A trans couple has relocated from Iowa to Denver, Colorado, after the state removed civil rights protections for transgender individuals. Jo Allen, who identifies as a transgender man, stated that leaving Iowa brought a greater sense of protection and better access to pediatric gender treatments.
Background
The move came after Iowa became the first state to remove civil rights protections for transgender people in 2025. Allen was present at the Iowa Capitol when the legislation passed and joined protesters opposing the measure.
A survey from the Movement Advancement Project found that 43% of transgender people have considered moving to another state since 2024, though fewer than 10% have actually relocated. LGBTQ+ advocacy group One Iowa’s executive director, Maxwell Mowitz, noted that each departure creates a ripple effect, resulting in a loss of people, communities, wisdom, knowledge, and skills.
Despite the challenges, some transgender Iowans are building support networks for those who remain. Feed DSM, a group co-founded by Amber Lynch, hosts monthly meetups and dinner at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, providing a space for people to support one another.
Allen doubts Iowa will be a safe place for trans people anytime soon but finds hope in the Iowans still pushing for inclusion and change. Allen expressed faith in the youth and the generation below them to continue fighting for what’s right and correcting the things that are wrong.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
