GoGuide Magazine www.issuu.com/goguideiowacity
Feb. 2022 Always Free Please Share
GoGuide, the allyship of the local LGBTQ+ communities since 2016.
Valentine’s Day Gift Idea’s from Beadology
A conversation with Iowa City’s Karen Kubby
9/4/22
GoGuide Magazine Vol. 6; Issue 6 Valentine’s Issue Feb 2022 Publisher & Executive Editor Tim Nedoba
Operations/Photography Gregory Cameron Photography GoGuide Media
Senior Columnist Erica Barz
Contributors Gregg Shapiro Joey Amato Joe Siegel
Graphics/Cover Design GoGuide Media
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Table of contents Page 4 - Iowa Senior Columnist Ercica Barz Page 5 - ACLU Iowa releases statement on trandger rights Page 6 - GoGuide News Breifs Page 8- Analysis of U.S.Census Page 10 - Complaints department: an interview with actor Sharon Gless by Gregg Shapiro - A local Exclusive Page 14- A conversation with Iowa City’s Karen Kubby Page 15 - Black History Month in Pictures Page 16 - GoGuide Travel - Palm Beach Page 23 -Coralville Pride Festival presented by GreenState Credit Union update
Black LGBTQ Pioneers By Erica Barz Senior Columnist Feb. 2022
Last month, André Leon Talley died at the age of 73. He was arguably the most influential Black man in fashion, serving as creative director of Vogue largely uninterrupted from 1988-2013. Even if you don’t recognize his name, you have almost certainly seen his influence in the fashion world. Stanley Tucci’s character in The Devil Wears Prada is based on him, thoughnotably Talley’s Blackness was erased from the film. I highly recommend checking out a recent episode of Sam Sanders’ podcast, It’s Been a Minute,where he sits down with two other queer Black men, Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford to discuss Talley’s legacy. It’s a deeply personal conversation, and something that particularl struck mewas their reflections on Talley’s late-in-life interviews. In those interviews, Talley lamented how lonely his life was and how he had largely sacrificed meaningful connection with other people to create his legacy, and Sanders, Jones, and Stafford openly discussed how they feel that same pressure and fear that will be their fate as well. This is unfortunately not an uncommon reality for many older LGBTQ people, and older Black LGBTQ people in particular. It is a long, continued travesty that many of the Black pioneers in our LGBTQ community are not supported or embraced until after they’re gone.
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This Black History Month, I urge you to not only learn about Black LGBTQ pioneers of the past, but support the Black LGBTQ people living and working in your community.
ACLU-Iowa Releases Issue Update on Transgender Rights ISSUE BACKGROUND No one should be denied a job, a place to live, or access to a public place or business simply because of who they are. Unfortunately, these kinds of rejection are all too common for transgender people. Thanks to the committed and courageous work of transgender Iowans and allies, Iowa has strong protections on the books. The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, which were added as protected characteristics in 2007. The ICRA has also long protected against sex-based discriminatinon, which includes discrimination based on sex-based stereotypes and gender norms. The ACLU of Iowa has secured some historic wins for transgender rights in Iowa, including filing lawsuits to strike down as unconstitutional the state’s practice of denying Medicaid coverage for medically necessary, gender-affirming transgender surgery. Although some of these lawsuits are ongoing, the ACLU of Iowa is committed to fighting this discrimination as long as it takes. ACLU OF IOWA POSITION Transgender people belong in Iowa and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and equal treatment as anyone else. The ACLU champions transgender people’s right to live free from discrimination. We’re working tirelessly to preserve and strengthen transgender Iowans’ rights in employment, housing, and public places. Legislation that singles out transgender people for discrimination violates guarantees of equal protection in both the Iowa and federal constitutions. The introduction of discriminatory legislation only increases the social isolation and stigma that transgender people face, contributing to self-harm and suicide risk, particularly for transgender youth. We’re committed to advocating for clear and unequivocal protections in the law, taking legal actions under the laws that already exist, and fervently defending transgender peoples’ rightswhen those rights are threatened. LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT The Iowa Legislature has repeatedly and aggressively attacked these protections over the past several years. A record 15 anti-transgender bills were introduced during the 2021 legislative session. But thanks to organizations, individuals, and committed legislators raising their voices in opposition, none of these bills became law. Unfortunately, this anti-transgender legislative trend continues. Bills that could impact transgender students’ rights to participate in sports, school curriculum changes for teaching gender identity, and access to health care options specifically for transgender children are all likely to be introduced. TRANSGENDER RIGHTS. HAVE A QUESTION? Email us at outreach@aclu-ia.org.
News Briefs Des Moines, Iowa — ACLU of Iowa is pleased to announce that Endí Montalvo-Martinez, age 18, and Lyric Sellers, age 17, of Des Moines are the winners of its Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. The ACLU is honoring Endí and Lyric, while students at East High School, for helping to lead the charge to end the presence of school resources officers (SROs) in Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). The SRO contract with the City of Des Moines was valued at $1.5 million in 2020. The monumental change stemmed partly from a racial equity proposal created by Endí and Lyric on their own time and through their own initiative. It called for gathering data on and ending the SRO program district-wide. It also successfully advocated for implementing classes like Chicano studies, African American studies, and LGBTQ history at East High School, along with removing an offensive Native American school mascot.
