Co-sponsors: Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, National Association of Social Workers - Iowa Chapter, Iowa Citizens Action Network, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Ames PFLAG, Ames Friends Meeting, Rainbow Vision Team of Collegiate United Methodist Church, Delta Lambda Phi – Beta Lambda Chapter

Come hear about how Marriage Equality impacts our families and communities with a panel representing various local perspectives, including same-sex couples, parents of gays and lesbians, faith and community leaders, and legal community.

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