One Iowa

One Iowa is a statewide organization that advances, empowers and improves the lives of LGBTQ+ Iowans. Its work rests on three ideas: educating, advocacy and collaboration. The aim is an Iowa where LGBTQ+ people are respected in every facet and stage of life, whether at the doctor's office, on the job or in retirement.

The organization was founded in 2005 to advocate for the right to marry. That goal was realized on April 3, 2009, when the Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Varnum v. Brien, and One Iowa then spent several years defending marriage equality. In 2012 it turned to a comprehensive approach to rights and dignity, the mission it carries today. The annual Gala, first held in 2010 to mark the Varnum decision, now includes an awards ceremony honoring advocates and organizations across the state, a silent auction and entertainment, and every dollar raised funds the year's work.

Health care is a central focus. One Iowa delivers LGBTQ inclusivity training and policy guidance to health care professionals and provides on-site patient navigation through a program coordinator at UnityPoint Health's LGBTQ clinic in Des Moines. It has also led research, including the 2018 LGBTQ Health in Iowa study with the University of Iowa College of Public Health, Des Moines University and the Iowa Cancer Consortium, and the 2021 LGBTQ+ Health Needs Assessment with the Iowa Department of Public Health. The annual LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Conference brings providers and community members together, and the 2026 conference is set for September 26 at Des Moines University with hybrid attendance and continuing medical education credit offered in partnership with the university.

Employers and institutions can schedule LGBTQ 101 and 201 trainings tailored to health care providers, government agencies, law enforcement, legal and HR groups, corporations and small businesses. The workplace culture program connects LGBTQ+ Iowans with career opportunities and helps employers build inclusive policies. The LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute is a five-month program that began in 2018 and has graduated more than 130 participants, each of whom develops a capstone project, from a local zine to a business plan.

For anyone looking for help, the resource guides list hotlines and support groups, legal and family services, health and wellness providers, trans and nonbinary resources, and resources for LGBTQ+ older adults. A statewide directory of inclusive businesses is part of the site, and the One Iowa Action site offers tools for contacting legislators and signing up for action alerts.

To get involved, subscribe to the newsletter, attend the Gala or the Health & Wellness Conference, apply to the Leadership Institute, schedule a training for your workplace, or donate. Gifts of $50, $100 and $250 support the resource guide, one-on-one help for transgender Iowans and scholarships for Leadership Institute participants.