IT’S A MATTER OF
If You’re Able, Please Donate All donations go directly to the Clinic! University of Iowa Health Care - LGBTQ Clinic Iowa City- The UI Health Care LGBTQ Clinic opened in 2012 under the directorship of Dr. Nicole Nisly, Professor of Internal Medicine, and Dr. Katie Imborek, Associate Professor of Family Medicine. The LGBTQ Clinic started out with a Tuesday evening Clinic at Iowa River Landing and was financially housed in the Department of Internal Medicine. In the past 8.5 years since its inception, the “clinic” has expanded beyond the Department of Internal Medicine and follows the providers and staff whenever and wherever they are seeing patients. The core team consists of four primary care providers (two in Internal Medicine and two in Family Medicine), one pediatric endocrinologist, one PharmD, and multiple registered nurses and medical assistants. As UI Health Care has added expanded services specifically for transgender patients, they have grown their secondary team to include gynecology providers, urologists, plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, dermatologists, speech therapists, child psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, and even law professors and students. The majority of persons involved in the care of LGBTQ patients at UIHC are providers and employed clinical and non-clinical staff. They have a number of volunteers including medical students and resident physicians who spend time shadowing providers outside of their mandated clinical time in hopes of garnering the necessary knowledge to care for patients identifying as LGBTQ dermatologists, speech therapists, child psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, and even law professors and students. The majority of persons involved in the care of LGBTQ patients at UIHC are providers and employed clinical and non-clinical staff. They have a number of volunteers including medical students and resident physicians who spend time shadowing providers outside of their mandated clinical time in hopes of garnering the necessary knowledge to care for patients identifying as LGBTQ in a medically competent and culturally humble way. How You Can Make a Difference Like all philanthropic funds related to UI Health Care, federal law prohibits the provision of direct patient services (such as money toward medications, surgical procedures, etc). However, funds can be used to support additional training and education for providers through LGBTQ-focused conferences. Additionally, it could be used to fund a position such as a social worker or care navigator to help assist LGBTQ patients through the complex care system of insurance coverage, prior authorization, and specialty care. Finally, we would hope to use the donations to directly impact patients in significant financial need that preclude their ability to purchase personal items that assist in their overall health and well-being. The majority of these items would be used by transgender and gender non-conforming persons--those who are the highest risk for health disparities and systemic discrimination. Our Goal We hope to raise $10,000 to purchase items that would greatly reduce the gender dysphoria experienced by these individuals and increase their safety as they walk through a world that is largely ciscentric and heterosexist. In addition, we would hope to provide travel vouchers for LGBTQ patients who did not have the means to travel to the clinic for services. Thank you for helping us achieve our goal. NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement. Photo’s provided by UIHC
Analysing U.S. Census Data on Size of LGBTQ+ Community In an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its “We Are Here: Understanding the Size of the LGBTQ+ Community,” report earlier this month.
According to HRC’s report, based on data from respondents in the Household Pulse Survey, a national household probability survey of adults in the United States, at least 20 million adults in the U.S. could be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender — nearly 8 percent of the total adult population, almost double prior estimates for the LGBTQ community’s size.
It also suggests that more than one percent of people in the U.S. identify as transgender, higher than any prior estimates. Additionally, it confirms prior research showing that bisexual people represent the largest single contingent of LGBTQ people, at about 4 percent of respondents. As the LGBTQ community grows across the country, so does the potential audience for LGBTQ media. “The audience for LGBTQ media has grown significantly and steadily over the years, and I don’t think the growth will slow any time soon,” said Jason Villemez, managing editor of the Philadelphia Gay News. “And the audience for LGBTQ media is not just LGBTQ people. More and more parents, friends, colleagues, and advocates of LGBTQ people are paying attention to LGBTQ media and realizing how important it is. And the more visibility we have in mass media, such as movies and TV shows, the more the audience for LGBTQ-specific media will grow as well. Philadelphia Gay News will continue to report on all facets of the community, including new people, businesses, industries, and trends. And we’ll continue to find and report stories that reach and appeal to new audiences.” The number of people who are identify as LGBTQ is also growing faster amongst younger Americans, “Because there is a movement amongst young people identifying with the LGBTQ+ community, I do believe that LGBTQ+ media will have a bigger audience than ever before,” said Angela Cragin, publisher of Seattle Gay News (SGN). “Our youth have instantaneous tools at their disposal to connect with one another. There are growing LGBTQ+ trends and personalities on TikTok, websites, podcasts and not to mention the array of social media platforms which are engaging the next generation. As a mother of three daughters under 22 years of age, I see the evolution of sexuality in youth happening before my very eyes.”
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2/2022 Cragin said SGN is planning to expand its web presence by increasing digital activity on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the SGN website and Radio SGN, the
publication’s biweekly podcast. “Further, we have an SGN Instagram book club, created by one of our writers, spotlighting LGBTQ+ books and authors,” Cragin said. “Through these digital platforms we will be able to share up-to-the-minute news, trends and events while continuing to cover primarily local and regional events, artists, and activism in newsprint.” “We’re always looking for ways to connect with younger readers,” added Michael Yamashita, publisher of San Francisco’s Bay Area Reporter. “Right now we are relying on social media and adding more ways to reach readers in the future, like an app. However, the media will remain fractured and its audience diffused among many options,” Bay Area Reporter’s Michael Yamashita Kevin Naff, editor of the Washington Blade, called HRC’s report “eye opening’ and “It confirms what many of us have long suspected — that LGBTQ numbers have been underreported.” Naff added, “Those of us in queer media have never had more readers, thanks to the power of social media, and this new report suggests our audiences will only continue to grow.” Troy Masters, editor of the Los Angeles Blade, noted how this increase in the LGBTQ-identifying population has changed the way community describes itself, “‘LGBTQ’ and additional designators have already expanded the reach of our readership, but it’s not measurable as far as I can tell,” said Masters. “It’s a good thing because it makes our niche more responsive. That’s particularly important for younger audiences, something I’ve always been mindful of both editorially and how we position the newspaper. We have always used ‘LGBT’ or ‘LGBTQ.’”
