January 22 Winter Issue

GoGuide issuu.com/goguideiowacity

GoGuide, the allyship, of the local LGBTQ+ community since 2016.

Winter Issue January 2022 FREE Please Share

Inside: Expect Iowa to be an election hot spot in 2022 with heated races in both Iowa’s first and second congressional districts.

Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and HIV infections are on the rise in Iowa.

Coming in next month to GoGuide Magazine: Lori Ampey - A hero to local LGBTQ+ youth.

Coming in March to GoGuide Magazine: GoGuide will take an indepth look at domestic violence in the LGBTQ+ Community.

Coralville Pride Festivall 2022 Update www.CoralvillePrideFestival.com

Syphilis is on the rise in Iowa.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. Early numbers show a 75% increase in syphilis cases in Iowa from 2020 to 2021.

It’s more common and easier to get than you might think.

Syphilis is curable but can cause serious health problems without treatment.

Talk to your doctor about whether you are at risk.

Find a testing location near you: gettested.cdc.gov Free and low cost options available

Learn more about syphilis at ashasexualhealth.org/syphilis D1-AT211117_121805

IT’S A MATTER OF

@ichumanrights

GoGuide Magazine Vol. 6; Issue 5 Winter Issue January 2022 Publisher & Executive Editor Tim Nedoba

Operations/Photography Gregory Cameron Photography GoGuide Media

Senior Columnist Erica Barz

Contributor Gregg Shapiro

Graphics/Cover Design GoGuide Media

Local & Online Sales: Reach Out Marketing tim@romllc.us (319)430-2545

National Sales: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

Contact GoGuide Magazine at tim@romllc.us www.issuu.com/GoGuideIowaCity www.Facebook.com/officialCoralvillePrideFestival www.CoralvillePrideFestival. com All rights reserved Reach out Marketing, LLC www.issuu.com/goguideiowacity

Iowa Heartlanders Announce “Hockey is for Everyone Pride Night” The event is scheduled Jan. 14th Coralville, IA - The Iowa Heartlanders recently announced its first “Pride Night.” The Heartlanders will take on the Kansas City Mavericks on January 14 at Xtream Arena in Coralville. The game time is 7 pm.

The Iowa Heartlanders are the area’s only professional hockey team. This is the Heartlanders’ first season of play.

“We support any teammate, coach, or fan who brings heart, energy, and passion to the rink and provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for players and families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation and socio-economic status,” Iowa Heartlanders.

The Heartlanders opened their first season of play on Friday, October 22, with a 7-4 win over these same Mavericks. The Heartlanders season runs through February 2022.

Tickets are still available for the game. Order your tickets at https://fevo. me/iheveryone. Coralville Pride Festival is a proud supporter of the Iowa Heartlanders.

By Erica Barz Senior Columnist January 2022

I’m writing this during that liminal space between Christmas and New Year’s Day when time ceases to exist and chaos reigns. While I usually love structure and routine (or at the very least need both of those things to be a functional human being), liminal spaces where the time of day hardly matters and nothing outside feels like it exists have always appealed to me. I love the eternal fluorescent daytime light of grocery stores and the timehole suck when I’m in an airport. The freedom from the responsibilities of the regular world and the way these places force me to be in the current moment usually bring me a lot of joy.

The entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic has felt like a horrific mutation of liminal space, and one that has gobbled up the other everyday liminal spaces in our lives (please get vaccinated and wear masks in grocery stores and airports). I long ago lost track of the number of times I’ve talked to people and seen jokes online about how time doesn’t feel like it exists anymore, that it still feels like the beginning of 2020 almost two years later. But there’s no joy to be found in this liminal space. There is no “silver lining” in a global health crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and has lasted far longer than it needed to because of profound systemic failures.

In our public narrative, January is often regarded as a time to push forward, to set and work toward goals, to return to normalcy and productivity and go, go, go. It stands in stark contrast to the period of no expectations and unscheduled nothingness that comes before.

From my vantage point in the time wormhole that is the last week of December, I don’t know what my personal January will hold. The one thing I do know is that I will need to be kind to myself, not push myself too hard, and not let the societal pressure of what January should look like consume me. I think most of us should do the same. Wherever you are at mentally and emotionally as you’re reading this, I hope you too reject the impulse to disregard your need for rest and resolve to listen to what your brain and body need, not what this month tries to demand of you.

