'Love at first sight' for native Iowan
Bruce Nelson was born in Cherokee, Iowa, and grew up on a farm near Meriden. He went on to Trinity College, and has spent his life in education -- from teaching missionary children in Ivory Coast and inner-city children in Chicago to being a school librarian in the Chicago area.
In 1982, he met Axel Kunzmann, a German-born radiologist who attended Princeton and Northwestern.
"It was truly love at first site," Bruce says. The couple has been together ever since.
And in November, Bruce returned to Iowa with the love of his life to get married at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque.
They started their wedding day in true Iowa style: viewing the works of Grant Wood, on loan to the Dubuque Museum of Art.
The couple visits Dubuque often, most years riding in the annual TOMRV bike ride between Dubuque and the Quad Cities. Because they find the town so supportive, Bruce says it was a natural place to have their wedding.
"We are now both retired and enjoying the extra time together which that makes possible."
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Drew Riebhoff
For One Iowa super volunteer Drew Riebhoff, marriage equality is a "no-brainer".
"I don't get why it's an issue, it doesn't affect anyone but the two people in a relationship" Drew says. "Our country was founded on the ideals of life, liberty and happiness, and denying anyone those ideals is denying them as an American."
Drew also says he was not surprised by the Iowa Supreme Court decision granting gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry.
"In the past, Iowa's been a pioneering state for civil rights, and the Supreme Court just continued that tradition," Drew says.
As a volunteer, Drew's done a bit of everything, but his favorite job was helping plan Sweet Equality. Drew also helped set up and bartened at the event.
We are lucky to have Drew, especially given his incredibly lack of free time. He's also a senior at Simpson College, where he is also student body president, and an intern at the Des Moines Social Club.
Des Moines Metro Opera's Wine and Food Showcase Offers One Iowa Special!
This Friday March 5 at 5:30 PM is the Des Moines Metro Opera's Wine and Food Showcase. They are offering a special offer to One Iowa supporters which will give a portion of your ticket proceeds to One Iowa.
By mentioning special code "ONEIOWA38" $15 of your $50 ticket fees will be donated to One Iowa.
Des Moines Metro Opera's Wine and Food Showcase
Friday, March 5 at 5:30 PM
Downtown Marriott 3rd Floor Des Moines, IA
Couples line up as same-sex marriage becomes legal in DC
There's a rush for marriage licenses in the nation's capital on the first day same-sex unions are legal.
At least 50 same-sex couples were lined up when city offices opened this morning.
A woman at the front of the line with her partner of 12 years called it "a dream come true." She says, "It's like waking up Christmas morning."
Cheering erupted from the crowd when the first couple signed in at the marriage bureau blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
One Iowa Business Symposium - Corporate Sponsorship
If you company is interested in being a corporate sponsor for the One Iowa Business Symposium, please contact Amanda at amanda@oneiowa.org or call 515.288.4019 ext. 214.
Presenting Sponsor - $10,000 commitment
- Your company will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 One Iowa Business Symposium.
- Verbal recognition of your company will be given at the 2010 Business Symposium.
- Your corporate logo will appear in all 2010 Business Symposium printed promotional materials recognizing your sponsorship level.
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Business Symposium for ten (10) employees
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Awards Luncheon for an additional ten (10) employees
Platinum Level - $7,500 commitment
- Your corporation will be listed as a sponsor on all Business Symposium printed promotional material recognizing your sponsorship level.
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Business Symposium for eight (8) employees
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Awards Luncheon for an additional eight (8) employees
Gold Level - $5,000 commitment
- Your corporation will be listed as a sponsor on all Business Symposium printed promotional material recognizing your sponsorship level.
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Business Symposium for six (6) employees
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Awards Luncheon for an additional six (6) employees
Silver Level - $2,500 commitment
- Your corporation will be listed as a sponsor on all Business Symposium printed promotional material recognizing your sponsorship level.
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Business Symposium for four (4) employees
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Awards Luncheon for an additional four (4) employees
Bronze Level - $1,000 commitment
- Your corporation will be listed as a sponsor on all Business Symposium printed promotional material recognizing your sponsorship level.
