7 Iowa events for Transgender Day of Visibility 2024

Transgender Iowans need joy these days.

Eight separate bills have been considered in the latest session of the Iowa Legislature specifically targeting transgender youth, contributing to Iowa Republicans’ 40 anti-LGBTQ bills in total.

Fearmongering legislation—like bills banning people from school bathrooms, or erasing LGBTQ history—has led to further stigmatization of the transgender community. That’s contributed to an “alarming” increase in homicides against Americans who are transgender.

That’s exactly why Transgender Day of Visibility was founded in 2010: To counter those violent stories and incorrect narratives, and center the lives and contributions of transgender and nonbinary folks making a positive difference in our world.

Transgender Day of Visibility is held each year on March 31, which this year is Sunday. If you’re looking for joy this week, look no further than this list of Iowa celebrations:

Wednesday, March 27

Transgender Day of Visibility 2024, 6-7:30 p.m., Des Moines Central Library Meeting Room 1, Des Moines

Billed as “a space for sharing personal stories and making connections,” speakers will share their stories with featured music by Des Moines singer/songwriter and guitarist Allegra Hernandez. More information here.

Friday, March 29

Trans Gander Variety Show and Fundraiser, 8 p.m., The James Theater, Iowa City

Part of a larger weeklong celebration organized by Corridor Community Action Network, Trans Gander will feature burlesque (18+ show), live music, a food truck, and an art auction benefiting local trans mutual aid initiatives. More information here.

Saturday, March 30

Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., First Unitarian Church of Des Moines

The fourth-annual fest is all about creativity and artistry, from visual arts and crafts to live music and poetry to literature, dance, drag, and comedy— all from “transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa.” More information here.

TDOV Community Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Public Space 1, Iowa City

Make your own ‘zines and signs, enjoy a community potluck, and play some board games with new friends. More information here.

Sunday, March 31

Southeast Iowa Trans Day of Visibility, noon to 4 p.m., various locations in Iowa City

Part of the larger weeklong celebration organized by Corridor Community Action Network, Sunday’s events will include writing letters to legislators and learning about things like being a court watcher and how to get involved in the community from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library. That will be followed by a rally and performance by The Quire of Eastern Iowa from 2-3:30 p.m. at College Green Park, and a screening of the 2011 film “Tomboy” at 4 p.m. at FilmScene, with proceeds to benefit the Trans Mutual Aid Fund. More information here.

Transcend: A Trans Day of Visibility, 6 p.m., xBk Live, Des Moines

Live concert featuring performances by Stabbed To Death, Sarah Tonin, Allegra Hernandez, V VanEllsbury, and Blaq Heart Complex. The show is $10 in advance and $15 at the door, with table options at $45-$55. Common Love DSM will also have free clothing on hand. More information here.

Transgender Day of Visibility Benefit Show, 8 p.m. The Garden, Des Moines

Presented by The Garden and One Iowa, this show will feature “trans performers from across Iowa” and is hosted by Krystal Frost-Cavalier. Tickets are $5-$10 per table. More information here.