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GoGuide Magazine 1/5/2022 All Rights Reserved

News Briefs

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1/2022 Press.

Guaracino’s goal was to bring LGBTQ tourism to the city by featuring a colonial-era gay couple meeting for a date at Carpenter’s Hall.

According to Philadelphia Photo by Gregory Cameron Gay News, his commercial won Congratulations Mayor John Lundell several awards and put PhilaCoralville - Mayor John Lundell will retire when his delphia on the term ended on December map as the first 31, 2021. He is completcity to market to ing his eighth year as LGBTQ tourists Mayor after serving on via TV. View the the Coralville City Council groundbreaking for ten years. commercial here https://youtu.be/Bw5dJ36PmlM. He served for 20 years on the Coralville Library Board of Trustees, is a retired member of the Coralville Volunteer Fire Department, and was inducted into the Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame.

“Jeopardy” History

Mayor Lundell was named to GoGuide Magazine’s 2021 Pride Honor Roll. He was publicly recognized at Coralville Pride Festival this past November. Mayor Lundell was very supportive of bringing PrideFest to the city.

LGBTQ Tourism Pioneer Jeff Guaracino Has Died

Gay City News - Out trans “Jeopardy!” contestant

Philadelphia - In 2003, Guaracino helped create a groundbreaking television campaign titled “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay,” promoting Philadelphia tourism to the LGBTQ communities.

Philadelphia tourism also created an extensive print advertising campaign across the country, including Midwestern LGBTQ+ publications like Chicago Free

Schneider added to her winnings with an extra $42,200 in her latest appearance, totaling $1,019,600i in a total of 28 games.

Amy Schneider continued her incredible run on Jan when she became the first woman on the show — and just the fourth contestant ever — to surpass the $1 million mark in non-tournament play on January 7.

An Election Year Like No Other Our Cover Feature

By Tim Nedoba

Eastern Iowa - If you’re a regular reader of GoGuide Magazine, you’re well aware of our annual extensive electio coverage. In GoGuide Magazine’s 5+ years of existence, there has been no more important election than in 2022.

This election includes a Republican Governor, a long-serving Republican Senator, and two first-term Republican Congresswomen serving in Iowa’s first and second congressional districts.

If you follow GoGuide Magazine, you also know the importance I place on voting and making it clear our candidates represent the LGBTQ+ communities, friends, allies, and families. Candidates must understand they must speak out about our issues or risk losing their election. The LGBTQ+ voting block is not a small insignificant constituency but a group of active voters that must be accounted for in any successful campaign.

Again this year, GoGuide Magazine will reach out to all candidates willing to go on the record regarding the issues important to the LGBTQ+ communities.

Candidates must reconsicle GoGuide interviews withe their congression voting records. It’s up to the readers to decide if the candites spoke truthly to our readers. One person GoGuide hopes to speak with this year is Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. She promised to support all constituents, including the LGBTQ+ community, in a GoGuide interview.

However, her congress voting records speak otherwise. I hope she takes the opportunity to explain this contribution in

Photo by Tim Nedoba All Rights Reserved

our magazine.

guided and shared by ignorant media outlets.

GoGuide and the LGBTQ+ communities have several allies working on our behalf. There is no better ally than Iowa state senator Zach.Wahls. I can’t say enough good things about our Coralville senator.

GoGuide is also a big fan of Democratic candidate for Governor Deidre DeJear. I know there are other candidates for governor, and we hope to speak to them as well.

The LGBTQ+ community has several other allies. I know there are a lot more than I’m mentioning here. First, GoGuide is a huge fan of second congressional district candidate Liz Mathis. GoGuide was fortunate to have two opportunities to speak with state senator Mathis. In a phone interview that lasted more than an hour, I know for a fact that she is a progressive liberal. This is not an act; this is who she is.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Congresswoman Cindy Axne. Axne represents southern Iowa. Her district is a little outside GoGuide territory, but a person GoGuide will follow as well.

It would appear she has a great future in Iowa politics and certainly fight hard for her constituents.

I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with Christina.

Bohannan. Bohannan is running in Iowa’s first Congressional district as a Democrat and hopes to take on current first-term congresswoman Miller-Meeks.