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Business Symposium for two (2) employees
- Complimentary admission to the 2010 Awards Luncheon for an additional two (2) employees
One Iowa Business Symposium - Vendor Application
Limited space is available for corporations/organizations to exhibit resources and materials at the 2010 Business Symposium & Awards Luncheon. Vendor tables are six (6) feet and electrical outlets are available by request.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. A vendor fee of $250 includes two (2) symposium registrations. If additional individuals plan to attend the symposium, they must also register. To apply, print this page and email, fax 515.244.5846, or mail to address below.
Corporation/Organization ____________________________________________
Contact Person _____________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State __________ ZIP ___________
Email ____________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________________________
Registration 1 Name _________________________________________________
Registration 2 Name _________________________________________________
___________ $250 Vendor Fee
___________ $75/additional symposium registrations
___________ TOTAL ENCLOSED
Make checks payable to One Iowa Education Fund and mail to
One Iowa
Attn: 2010 Business Symposium
500 East Locust #300
Des Moines, IA 50309
For more information, contact amanda@oneiowa.org or call 515-288-4019 x214.
One Iowa Business Symposium - Workshop Proposal
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for LGBT employees and consumers, One Iowa is hosting the first-ever Business Symposium & Awards Luncheon on May 10, 2010, for more than 100 business and corporate leaders throughout the state. Through a series of workshops, participants will learn best practices for creating inclusive work environments for LGBT employees, and exploring recent corporate trends in market outreach to LGBT consumers.
We seek workshop proposals on a wide range of topics, including building and growing an Employee Resource Group, implementing the Iowa Civil Rights law with regards to sexual orientation and gender identity, the effect of marriage equality in the workplace, and marketing to the LGBT consumer market.
Symposium workshops will be 60 minutes. Presenter(s) must provide printed materials and laptop computers. The following equipment is available by request. Please include any equipment you need with your proposal.
__ Overhead Projector
__ Easel, paper and markers
__ TV/VCR
__ Screen
__ LCD Projector
To submit your proposal, please provide:
Contact Person and Information
Please provide name, address, email and phone number of contact person submitting the proposal.
Workshop Presenter(s), Title, Corporation/Organization
Please list all the workshop presenters and/or panel members. Symposium registration fees are waived for up to three presenters.
Workshop Title
Create a descriptive title for your workshop you think would appeal to symposium participants.
Workshop Description
Please describe your workshop in fifty words or fewer. Make sure your description summarizes the needs/issues addressed in the workshop and the goals/outcomes of the presentation. Be specific and concise.
Submit proposals by April 1, 2010, to amanda@oneiowa.org, fax to 515.244.5846 or email to the address below. If you have questions, please contact Amanda at 515.288.4019 ext. 214.
One Iowa
500 E Locust St. #300
Des Moines, IA 50309
One Iowa Business Symposium - Award Nomination
As part of our Business Symposium, One Iowa will present two awards. We welcome nominations for the Business/Corporate Award and Individual Business Leader Award. Both awards recognize advancement of equality and inclusion for LGBT individuals based on the following criteria:
- Commitment to creating a welcoming environment for LGBT employees, including staff training, employment policies and practices, and workplace safety;
- Support for LGBT people in the greater community, including marketing, sponsorships and public policy;
- Promotion of and commitment to diversity and civil rights for all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability or ethnicity.
To nominate a business or individual, please submit:
Contact Information
Name, address, email, and phone number for both the Nominee and the Nominator
Nomination Narrative
A brief narrative based on the criteria above about why the business/corporation or individual business leader should be recognized
Nominations for the Business/Corporate Award and Individual Business Leader Award should be submitted by April 1, 2010 to amanda@oneiowa.org or faxed to 515.244.5846. If you have questions, please contact Amanda: 515.288.4019 extension 214.
One Iowa Business Symposium
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and their families are valued in the U.S. workplace more than ever before. As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for LGBT employees and consumers, One Iowa is hosting the first-ever Business Symposium & Awards Luncheon on May 10, 2010, for more than 100 business and corporate leaders throughout the state.
Workshops
We are looking for businesses to give workshops teaching best practices for creating inclusive work environments for LGBT employees, and exploring recent corporate trends in market outreach to LGBT consumers. If you are interested in presenting at the symposium, please submit a workshop proposal.
Vendors
Limited space is available for corporations/organizations to exhibit resources and materials at the 2010 Business Symposium & Awards Luncheon. If you are interested in participating, please submit an application.
