Amie here. It’s the final edition of our June miniseries, LGBTQ–IA! I do have more videos coming, so look for those on our socials soon. Read more about the project here.

This week’s theme is belonging.

Whether it’s not feeling welcome at church or not feeling like you can be yourself at community events, it can be hard to put your authentic self out there.

But there are places for you in Iowa, and these two organizations prove it.

Bonus: Here are 10 queer-friendly spaces to feel safer in Iowa.

Plus: Pride events around Iowa this coming weekend!

Rainbow Faith Coalition: Finding welcoming churches around Des Moines

Cedar Valley LGBTQ+ Coalition: Events where you’re free to be you

Upcoming Iowa Pride Events

📅 June:

Gender Affirming Care Saves Lives Art Exhibit: noon-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, HUB Gallery, Iowa City

Queer Joy Art Show: noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, CSPS, Cedar Rapids

📅 Friday, June 26:

Fairfield Pride Trivia and Karaoke: 7 p.m., Noble House and The Hideaway, Fairfield

📅 Saturday, June 27:

Pride at Bass Street Landing 5K: 8 a.m., Bass Street Landing, Moline, IL

Pride Party at Bass Street Landing: 3-11 p.m., Bass Street Landing, Moline, IL

CR Pride Parade: 11 a.m., NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids

CR Pride: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids

CR Pride Late Show: 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids

Fairfield Pride Variety Show and Loud and Proud After Hours Party: 7 p.m., Depot House, Fairfield

Fort Dodge Pride Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Avenue between 10th and 12th streets, Fort Dodge

📅 Sunday, June 28:

Ottumwa Pride Drag Brunch: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Railroad Clubhouse, Ottumwa

Valley Junction Pride: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Railroad Park, West Des Moines

Fairfield Pride Picnic in the Park: 1-4 p.m., Central Park, Fairfield

Pride doesn’t stop when June’s over; check out Iowa Prides all year here from ACLU Iowa.

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Iowa Starting Line / COURIER Newsroom
3229 Greenpoint Ave., PMB 532
Long Island City, New York 11101

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or from this list.