by Joe Siegel
Special to GGM from Press Pass Q Edited by GoGuide Magazine
Go&Vote 2022
Complaints department:
an interview with actor Sharon Gless By Gregg Shapiro Feb 2022 Have you ever read a memoir that is so intimate, so revealing, so honest, that you as you were turning the pages it felt like the writer was sitting next to you, speaking directly to you? Kudos to multiple Emmy Award-winning actress Sharon Gless for making that a part of the experience of reading her new memoir Apparently There Were Complaints (Simon & Schuster, 2021). The Los Angeles native with Hollywood in her veins (her maternal grandfather was a hotshot entertainment lawyer), Gless rose to prominence via her portrayal of New York police detective Christine Cagney in the popular and groundbreaking 1980s TV series Cagney & Lacey (alongside Tyne Daly). As if she hadn’t already established an LGBTQ+ following through that show, she went on to play Debbie Novotny, the smart and sassy mother of Michael on Showtime’s equally groundbreaking Queer As Folk in the early 2000s. Gless was generous enough to sit down for an interview in advance of the publication of her book. Gregg Shapiro: Your new memoir, Apparently There Were Complaints opens on a serious note with your 2015 pancreatitis diagnosis. So, I’d like to begin by saying that, from one Gemini to another, I hope you are in good health. Sharon Gless: Thank you, honey, I’m in very good health. Thank you, my fellow Gemini. GS: Why was now the time to write your memoir? SG: Well, it's taken seven years. It’s not like it was yesterday. I never actually intended to write a memoir, Gregg. I was called in to a meeting by CBS for what I thought was a conversation to offer me a new series. We talked for an hour and, apparently, I was so entertaining that at the end of the hour meeting, the president of CBS said, “You know we own Simon & Schuster.” I said, “I didn’t know that.” She said, “We do, and I think you’ve got a book in you.” I said, “I don’t usually write.” She said, “That doesn't matter. You’re a storyteller, Sharon.” So I walked out with a book deal [laughs] with Simon & Schuster and not the series I was hoping for. Actually, I didn’t meet (with) Simon & Schuster for another year. I sort of let it go. The next day there was a text from the president of Simon & Schuster. I sort of ignored it because I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to act! A year went by, and I wasn’t so busy, and I was in New York, and I said, “What the hell!” I went to meet him. I read one chapter to him, one chapter that I had written in case he asked for anything. He signed me that day [laughs]. GS: Were you a journal or diary keeper or did you rely on your memory for the details? SG: Never. No. My very best friend Dawn (LaFreeda), who's been my best friend forever and… I'm a talker, a storyteller, and I would tell her stories about my life throughout our relationship. She kept them! She said, “You have a book in you.” So, there's another person saying so. She kept the stories. When Simon & Schuster made me the offer, Dawn dragged out all my stories. A couple of times I had gatherings at my house where I had four people over, and I said, “Ask me some questions,” and put a recorder down. I’d just start talking. Then as more of my life coming out on the page, which is hard to do, I started remembering more and more. It took a form that I had always intended. I came up with the title, Apparently There Were Complaints, very early on. I made the book about all the complaints people had about me throughout my life. It helped that Dawn had kept records of all the stories I’ve told. Some of those I used (in the book). It's funny, as you write, as you keep going, you start remembering more and more and more because one emotion leads to the next emo10 tion or the next time someone hurts your feelings or the next complaint. 2/2022
GS: I'm glad you mentioned the emotional part of it, because writing a memoir means revisiting the past, including your complicated relationship with your grandmother, whom you called Grimmy, as well as your parents. Did you find it to be painful, freeing or both? SG: Sometimes because some of the memories were painful. There were times when I was reading some of it that I would go back to that place. I just finished recording it (the audio book) a couple of weeks ago. What surprised me is when I’d get to certain places, especially about Grimmy, you can hear on the recording, my voice breaks. I left it in. They asked me if I wanted to (rerecord it) and I said, “No. Leave it in.” She was really the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s that she was tough. GS: One of the things that stood out to me about Apparently There Were Complaints is the way that not only does it sound like you -- I've interviewed you before so in reading the book, it sounded like you… SG: Thank you! It’s very important to me that you hear my voice in that. GS: It totally comes through. The other thing that shines through is your sense of humor and comic timing. SG: Thank you! GS: How important was it for you to make that aspect of your personality a part of the book? SG: Very important. I do have a sarcastic, not a mean sarcastic, a funny sarcastic side. Some of the complaints and some of my addictions and some of the things I talk about…you’ve got to take some of it lightly or who's going to want to read that? Clearly, I survived. It’s not all bad news. When I came up with the title, [laughs] which was perfect because there were so many complaints about me in my life, sometimes you just have to laugh, even at the sadder stuff. I’m still standing, Gregg! GS: Yes, you are! Memoirs, like TV shows such as Finding Your Roots, are a way for both the subject and the audience to uncover fascinating details that might not otherwise have been public knowledge. The story about your boarding school classmate Gibbie, also known as the late Abigail Folger, in chapter seven feels like an example of that. Would you ever consider being on one of those genealogy tracing shows? SG: I didn't know a show like that existed. I would never do something like This Is Your Life [laughs], remember that? I didn't know about a show that traces your genealogy. I'm always fascinated in my background. I’m certainly not opposed to anybody scraping up my genealogy. GS: You write about your interactions with LGBTQ+ people in your life, personally and professionally, and Chapter 43, titled “I’ll Be There,” which is about your experience playing Debbie Novotny in Showtime’s Queer As Folk made me weep, it was so beautiful. This is less a question than it is an expression of gratitude for, well, being there. SG: Thank you! The pleasure, for lack of a better word, is all mine. You have all changed my life. I became so much more educated. I thought, “Oh, I know it all. All my best friends are gay.” Right? But I learned so much on Queer As Folk. The stories that they wrote and the performances. I didn't realize the real plight, the behindthe-scenes pain that went on in the gay community. Because of Queer As Folk I became quite educated and impassioned. I meant it when I said, “I'll be there.” GS: The Peacock streaming service is doing a Queer As Folk reboot. What do you think about that? SG: Yes, I'm aware they’re doing a reboot of it. What I think about it is I'm so sorry they’re not using the original cast. It’s never going to be better. But good luck to them, and I hope they have even close to the hit we were. I think the biggest star of that show right now is going to be the city of New Orleans. We'll see how the stories go. GS: Because the entertainment industry is a central component to your memoir, if Apparently There Were Complaints was to be made into a theatrical movie or TV miniseries, who would you want to play you?