GoGuide had the opportunity to speak with Miller-Meeks several years ago in an election interview. An election she lost. Again, her words have not met her voting record.

GoGuide Magazine took some hits for speaking with Republican candidates. You will know that our election guide purpose will not change this year or any year. GoGuide will talk about any reasonable candidate willing to go on the record. There is a benefit. They will have to defend their record when it comes to election time. The criticism is mis-

Recently GoGuide honored both Christina Bohannan and Liz Mathis. They were honored at Coralville Pride Festival. A new round of honorees will be announced in our June issue of GoGuide Magazine. They, too, will be honored at Coralville Pride Festival to be held on September 4, 2022.

GoGuide Magazine and Coralville Pride Festival will be your exclusive home to the 2022 elections covering issues important to the LGBTQ+ communities. GG

Go&Vote 2022

By Tim Nedoba Jan. 2021 GoGuide Magazine

www.CoralvillePrideFestival.com www.Facebook.com/OfficialCoralvillePrideFestival www.Twitter.com/ReachOutM www.issuu.com/goguideiowacity

2021

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.

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Photo’s provided by UIHC

Your Sexual Health Iowa City - According to ashasexualhealth.org, About 1 in 2 sexually active people will have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at some point.

Why does the medical community prefer STI over the term STD? The ASHA website defines the difference this way, “While you’ll see both terms used, there has been a shift in recent years to STI. Why? The concept of “disease,” as in STD, suggests an obvious medical problem, usually some obvious signs or symptoms. But many common STDs have no signs or symptoms in most people who have them. Or they have mild signs and symptoms that can be easily overlooked. So the sexually transmitted virus or bacteria can be described as creating “infection,” which may or may not result in “disease.” This is true of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), to name a few.”

The situation is real here in Iowa. STI infections are on the rise. They’re on the rise so much that the Iowa Department of Public Health has deemed it necessary to advise sexually active people through advertising and other means to get the word out.

In an email to GoGuide Magazine, Randy Mayer, Randy Mayer, MS, MPH, Chief | Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis | Iowa Department of Public Health, made the following comments to GoGuide Magazine, “I can be your contact for getting to zero. We are having a bit of a setback this year. I think the COVID pandemic has added a rather unpredictable aspect to our work in HIV. Syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are up this year, and we’ve seen an increase in HIV diagnoses among non-US-born people (diagnoses were way down among that group in 2020).”

The Iowa Department of Public Health and Johnson County Public Health deserves a lot of credit for their information campaign. It’s up to Iowan’s whether or not they heed the advice.

Please visit www.ashasexualhealth.com & www.stophiv.org for more complete information.

City’s pro-LGBTQ status can be useful in promoting media property December, 2021

by Joe Siegel Press Pass Q Reprinted with perssion

Does a city’s or state’s stances on LGBTQ equality have an impact on the coverage or marketing of LGBTQ media outlets in those locations?

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) just released its 2021 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), an annual report scoring cities across the United States on their dedication to LGBTQ equality. Iowa City annually earns a perfect score from HRC. This tradition continued in the most recent release of scores from HRC. This year, 506 cities were graded on five metrics: non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBT equality.

One hundred and ten of the cities scored a perfect score of 100, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Of the 94 cities that earned the top score, 39 had more comprehensive non-discrimination laws for trans people than its state does; 84 have an openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed official in senior leadership.

Georgia Voice editor Katie Burkholder is not surprised by the report. “We exist to tell the stories of and properly represent the real members of Atlanta’s vast and diverse LGBTQ community. We’re funded by advertisers who see the value in Atlanta’s LGBTQ community. Without them — and by extenGoGuideFilePhoto sion our readership, which consists of both of LGBTQ people and allies, of which there are an abundance due to Atlanta’s pro-LGBTQ attitude — we wouldn’t be able to function,” said Burkholder.

“While we are a publication representing the entirety of Georgia and the Southeast, there is a reason we are based in and focused on Atlanta,” Burkholder continued. “Because the city has the dedication to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ community that it does, we are able to attract both local and national advertisers, maintain a strong and loyal readership, and openly and unapologetically report on the very real and important stories of the local LGBTQ community.”