Award Nominations
As part of the Business Symposium, One Iowa will present two awards. We welcome nominations for the Business/Corporate Award and Individual Business Leader Award. If you are interested in nominating a business or individual, please submit a nomination form.
Corporate sponsorship packages are also available.
All forms and questions can be directed to Amanda Huppert by email or call 515.288.4019 ext. 214.
Add your wedding photo to our growing collection!
We've had a tremendous response to our call for wedding photos from same-sex couples married in Iowa! Want to add your photo? Email your photo to jennifer@oneiowa.org with your names, wedding date and the city in which you were married. We'll recognize you during our April 3, 2010 anniversary event in Des Moines.
Here's a sneak peek of the photos sent in by happy couples so far!
ALSO SIGN OUR WEDDING REGISTRY
We'd like to be able to recognize those couples who have married over the past year or who are planning to marry in the state of Iowa at our anniversary celebrations. Please add your name to the list and include your wedding date!
Steve King challenger speaks up in favor of marriage equality
Mike Denklau, candidate for U.S. Representative in Iowa's 5th District recently spoke with Blog for Iowa and discussed the issue of marriage equality in Iowa. Unlike the current occupant of the seat (rabidly anti-gay Congressman Steve King), 
challenger Denklau supports the Iowa Supreme Court's decision.
BFIA: Finally, an issue that is important to me. Earlier this year, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in Varnum vs. Brian, upholding the lower court's ruling that struck down the state's Defense of Marriage Act. Iowa became the third state in the union, at that time, to allow same-sex marriage. My partner of more than fifteen years and I were married in June. But, while we have legal protections in our home state, we both work in Nebraska, where we have no legal protections. One, do you support the court's decision and two, what will you do in Congress to protect the rights of gays and lesbians in general and same-sex couples in particular?
Denklau: I think it's very important that we think about what all of this means. This is really a free choice and individual rights issue. And also about limited government. I feel very strongly that we should keep the government out of our personal lives, whenever possible. I mean, what could be a more personal decision than who you marry, when you marry, or even if you marry. And who is to tell you how you should make that decision? The fact of this matter is, that without that ability, there is a whole litany of rights that are being denied.
BFIA: Over eleven hundred. Denklau: Right. So what we're getting to is an issue of fairness and dignity. We need to make sure that we're taking care of all people. If two consenting adults don't have the right to enter into a legal contract, that opens the door to many other rights, basic rights such as pensions, health insurance and protecting your children. That is a serious issue. I think the Supreme Court got it right in this case, that this is an issue of free choice, limited government and providing fairness and dignity to our neighbors.
Watch: Heartland Transport
The Iowa Supreme Court ruling has been an inspiration for couples from across the country. In his short film "Heartland Express", Director Cody Stokes follows along with a group of Missourians who traveled to Iowa to marry and the reception they received in Iowa City, Iowa.
From codystokes.com:
On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme court unanimously upheld the ruling that there was no governmental interest in denying citizens marriage licenses based on their sexual orientation. Immediately following, Ed Reggi and Scott Emanuel chartered a bus taking seventeen same-sex couples from St. Louis, MO to Iowa City, IA to be legally married.
HEARTLAND TRANSPORT from www.codystokes.com on Vimeo.
Uganda's Gays Fight Back Against Crackdown
Even as Uganda's parliament considers the Anti-Homosexuality Bill -- which calls for the death penalty for some gay acts -- a group of about 100 Ugandan gays and lesbians held a secret meeting to determine how to stand up for their rights.
The clandestine conference was held a hotel function room in downtown Kampala last week and was titled "Standing on the side of Love, Re-imagining Valentine's Day."
Organized by the Rev. Mark Kiyimba of the Ugandan Unitarian Universalist Church, and financially supported by the Austria Foundation, the meeting was a strategy session to discuss how to respond to the bill. The participants resolved to petition the Ugandan Speaker of Parliament to scrap the bill and to instead move to decriminalize homosexuality.
Read the full story from The Huffington Post.
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Register Editorial: Speak Up For Independent Courts
The Des Moines Register published an editorial today talking about the importance of an independent judiciary. Some opposed to the Iowa Supreme Court's Varnum v. Brien decision want to see judges elected, effectively injecting politics into judicial decisions.
