WATCH: We spoke to LGBTQ Iowans who are leaving. We learned why. – Cornhole Champions #33

Iowa once led on civil rights, but now it’s leading the rollback. Over half of LGBTQ young people in Iowa have considered leaving the state, and for transgender and nonbinary people, that number jumps to 69%. Iowa became the first state in U.S. history to remove gender identity protections from civil rights law.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, Avery Staker, and intern Victor Robbins investigate the quiet exodus happening across Iowa. From doctors refusing gender-affirming care to hate crimes, and the reality behind “Iowa Nice,” we explore why talented young Iowans are fleeing and what it means for the state’s future.

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by Zachary Oren Smith and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.

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*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
0:00 – Victor Robbins Joins: Investigating LGBTQ Exodus from Iowa
0:45 – Personal Story: Growing Up LGBTQ in Iowa
1:19 – “Not Feeling Safe” – The Root of the Problem
1:50 – Cas’ Story: Flourishing After Leaving Iowa
2:30 – Growing Up in “Milquetoast” Iowa Settings
3:33 – Hate Crime Attack Outside Iowa City Gay Bar
4:30 – “Iowa Nice” Reality: Polite Outside, Different Behind Doors
5:30 – Iowa Civil Rights Act Strips LGBTQ Protections
6:19 – Doctor Refuses Gender-Affirming Healthcare in Iowa
7:00 – $70,000 Medical Procedures Now Out of Reach
8:00 – Policy Makes LGBTQ Iowans “Danger to Themselves”
8:30 – “I’d Rather Move to Minnesota” – Brain Drain Effect
10:33 – The Sucking Sound: Losing Young Talent & Artists
11:30 – “Am I Stubborn for Staying?” – The Spite Question

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