In Los Angeles, progressive politics have long been prominent, but that doesn’t mean life is easy for LGBTQ people, particularly trans and youth, said Troy Masters, editor and publisher of the Los Angeles Blade.

“Since around the time of the heyday of Norman Lear (creator of 1970s sitcoms ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Maude’), things in L.A. have been becoming much more culturally liberal,” said Masters. “That has affected a lot of niche communities. Our trans community is at the forefront of all of that right 16 1/2022

now.”

Michael Yamashita, publisher of San Francisco’s Bay Area Reporter, notes HRC’s study has had little effect on the newspaper. “We mention it when appropriate but that’s rare. Advertisers don’t base their decisions on HRC’s Equality Index. If anything, it reinforces the idea that San Francisco is welcoming and supportive of its LGBTQ residents,” Yamashita said.

Philadelphia and Dallas also scored a 100 percent from HRC. “The MEI score doesn’t impact how we market or promote ourselves,” said Jason Villemez, news editor of the Philadelphia Gay News. “We simply strive to fairly and accurately cover newsworthy stories involving the local LGBTQ community. That quality coverage has always been the backbone of the paper, whether during times of stagnation or times of progress for LGBTQ civil rights. It’s great that the city has grown to be so pro-LGBTQ in the last few decades, and that atmosphere can certainly make it easier to find sources and stories, but it doesn’t impact how we market or promote the paper.”

“Dallas is very pro-LGBTQ and has been designated as the fifth largest LGBTQ city in the country,” added Leo Cusimano, publisher of the Dallas Voice. “Does that affect how we market Dallas Voice? You bet! From corporate America to government contracts to mom-and-mom shops, positioning ourselves as the premier LGBTQ media resource in this welcoming city is vital. Our message is simple. Loyalty!”

Cusimano said Dallas Voice has a unique partnership with VisitDallas. “The partnership has designated me as an ambassador for the city,” he noted. “Together, we create the premier LGBTQ Visitors Guide and together we push the glossy magazine across the country. Our unique selling point is the loyalty of our readers. In a big LGBTQ-friendly city, that message goes a long way to attract advertising revenue.”

Visit https://www.hrc.org/resources/mei-2021-see-your-cities-scores to find your city’s score.

GoGuide Travel Pride Journey: Iceland

By Joey Amato January 2022 The only way to describe Iceland is...magical. It truly is. Iceland is like no other place I’ve visited in the world. It’s topography, climate, people, culture, history, and nightlife blended together make Iceland a surreal adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. In my case, this is my second visit to the country, and probably not my last.

The first time I set foot on the island, I was on a mission to see the elusive northern lights. While they evaded me during that visit, this time was different. I didn’t see Aurora dancing through the sky, but I did see a hint of the lights, enough to make me stop and stare in awe of their beauty.

One of Iceland’s many strengths is its people. I met an incredible group of people who helped make this visit extremely memorable, including openly gay Icelandic pop star Friðrik Ómar, who invited me to his Christmas concert. Although most of the concert was in sung in Icelandic, many of the songs were recognizable, including a fabulous version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas”.

Friðrik was a former contestant on Eurovision, and it was easy to see why. His vocals and stage presence were extraordinary, reminiscent of George Michael.

Book your stay at the Reykjavik Konsulat hotel located in the heart of the downtown Reykjavik, just a short walk from all of the city’s main attractions including Harpa concert hall, Sun Voyager and the iconic Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, the largest church in the country which and towers over the center of Reykjavik. Its 240-foot-high tower provides a wonderful 360° view of the city. Visitors can either walk up the stairs to the top or pay a small fee to use the elevator.

Our spacious room at Reykjavik Konsulat included a walk-in shower, king bed with ultra-luxurious linens as well as a seating area.

Every day the hotel offers a complimentary happy hour as well a delicious breakfast buffet, featuring a variety of local specialties including smoked salmon. The hotel also offers a nice fitness center as well as bath house complete with sauna and hot tub. Don’t get too excited, bath house means something completely different in Iceland than it does in the United States.

Going to Iceland in the winter is an adventure. It definitely isn’t a relaxing trip; more like a journey to the most extraordinary ends of the earth you will ever discover. With that in mind, book a full day private excursion to the South Coast with Friend In Iceland. Our wonderful guide Gunnar picked us up from our hotel in a Mercedes mini-bus and we were off to explore a part of the country I hadn’t been to on my prior visit.