SG: It would take several actresses because there’s a lot of years. If there was somebody who could span it. I’m a big fan of Jennifer Lawrence. She has a husky voice, too. And there’s also an irreverence and a sensitivity to her. If anybody ever wanted to do that, I think she'd be great. GS: Finally, in addition to us both being Geminis, we also share South Florida as our home. What do you like best about living here? SG: The happiness on my husband's (TV producer Barney Rosenzweig) face. When he retired he moved us here. I'm married to a man who if he's happy, everybody's happy [laughs]. He adores Florida. Los Angeles was always my home. I was born there, raised there. I'm an Angeleno, through and through. I've been to Los Angeles over the last year and I don't like what’s happened to it. Now I'm grateful to be returning to an island as beautiful as the one I live on. Los Angeles needs a total reboot, rebuild, re-everything. It’s fallen on hard times, L.A. I remember it when I lived there. It was a magical city. GG
Another Pandemic Casualty; Old Creamery Theatre has permanently closed it’s doors Amana, IA - A recent announcement posted on the Old Creamery Theatre website announced the theater has permanently closed its doors. Below is in part the letter from the board of directors announcing the decision. It is with deep heartache that we are announcing our final curtain call. Old Creamery Theatre has closed permanently. Like many other organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close our doors in March 2020 temporarily. After an attempt at a partial re-opening this past fall/winter 2021 with roadshows, we had the hopes of putting on a regular-season of shows in 2022. While the roadshows were considered a success, they were too little, too late. The financial pressures endured during this extended closure have proven to be a catastrophe we could not recover from; coupled with the existing non-profit budget and all the usual expenses still incurred while closed, there was simply no way to continue to stay open. This decision was not made lightly. Throughout the time we have been making these tough decisions, we haven’t lost sight of the history of the theatre and its impact on the community. The Old Creamery Theatre started in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa, in a former Co-Op Dairy building. We have been Iowa’s longest-running professional theatre company. Old Creamery Theatre extends its heartfelt thanks to the public for 50 years of support, engagement, and dedication. A non-profit organization reflects the community it serves, and Old Creamery has been supported by the most exemplary staff, volunteers, talent, and patrons for 50 years. The memory of the artistic impact of the live theatre experience will always be treasured. Thank you, The Old Creamery Theatre Board of Directors
www.CoralvillePrideFestival.com www.Facebook.com/OfficialCoralvillePrideFestival www.Twitter.com/ReachOutM www.issuu.com/goguideiowacity
A Conversation with Iowa City’s Karen Kubby By Tim Nedoa Feb 2022 A GoGuide Magazine Exclusive
Iowa City, IA - There are privileges of being publisher and editor of an LGBTQ+ publication. This publication allows me to choose the people I approach about interviews. Other writers for GoGuide do not necessarily have that same privilege. This tremendous privilege has allowed me the opportunity to speak to many amazing people. This included history makers, candidates for all offices, presidential candidates, and wonderful people like Karen Kubby. There are few people I enjoy speaking with as much as Karen. I chose to talk with the owner of Beadoloty. Karen isn’t only the owner of Beadoloty; she’s an artist, businessperson, activist, community servant, and a whole lot more. Karen knows Iowa City, and Karen loves Iowa City. She also loves and cares deeply about the future of this city, the future for all residents but most notably those that are underserved. I’m sure I’m missing something on my list. I encourage you to visit Karen at the new Beadology location. You, too, will have the opportunity to speak about our great city with a person who understands what is going on and the reasons behind issues we need more focus and attention on. If you have noticed, Beadology has a new location. The storefront alone is worth the visit to see and admire. I saw the storefront on the recent bus ride to Kirkwood college. Immediate, it gave me the idea that I needed to speak with Karen about her move and talk with her about Valentine’s Day gift ideas. I wanted to feature something that is a “one-of-kind” gift. I mean literally one-of-kind. There are opportunities for you to make Jewelry yourself. There is the opportunity to have the Beadoloy artist create a piece of Jewelry for you. If you’re not practiced at the art of Jewelry making, Beadoloty offers classes for all levels of expertise. Don’t worry; beginners are welcome! A gift certificate for joining a class just might be the perfect gift. If you’re not artistically inclined, like me, don’t worry. They have an entire store full of original gifts available. It’s almost impossible to visit the store without first being impressed and the quality of items for sale. In fact, Beadologyis the only full-time beadology store in the entire state of Iowa. It’ businesses like Beadolog, Prairie Lights, and Record collector, to name just a few, that make visiting downtown Iowa City a visit that’s rare to find anywhere else in Iowa or anywhere else for that matter. Of course, a conversation with Karen will lead us to many other topics. We covered everything from affordable housing to affordable storefront space in Iowa City’s Ped Mall. Many businesses are being pushed out due to high rental rates. It’s also important to note that Karen Kubby played a considerable role in helping create a downtown business district. Both Karen and I agreed the business district has been a great addition to Iowa City and deserves to be renewed again for another term. The next time Karen and I met, we agreed that affordable housing in Iowa City would be our topic of conversation. I commit to the GoGuide readers and Karen Kuby that this conversation will occur sooner rather than later.
