Real Stories, Real Power:
A Guide to Sharing Your Story

One Iowa invites you to share your unique story about how the lack of protections and responsibilities excludes you, your partner, your family, or someone you know.  Your real and personal story can help One Iowa educate people about the hardships faced by same-sex couples and their families, as well as teach people about how you or someone you care about celebrate love, commitment, and family.  One Iowa’s goal in collecting and sharing these stories is to show our state, citizens and law-makers alike, that the faces and lives of our story tellers will help us hold ourselves accountable to the promise of liberty, fairness, and equality.

Your story may be that of you and your partner meeting and falling in love.  It may be the story of having and raising children.  Or it may be a story of sorrow; the loss of a partner or illness of a child.  Story-telling is a way to talk honestly about equal rights, opportunities, and fairness.  Whether you are in a same-sex committed relationship or know someone who is (because often friends and family of same-sex couples suffer harm as well), make your story personal, concrete, and make sure you explain why marriage matters to you.  When citizens and legislators see real, committed, loving couples building a life together, it helps them understand the devotion and commitment in ALL couples is the same and real.  No matter your experiences, your story will change hearts and minds across Iowa.

Your personal story is the most convincing tool we have to impact the hearts and minds of legislators, friends, neighbors, and the general public.  We want to hear from you – married or single, LGBT or allied – so, take a few moments to provide us with your personal story and photo. 

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your name, we are committed to protecting your identity and information.  Your information will be protected and the information will only be used anonymously.   A family photo is not required to participate in sharing your story.

Your story and family photo may be emailed directly to familystories@one-iowa.org.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.