The nearly 9-hour tour took us to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls where we had the opportunity to stand at the base and feel the power of these natural wonders.

Next, we journeyed up to the top of a cliff which provided views of the ocean as well as a rock formation jutting out into the sea which connects to Reynisfjara black sand beach. Words can’t describe how beautiful this moment was. I’m almost in tears again just thinking about it. The waves crashing on the beach coupled with a clear sky and mesmerizing sunrise made for an absolutely majestic view.

Gunnar then brought us to a cute restaurant where we had lunch which consisted of pizza and a sandwich, not typical Icelandic cuisine, but it was delicious non the less.

Reykjavik is home to one gay bar, called Kiki. Although it was closed during this visit due to COVID-19 restrictions, we did happen to meet the owner who invited us back to the country this summer for their pride celebration. 2022 marks the 23rd annual Reykjavik Pride, which is held in early August. The festival attracts over 100,000 people to the city for a week-long celebration 1/2022 including a festival, parade, and numerous parties.

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Wake up early the next morning and get ready for your next Icelandic adventure in the Golden Circle. Although this region is easily drivable from Reykjavik in the summer, I wouldn’t recommend venturing on your own during the winter months as many of the roads are icy and the weather can be quite spontaneous. One moment it will be sunny and then 30-minutes later you can find yourself in a winter storm with 40-mile per hour wind gusts.

Begin your Golden Circle tour with a trip to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO heritage site and home to Gullfoss, also known as the ‘Golden Waterfall’, one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland. I recommend descended the stairs to the lower viewing area to really comprehend the size and scope of this natural treasure.

Not too far away is Geysir, Iceland’s version of Old Faithful. The geyser erupts about every 7 minutes, so keep your camera ready.

Finally, end your tour with a snowmobile ride on the Langjökull glacier. This is also something I didn’t experience on my first visit, and I can honestly say it was one of the coolest (literally) experiences of my life. We had to jump off our luxurious tour bus and board a souped-up monster truck looking bus which transports you to the glacier where a team is ready to outfit you with protective gear and teach you how to use the snowmobiles. The hour tour of the glacier will make you feel like you were on another planet. There are points where the sky and the glacier meet, and you can’t tell them apart. I was fooled by a few optical illusions a few times.

Iceland can be inexpensive to get to, but then very expensive while you are there, so please plan accordingly. Food and alcohol can add up really quickly, so pace yourself when visiting the bars. One of my favorite restaurants we visited in Reykjavik was Noodle Station. Guests can order soup three ways: with chicken, beef, or just vegetables. It is the perfect way to end a long day spent playing in the ice and snow and quite affordable. Do your research before visiting to find some of the city’s hidden gems and cheap eats.

Icelandair offers direct flights to Reykjavik for relatively low prices from Boston, New York, Chicago, Raleigh-Durham, and a few other U.S. cities, so check their website regularly to catch a great deal.

Enjoy the Journey

Date, Time & Location for Coralville Pride Festival 2022 set!

The event is Sunday, September 4 Festival runs 1-8 pm Our New Outdoor location pictured here However, the weather will be better in September!

2022

Presenting Sponsor - GreenState Credit Union

Second Annual Coralville Pride Festival is set

The event will take place Sunday, September 4 at the Coralville GreenState Credit Union Location.

Coralville -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.

The new location will allow for an expanded 2022 festival. The added space will be used for a beverage garden, food court, entertainment stage, and expanded booth & vendor space. The Festival Village experience will be like no other LGBTQ+ summer events.

Presently, Coralville Pride Festival is looking to form an advisory board. Hopefully, this board will help preserve annual continuity of the event and eventually oversee it’s transformation to a non-profit entity. The event is currently organized by Reach Out Marketing, LLC (ROMLLC). This is the same company that publishes GoGuide Magazine.

Coralville Pride Festival pictures from Taven Blue 11/4/21.

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GoGuide A&E News

The Big Splash! outdoor festival on the banks of the Iowa River has been canceled UI - The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium and IIHR—Hydroscience, and Engineering (IIHR), as well as the City of Iowa City, are canceling The Big Splash!, a two-day festival described as “a free outdoor extravaganza of music, dance, circus arts, and spectacle.”