First, I encourage everyone to visit Beadology at their new location. They’re still Downton but just south of Burlington. They’re near the Johnson County Courthouse and across the street from The Vue. The exact address is 355 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA. They can be reached at 319.338.1566 or at info@beadologyiowa.com. I’m confident you will find it’s worth the trip. TN
Pictures by Tim Nedoba
Transgender Rights and Information Under Iowa Law Higlighted by ACLU-Iowa Feb 2022 Special to GoGuide Magazine
Des Moines - While there is still much work to be done, Iowa law protects the fundamental right of transgender people for respect, dignity, and equal treatment. Background Unlike some states, Iowa has protections for transgender people written into its law. Chapter 216 of the Iowa Code is known as the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) of 1965. ICRA provides protection against various forms of discrimination on the basis of specific individual traits or characteristics. Among other things, ICRA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, which were added as protected characteristics in 2007. The Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) defines “gender identity” as “a gender-related identity of a person, regardless of the person’s assigned sex at birth.” ICRA also established the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), the state agency that receives and investigates complaints about ICRA violations. There may be local civil rights and human rights ordinances in your community that provide additional protections. Employment Potential employers may not ask about gender identity during interviews. If a dress code is gender-specific, you must be permitted to dress consistent with your gender identity. You should have access to workplace restrooms consistent with your gender identity. You are also protected against coworker harassment. Notify your employer in writing if this occurs. In addition to ICRA, workplace discrimination against transgender people may violate a federal law covering “sex” discrimination (Title VII). Employer-provided health insurance must not exclude coverage for medically necessary gender-affirming surgery. Know your rights: Education, Public Accomodations, Health Care, Housing, Credit Practices, Religious Exception, Name Change and Identity Documentation, Hate Crimes Protection, Legal Rights of Prisoners, Employment (Transgender people are entitled to equal treatment in every aspect of employment). Complete information available on ACLU-Iowa website at https://www.aclu-ia.org/en/know-your-rights/ transgender-iowa-know-your-rights
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Black History Month Through the GoGuide lens, we take a look back at local media coverage following the murder of Goerge Floyd in Minneapolis
Pride Journey: Palm
Beach
By Joey Amato Feb 2022
On my recent visit to The Palm Beaches, I wanted to explore parts of the region I hadn’t had the chance to visit when I lived in the area a little of a decade ago. Palm Beach County encompassed dozens of cities and towns, each with its own unique charm and attractions. While most people think of Florida’s beaches as the main attraction in the Sunshine State, Palm Beach County stretches all the way to the Everglades in the west and has developed into one of the top agri-tourism destinations in the country. I began my trip in Delray Beach, the town I used to live in. One of Delray Beach’s hidden gems is Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Guests get to experience authentic Japanese culture and stroll through acres of lush trails transporting them to a different land. I didn’t even feel as if I was in Florida as I spent time at the reflection pond, the bamboo forest, or the old museum. While in Delray Beach, head to the Pineapple Grove arts district, a stretch of downtown devoted to art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Swing by City Oyster on Atlantic Avenue for lunch and try order the Lobster Roll. You will not be disappointed. From Delray Beach, head north on I-95 – or jump on the Tri-Rail to West Palm Beach and visit the Norton Museum of Art. During my visit, the museum was exhibiting Origin Stories: Photography of Africa and Its Diaspora, a collection that confronts the intertwined relationship between identity and colonialism in communities across the African continent. The museum also contains a permanent collection of Asian and European artwork. After the museum, take a walk along Clamatis street, the dining and entertainment hub of West Palm Beach or journey over to Palm Beach Island, where the world’s wealthiest people go to play during the winter months. Mansions and sprawling estates surround the island which includes many historic properties including the Flagler Museum, The Breakers and Mar-a-Lago, which was originally built for cereal company heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. There are many hotels located on Palm Beach, but they can get a bit pricey depending on the time of year you visit. A great option is the Hilton West Palm Beach, located across the street from Rosemary Square and within walking distance to many of the area’s main attractions. The luxurious property features a grand lobby, large fitness center and massive outdoor pool, perfect for a nice relaxing dip after a long day of sightseeing. Grab dinner at Table 26, one of West Palm Beach’s most popular LGBTQ-owned restaurants. My guest and I began our meal with the Squash Blossoms and Burrata
Florida HB 1557: How It Impacts LGBTQ Families By Thomas Ryan-Lawrence Special to GoGuide Magazine
Feb 2022
