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No Loathe In Our State: Businesses Stand With Trans Iowans

We are proud to distribute a list of over 1,200+ businesses across the mention that have signed our form, pledging to maintain welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.

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One Iowa has been the go-to organization for thoughtful responses to issues arisin

The history of Iowa’s oldest queer bar has been made into a documentary. Here's how to watch

On a typical Friday night at the Blazing Saddle in Des Moines’ East Village, tightly packed bodies crowd around the bar’s main stage, hands poking out from the throng to suggest cash tips to performersdressed in queenly. It’s the Saddle Gurls & Friends show, and once the artists hold their final bend (or more commonly, dip into their most impressive split), the spotlights carve and the harmony bumps. Bargoers shift the stage into a technicolor gyrate floor, strong drinks in hand, staying true to the bar's motto: "Always a double, never a cover."

The Blazing Saddle is Iowa's oldest operating homosexual bar. It just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Opened in 1983 by Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry, it’s been referred to as the “Gay Cheers” and has seen Iowa — and the nation — through decades of change for the LGBTQ population: from the commencement — and terminate — of Don't Ask, Don't Relate, to the outbreak of the AIDs epidemic, to the legalization of queer marriage and the more recent passing and signing of anti-LGBTQ laws in the state.

That history will soon be shared in the form of a six-episode carry out

Inclusion on this list means the bill either directly targets LGBTQ Iowans, will have a primary impact on LGBTQ Iowans, or was created as a response to misinformation about LGBTQ Iowans. These are not the only bills we work on, but we consider them the most dangerous.

Note: Newer bills generally appear at the end of the list.

Last updated: 5/15/25

Threat levels are, in order:
Unknown, Low, Elevated, and High

HF80 & SF8
Context: Allows teachers and staff to misgender students, even if parents tell them not to
Status: Ineligible for debate due to 2nd funnel deadline
Sponsors (House):HAYES
Sponsors (Senate):GREEN
Threat Level: Elevated
Passed: No

HF51 & SF116
Context: “Obscenity” ban meant to add drag as “obscene”
Status: Ineligible for debate due to 2nd funnel deadline
Sponsors (House): FETT
Sponsors (Senate): SALMON,CAMPBELL, WESTRICH, ALONS, GUTH, EVANS, PIKE, ROWLEY, TAYLOR and LOFGREN
Threat Level: Unknown
Passed: No

HF888& SF204
Context: Among other things, removes gender neutral language from society language courses and lifts the cap on the number of unrelated children that can be homescho

Inclusive health and social resources for LGBTQ Older Iowans

LGBTQ older adults face unique challenges to healthcare and support. These resources can help you learn about local and national organizations that advocate for the equality of LGBTQ older adults.

One Iowa proudly provides a list of resources for LGBTQ Iowans and allies. Inclusion on our website does not warrant or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or outcome. You must fully vet each resource.

One Iowa is proud to be a part of SAGECollab, a network of diverse organizations that partner with SAGE to sustain LGBTQ+ older people in their communities. Together, we exchange ideas, explore public policy changes, and inspire each other to aid better and empower older Gay people everywhere.

Health & Wellness Resources

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Madison and Marion Counties

Connects older adults with volunteer opportunities in their community. In addition to connecting volunteers with other opportunities, we provide medical transportation, diet support, and our Friendly Neighbor program. Volunteers may provide transportation to appointments, support groups, or the pharmacy. With food sup