NOTEBOOK: One Iowa offers resources to organizations seeking to empower LGBTQ folks
EMILY BARSKE Jun 16, 2020 | 7:54 pm
2 min read time
499 wordsArts and Culture, Business Record Insider, The Insider NotebookThough Aimee Stephens – who the ACLU said was the first transgender person whose civil rights case was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court – was not alive to hear the decision, the ruling in her favor on Monday echoed around the nation. The court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex.
Meanwhile, a Department of Health and Human Services rule finalized on Friday means that the federal government no longer recognizes gender identity as an avenue for sex discrimination in health care.
Both developments come during Pride Month.
At a recent One Iowa training with our staff, we discussed issues of present-day employment and health care discrimination, along with other barriers for the LGBTQ community. One Iowa is a state nonprofit that seeks to advance, empower and improve the lives of LGBTQ Iowans. The organization tailors training to specific industries and workplaces, while being sure to leave time for questions that can be asked in a safe space.
Max Mowitz, program director at One Iowa, led the training and talked to our staff about the importance of inclusive language as we contact sources, interview them, have meetings with them and write stories about them. They shared a lot of perspective about how language can directly tie to oppression. For example, Mowitz talked to us about how using a transgender person’s “deadname” – the name they used before transitioning – rather than the name they go by is another barrier the person must face in affirming their identity.
Mowitz also advised that the media focus stories on issues LGBTQ folks are facing – while also being sure to include their perspectives in coverage of all topics – rather than always talking about coming-out stories. They said the same is true for workplace settings: Stick to inclusive conversations about issues and not invasive questions about coming out, transition processes, etc.
LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards to be presented this week
In partnership with One Iowa, our colleagues at dsm Magazine will recognize LGBTQ leaders who demonstrate leadership in their communities, serve as role models and mentors to others, and contribute to the appreciation and recognition of cultural diversity in Iowa.
LGBTQ Legacy Leader Award honorees will be profiled in dsm Magazine and celebrated at a virtual reception from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. The program will include speeches from each of the honorees and a presentation of One Iowa’s 2020 Leadership Institute.
Meanwhile, a Department of Health and Human Services rule finalized on Friday means that the federal government no longer recognizes gender identity as an avenue for sex discrimination in health care.
Both developments come during Pride Month.
At a recent One Iowa training with our staff, we discussed issues of present-day employment and health care discrimination, along with other barriers for the LGBTQ community. One Iowa is a state nonprofit that seeks to advance, empower and improve the lives of LGBTQ Iowans. The organization tailors training to specific industries and workplaces, while being sure to leave time for questions that can be asked in a safe space.
Max Mowitz, program director at One Iowa, led the training and talked to our staff about the importance of inclusive language as we contact sources, interview them, have meetings with them and write stories about them. They shared a lot of perspective about how language can directly tie to oppression. For example, Mowitz talked to us about how using a transgender person’s “deadname” – the name they used before transitioning – rather than the name they go by is another barrier the person must face in affirming their identity.
Mowitz also advised that the media focus stories on issues LGBTQ folks are facing – while also being sure to include their perspectives in coverage of all topics – rather than always talking about coming-out stories. They said the same is true for workplace settings: Stick to inclusive conversations about issues and not invasive questions about coming out, transition processes, etc.
LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards to be presented this week
In partnership with One Iowa, our colleagues at dsm Magazine will recognize LGBTQ leaders who demonstrate leadership in their communities, serve as role models and mentors to others, and contribute to the appreciation and recognition of cultural diversity in Iowa.
LGBTQ Legacy Leader Award honorees will be profiled in dsm Magazine and celebrated at a virtual reception from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. The program will include speeches from each of the honorees and a presentation of One Iowa’s 2020 Leadership Institute.
The 2020 Legacy Leader honorees are:
- Tracy Lewis, Des Moines, vice president of Ankeny-based Mom’s Meals.
- Alexandra Gray, Des Moines, actress/performer and activist.
- Jan Jensen, Iowa City, associate head coach of women’s basketball at the University of Iowa.
- Eileen Gebbie, Ames, minister of the United Church of Christ.
- John Harper, Iowa City, retired minister and retired English professor at the University of Iowa.
This year’s Ally award honoree is Wellmark CEO John Forsyth.
Register for the event and learn more about One Iowa.
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