Florida - Earlier this week, news outlets across the country reported on the advancement of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial “Parental Rights in Education Bill”, also known as HB 1557. In case you missed it, the bill was passed by the state House’s GOP-controlled Education and Employment Committee on January 20th by a vote of 15-5. While the bill’s sponsors claim the legislation aims to “provide parents with greater oversight over what their students learn and discuss at school”, the passage of this bill would be detrimental not only to LGBTQ students, but also to LGBTQ families across the State. Policy makers across the country are discussing the variety of social issues that should or should not be approached in public education and exactly how deep parental rights go in contributing to that decision. I find it interesting that parents are, for the most part, not involved in the selection of other curriculum in public schools, yet somehow feel entitled to have their voices heard when it comes to topics such as Critical Race Theory or sexual orientation and gender identity. Republican state Representative Joe Harding told CNN on Monday that this law would apply to students in kindergarten through third grade. Claiming, “At that FL Governor Ron DeSantis age they need to be worried about reading and worrying about their math,” he said. “For me, it’s why are we sensationalizing this age to have all these questions and to force so many questions… We’re talking specifically about young, elementary-age children that just don’t need that stress in general.” So, having worked with the LGBTQ community, with a focus on inclusive environments, for 18 years and being a gay dad, I posted about the advancement of HB 1557 on both the Gayborhood Business Alliance and ARK Leadership LinkedIn pages; organizations that I am a managing partner of. A colleague that I met while speaking at a symposium on Culture Building Basics for the Studer Community Institute in Pensacola, FL messaged me on LinkedIn after seeing my post. My topic at the symposium was “Belonging - The Gateway to Innovation and Inclusivity.” In her message, she said: “Saw your post about the LGBTQ measure…we often find ourselves planning to move out of FL. Anyway, the article says it’s aimed at kids K-3. I don’t disagree with you…but I don’t know much about this. I plan to read up on when kids start needing to talk about this. I don’t think I started paying attention to boys until around fifth grade.” In writing my response, it inspired me to write this piece. This bill is not just about how students identify with their own sexual orientation, but also for those students living in LGBTQ households. Of those under the age of 50 who are living alone or with a spouse or partner, 48% of LGBTQ women and 20% of LGBTQ men in the United States are raising children under the age of 18. The Trevor Project is quoted as stating the bill would “ban classroom discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity is schools, erasing LGBTQ identity, history and culture – as well as LGBTQ students themselves.” Now, there is some debate on exactly when sexual orientation begins to be recognized in children. Personally, I knew at five that I was attracted to men and not women. I didn’t know what it meant at the time…but I knew one thing for sure: I was different. This bill doesn’t just affect LGBTQ youth. Don’t get me wrong….the possibility is high that it will; someone at that age will identify as LGBTQ. It is well documented by The Trevor Project that “LGBTQ youth who learned about LGBTQ issues or people in classes at school had 23% lower odds of reporting a suicide attempt in the last year.” But, again, as state Representative Joe Harding said, “For me, it’s why are we sensationalizing this age to have all these questions and to force
so many questions.” The simple answer: because when these kids get into the real world, the fact that LGBTQ people exist and will be alongside them is very true. The entire point of me writing this piece is around the last statement and the question from my colleague. You see, my husband and I have an 8-year old son. He’s precious, sweet, and innocent. I’d like to think he’s that way in part because of how we’ve raised him. So, when my colleague asked what is an appropriate age to start the conversation around sexual orientation and gender identify, my response was “as early as possible.” As same-sex parents, we have always strived to teach our son that families come in all shapes and sizes. Some may have two daddies or two mommies, some may have a dad and a mom, some may have an auntie or grandparents, and some may be single-parent households. All that matters is love. While important, for the sake of this argument, take the LGBTQ students out of the mix. After all, we’re talking about K-3. What about the kids that are a part of a LGBTQ family? Sexual orientation and gender identity transcends physical attraction; there are mental and emotional aspects that are difficult to explain. For our son, he’s always grown up knowing he has Daddy, Papa, and Mama Tara. That’s the way it’s always been and the way it will always be; we started these conversations when he was literally a week old. Should this law pass, what happens when he goes to school and tries to explain to his friends that he has two dads? For the record, he just turned eight-years old in January and is in second grade, so yes…this law would affect our family. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are often ignored in our public school system. I can say this as a current board member in my sixth year of service with a Charter School in the Atlanta Public School District. I am proud to say our school has made DEI a primary focus as part of its culture. At the same time, I am saddened to say the majority of the school districts I have seen do not take the same approach. So, I will close with this…my son’s name is Noah and he is eight years old. As I mentioned before..he is a precious, sweet, innocent soul that has a heart the size of Texas. What is he to do in second grade when talking about his two dads if we lived in Florida and this bill becomes law? Are the teachers going to unilaterally ignore his family unit? He surely would be made to feel “less than” or “different” for having two loving parents at home just because we aren’t a cisgendered opposite sex couple. How will a child that isn’t LGBTQ, but is a part of a LGBTQ family be treated if this law were to pass? How will they view their family in relation to others? If we cannot guarantee that experience will be positive, should it even occur? If you live in Florida, and agree that there are a multitude of reasons why HB 1557 should not pass into law, please reach out to your representative and express your opposition. Feel free to quote this article and please help spread the word; a copy of this article has been sent to the Speaker of the House, The Honorable Chris Sprowles. One of the worst possible outcomes is not only HB 1557 passing in Florida, but then being used as a justification for similar laws in other states. So many families are counting on us to stand up and have our voices heard. Thomas Ryan-Lawrence is an entrepreneur living in Atlanta, GA with his husband and eight-year old son. He has worked in the LGBTQ community for nearly two decades and currently serves as the President of the Gayborhood Business Alliance and VP, Operations for ARK Leadership. Copyright © 2022 LGBT Newsletter, All rights reserved. GoGuide Magazine is a member of LGBT media. Our mailing address is: LGBT Newsletter 725 Airways Circle Nashville, TENNESSEE 37214