From the Register Editorial:
This movement is motivated by the Iowa Supreme Court's decision in Varnum v. Brien, which struck down Iowa's definition of marriage as being just between a man and a woman, and opened the door to same-sex marriage. The ultimate goal is to prevent the Iowa Supreme Court from issuing rulings in cases involving fundamental constitutional questions that might be unpopular with certain groups. That would, of course, be the end of an independent judiciary as envisioned in the Constitution, converting the courts into another political branch.
The editorial ends with a call to action: "Those who want to strip the courts of independence have been heard from. Iowans who disagree should speak up."
If you'd like your voice to be heard, send a letter to the editor to your local newspaper about the importance of an independent judiciary. To send a letter to the editor to the Des Moines Register, email letters@dmreg.com. Make sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number.
Full editorial at www.dmregister.com
EXTREME RIGHT WATCH: Why should Jan Mickelson have to sacrifice?
At a recent Iowa Family Policy Center function, anti-gay, WHO radio host Jan Mickelson rallied the crowd with cheap shots at a group of Iowa clergy.
These fair-minded pastors, ministers and rabbis recently joined with Interfaith Alliance to write a letter supporting marriage equality to the Iowa legislature.
Because there is no defense for Mickelson's hateful speech, he chose to make a joke of others' religious beliefs, making their desire for an open dialogue and the freedom to practice their religion into a completely ridiculous argument of semantics, complete with childish "gotcha" moments where he traps a supposed radio caller in a convoluted web of "tolerance" and "acceptance" definitions. The speech is something akin to when you first discover double negatives in grade school and spend an afternoon trapping your friends in ultra-clever wordplay.
If only Mickelson would turn his attention to ferreting out the difference between the definitions of "civil" and "religious", there might be the beginnings of a real conversation.
"Personally, I think two guys pretending to be sexual mates are making a mistake," Mickelson said in his speech. "More than that, they are violating the design of their bodies. More than that, they are sinning against their maker. More than that, they are likely to shorten their lives in this world and impair their destinies in the next."
You said it, Jan: personally. Personally you believe all of this. Unfortunately for you and the IFPC, your personal religious beliefs, no matter how many people share them -- no matter if the majority of people share them -- have no place in our constitution, state or federal.
It might be fun to debate the "intent" or religion of our Founding Fathers, but the one thing they made absolute – not open to interpretation -- was a freedom of religion and a mandate that church and state remain separate. The memory of their own religious persecution was fresh, and they did not want the same discrimination in the new country they were forming.
The quote also alludes to Mickelson's invocation of some tired, ridiculous "scientific studies" done by the Family Research Institute supposedly showing evidence of notions like gay men live an average of 20 years fewer than straight men.
Although Mickelson and his followers love to quote these propaganda pieces, they never mistaken for science outside this narrow community. In fact, the lifespan study was called "absolutely worthless" because it was conducted by reading obituaries in gay newspapers.
As John Karon of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed out: "You’re only getting the ages of those who die." The only way this method would be accurate is if every man died, presumably leaving behind a woman who cared to submit an obit listing his age.
Another of Mickelson's interesting, but still contradictory, arguments for denouncing same-sex couples is how much he would have to sacrifice to "tolerate their lifestyle". The people who support marriage equality aren't sacrificing their core beliefs when they see two gay people together, says Mickelson, so why should he have to give something up?
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to notice what gay and lesbian couples have been sacrificing for years while people like Mickelson, hateful and odious as he is, benefits greatly from societal recognition. For the first time ever in our state, gay and lesbian individuals are allowed to participate fully in civil society too.
We tolerate people like Mickelson every day, and mostly we ignore him because we know him for the thoughtless, ignorant, hateful person he is. We know he and his cronies at the IFPC are only interested in stirring the pot and riling people up, any pot and any people will do. If it's not gay marriage, it's the "myth" of global warming, or welfare mothers or, in a new one to me, "fake dollars" used to destroy our economy -- all of which Mickelson blames on liberals in his speech.
In his own words: "I like ruckuses." Mickelson spews the most idiotic "arguments" and his audience laps it up because it's what they want to hear. They want an "other" to blame and hate, and Mickelson is there to start a ruckus, preying on their fear of uncertain times ahead.
Probably the most upsetting part for Mickelson is we're not giving him a ruckus. Gay and lesbian couples just want to be left to their marriages, their jobs, their families, their children -- just like we leave people like Mickelson to their lives every single day.
How's that for tolerance and sacrifice?
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