& Tomato salad, a simple yet delicious selection that is always a favorite of mine. For dinner, we wanted to order something a little on the lighter side, so we opted for the Zucchini pasta prepared with roasted heirloom tomatoes, pine nuts, basil pesto and shaved parmesan. If you are in the mood to grab some cocktails, head to The Mad Hatter lounge located in Lake Worth, a town known for its thriving LGBTQ culture. Lake Worth is also home to Compass, the area’s LGBTQ community center. After grabbing a morning coffee, head to Jupiter, about a 20-minute drive north from the hotel to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. The free attraction relies on donations to help maintain the property and support its animals. Last year alone, the sanctuary cared for over 6,000 animals who arrived to the facility, which was established to care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, while promoting wildlife and habitat conservation. All of the animals at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary are native to Florida. While in Jupiter, head to Lucky Shuck for lunch and grab a table with a view of the intracoastal waterway. The restaurant offers wonderful service, fresh and simple food, and a relaxed island time environment. I decided to try the Ceviche Trio, prepared three different ways and was so surprised at the differences between each of the preparations. For dessert – yes, I had dessert for lunch – try the Key Lime pie served with a coconut meringue and passion fruit glaze. It was one of the most delicious items I had on my entire visit. After lunch, jump on the Love Street Outdoor Center PonTiki Cruise a few steps from the restaurant, for a 30-minute or hour-long cruise around Jupiter inlet before heading back to the Hilton for some R&R before dinner. Although it is easy to navigate West Palm Beach via public transportation, I would recommend renting a car if you really want to explore the destination and some of its most popular attractions including McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary. The guided tours are so informative, and guests learn the stories of each animal and how they arrived at the Sanctuary. Whereas Busch Sanctuary only cares for animals local to the region, McCarthy’s is home to a variety of animals from all corners of the globe including Amur leopards, Bengal Tigers, lions and even a snow leopard. Many of these animals were illegally owned and taken in by the sanctuary as they can’t be allowed into the wild. All of the animals are well cared for and were quite friendly and playful. The jaguar was purring during our entire visit and the beautiful white tiger was rubbing up against the encloser seeking some attention from us. In addition to big cats, the sanctuary also houses exotic birds, lemurs, and a feisty fox. No trip to Palm Beach would be complete without a shopping spree or stroll along Worth Avenue. High-end boutiques such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Akris line the street. Even if you don’t want to shop, it is still a fun experience to window shop and watch the parade of exotic cars that drive up and down the avenue. It takes a good week to explore the destination, especially if you want to visit numerous cities and attractions. One of my favorite times to visit Florida in general is the spring and fall, as the weather is divine. To book your West Palm Beach gaycation, visit www.Orbitz.com/pride A video of the destination is also available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMQMY5hAHhs
Enjoy the Journey!
Mission Creek Festival returns to Iowa City in 2022 Presented by The Englert Theatre Title Sponsorship by GreenState Credit Union Iowa City - The celebration of music and literature is back: live, in-person, and better than ever! And here’s your first look at the irresistible lineup of music and literary masterminds. Playing a combination of Iowa City’s favorite indoor venues, the schedule is packed with a variety of artists, locations, and performances for you to choose from. Passes, packages, and merchandise are on sale NOW with early bird specials running until Tuesday, December 21 @ 9:30 AM CST.
MUSIC We’re bringing together some of the most influential players of today’s music scene, as well as presenting emerging local artists to leave you hooked.
Take full advantage of your festival pass, which gives you access to attend performances across different venues, like the historic Englert Theatre and the newly renovated Riverside Theatre, not to mention local hotspots like Gabe’s, Trumpet Blossoms Cafe, and Big Grove Brewery. LITERATURE From keynote readings to intimate conversations by world-class authors, we hope to broaden your relationship with the written and spoken word.
This year’s program also includes the Lit Walk, annual Book Fair, return of the ICE CREAM Comix and Zine Fair (in collaboration with Public Space One), and workshops with guest editors and writers. The best part? All literary events are free and open to the public. For more information please visit: https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/TicketSearchCriteria. aspx?epguid=ba8a2234-d251-4815-8c4d-c6d51e412357&evtinfo=317333~6e4537af-5fbf-4fde-8a676d56bad6e688&
22
2/2022
Coralville PrideFestival 2.0 Moving to Spacious Outdoor Location The event will take place Sunday, September 4 at the Coralville GreenState Credit Union Location.
Coralville, IA - The Second Annual Coralville Pride Festival is happy to announce its first presenting sponsor. GreenState Credit Union is our presenting sponsor in 2022. This sponsorship speaks highly of GSCU. It once again demonstrated its commitment to diversity and supporting the local community. This sponsorship will allow the Festival to return to its preferred weekend of September, and the event will be outside. The support will also enable the possibility to grow even more prominent in its second year. Special thanks go to Taven Blue for hosting our event in 2021. This year, the added space will be a full-sized beverage garden, food court, entertainment stage, and expanded information booth & vendor space. The Festival Village experience will be like no other LGBTQ+ summer event. Coralville Pride Festival is a Reach Out Marketing, LLC Special Event (ROMLLC Events. Again this year, the Festival will help bring awareness to the needs of UI Health Care LGBTQ Clinic and help raise money through the Gold Rush Program at the UI Foundation. Coralville Pride Festival is operated by ReachOut Marketing, LLC special event (ROMLLC Events). Reach Out Marketing also publishes GoGuide Magazine.
Long-Time Hancher Leader is Stepping Down
University of Iowa - Long-time executive director of Hancher Auditorium Charles Swanson recently announced his retirement. Chuck will be missed, and it’s an actual loss for our local arts and entertainment scene. While the date is not firmly set, Chuck plans to step down this coming summer. Meanwhile, he is actively leading the efforts to finalize Hancher’s 50th anniversary season, which begins next fall. Chuck was also recently recognized by GoGuide Magazine and Coralville Pride Festival for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of his position at Hancher Auditorium. In an interview with Chuck during the height of the aftermath of the George Floyd murder and during the top of the COVID pandemic, Mr. Swanson was forever optimistic, and he said, “the arts will help with the healing and get us through both of these troubling times.” Charles Swanson is one of these Magazines’ favorite people to interview. He’s very candid and willing to answer any question you put before him. Let’s not forget the incredible job he did during the great floods of 1994 and 2008 and the rebuilding of our campus’s prized Hancher Auditorium. GoGuide Magazine and Coralville Pride Festival wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life!
Charles Swanson (GoGuide Photo by C.Nedoba
Print or Digital? Which is best when trying to reach LGBTQ consumers
By Todd Evans Special to GoGuide Magazine Feb 2021
I tell my staff all the time: You can’t sell print if the client is only looking for digital and vice versa. But the truth is that a combination of both print and digital is the only thing that we really know works effectively when reaching out to the LGBTQ consumer. After all, we as a community are diverse and, therefore, so are our media habits. Being one of the oldest LGBTQ business in America, we remember a time before digital. But for the last 20 years, digital has steadily become a larger part of the mix. I am often asked when I speak at conferences or on panels, “I thought LGBTQs were ahead of the curve in technology, so why do you say, ‘Print is King’ in the LGBTQ market?” It’s a good question and the answer is that yes, LGBTQs were first to the digital world, actually dominating AOL and other platforms for a while, and also first to utilize mobile in a way most Americans were just getting used to. But that was a long time ago, and everyone has evolved. One example is that LGBTQs use their phone for many things, but it is very often used for finding Mr. or Ms. Right — or Mr. & Ms. Right Now — and most do not want to be bothered otherwise. So, while mobile may be dominant in the digital world of other minority markets, it is just not the same in the LGBTQ market. This is not to say a good Instagram post isn’t appreciated or mobile should be ignored, but let’s remember Marketing 101. You want your advertisement to appear where people are expecting and looking for it. It seems so silly to state, but our community is physical. We socialize mostly in person at LGBTQ business establishments, and that is still where most people get their LGBTQ media — while they are out and about at a bar or in the gay area of town. Interesting, too, is that we estimate near 90 percent of all LGBTQ digital content comes directly from the physical (aka print). It should also be noted that we find on average that our digital campaigns do about 30 percent better when there is a print component. Without print, campaigns still get average reach, which is not bad at all, but I find everyone wants their advertising campaigns to be better than average. Every slice of the marketing and advertising wheel helps in brand visibility, and many of our digital-only campaigns are supporting mainstream media efforts on television and other platforms, so in that case a digital-only buy may be just fine. Also, all campaigns depend on the client’s advertising assets, but I write this to an audience that is seeking our knowledge as well as those learning how to market best to the LGBTQ consumer. So, it is important to understand this at the beginning when planning and designing campaigns for this community. From everything we know, and if I were spending my own advertising dollars on a product or service launch where the LGBTQ consumer was a target, you can bet I would invest in print with a digital overlay and adding all I can depending on my budget while making sure to only include LGBTQ owned media outlets. The idea being that readers of LGBTQ print media are the ones most concerned about LGBTQ issues. These readers are the ones we know the most about from years and years of annual data research and that content extends to the title’s digital extensions, like their websites, e-blasts, social and duplicate digital copies. Most importantly, we in the business know that the publishers and editors are the true LGBTQ super influencers. It is those publishers and editors who decide what the story of the week will be, and it is they who spread the word at their events and to their social networks about new campaigns and companies reaching out and asking for us to consider them above all others. To me, all of this is common sense. But I do this every day, and I have to remember that most of the advertising
planners and supervisors only know what they are used to in mainstream media. The hardest thing in planning any advertising campaign is to remove yourself and team from the mix, unless you are the target of course! Still, targeting a whole market often means looking up and down the generations. And one thing so unique to the LGBTQ market is that people come out at all ages. And these potential customers, those newly interested in everything LGBTQ, are often looking to finding out what brands are their allies and support their newfound community.