The riverside event was planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the University of Iowa’s IIHR, one of the most renowned units on campus. It was also intended to celebrate the Iowa River and how the campus and community can interact and coexist with it.

“It truly breaks our heart to cancel The Big Splash!” said Chuck Swanson, Hancher’s executive director. “We were so excited about bringing this one-of-a-kind event to our campus and community.

And we were so excited to work with such a great collection of partners—including the City of Iowa City and our friends at IIHR. Collaboration is central to our work and The Big Splash! was going to show the power of great partnerships. That said, the relationships we’ve all built together will last, and I know we will have other great opportunities to work together.”

Originally scheduled for August 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the initial postponement of The Big Splash! to August 2022, which coincides with Hancher’s 50th anniversary season.

“We are disappointed to cancel this event,” said Gabriele Villarini, director of IIHR. “It brought together partners from different backgrounds, and, even with this cancellation, it certainly paved the way for future collaborations between engineering and the arts.”

The decision to cancel The Big Splash! was based on several factors, including the uncertainty and repercussions resulting from the pandemic. Some aspects of the planned event will now be included during Hancher’s 2022-2023 season. Details of that season will be announced in the summer of 2022.

GoGuide recognized Chuck Swanson in June 2021 as part of the magazine’s annual Pride Honor Roll.

The magazine annually recognizes those individuals and organizations that positively impact the local LGBTQ+ communities.

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A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul Featuring Damien Sneed and special guest Karen Clark Sheard PRESENTED BY HANCHER - In 2004, Aretha Franklin brought the house down in the original Hancher Auditorium. Now, we invite her towering spirit into the new Hancher with a multi-media tribute performance by created by Damien Sneed--who toured with Franklin late in her career and developed a stronger mentor/mentee relationship with the soul legend--and an accomplished collection of jazz, gospel, and soul musicians. Gospel music legend and four-time Grammy Award-winner (not to mention her multiple Stellar and GMA Dove Awards) Karen Clark Sheard will bring her signature, one-of-a-kind multi-octave vocal range and musicality to the stage in honor of Aretha as well.

The Stanley Cafe Avoid the lines by making your food selections before you come to Hancher Auditorium. The Stanley Café will have staff members ready to get your order—including beverages you order when you pick up your food–fast!

Pre-order by visiting this link https://apps.studentlife.uiowa.edu/hancher_preorder.

The Auditorium, Hadley Stage The Auditorium seats 1800 and is designed to create a sense of intimacy between the artist and the audience. The generous Hadley Stage, adjustable acoustics, and beautiful atmosphere ensure unforgettable experiences.

Thursday, March 10, 2022, 7:30 TICKETS ADULTS: $30 / $40 / $50 COLLEGE STUDENTS: $10 / $10 / $45 YOUTH: $10 / $10 / $25 Order your tickets here: https://hbotix.hancher.uiowa.edu/Online/mapSelect.asp?createBO%3A%3AWSmap=1&BOparam%3A%3AWSmap%3A%3AloadMap%3A%3Aperformance_ ids=15B9AE77-56CA-4636-97D9-61A059489545

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-d251-4815-8c4dc6d51e412357&evtinfo=317333~6e4537af-5fbf4fde-8a67-6d56bad6e688&

Mission Creek Festival at Big Grove. GoGuide file photo 2019

The Englert Theatre and FilmScene invite residents of Johnson County to provide feedback through The Arts & You, a county-wide survey The Arts & You Survey is seeking to gain a better understanding of arts access disparities in our area.

Iowa City - With this information, we hope to improve arts access and engagement for everyone in Johnson County. The Arts & You is part of a larger Arts Access Initiative that includes these other initiatives: Johnson County School Districts • We have begun work to establish and expand arts engagement in the school districts serving our county beginning with Iowa City Community School District, Solon Community School District, Clear Creek Amana School District, the Lone Tree Community School District.

Cities and Townships Initiative • With the goal of increasing service to the twelve cities and twenty townships that exist within Johnson County, The Englert Theatre and FilmScene will analyze data, meet with the leadership of these communities, and conduct focus group conversations with traditionally marginalized, underserved, and rural people to determine the most effective way to serve these communities.

Johnson County Arts and Cultural Resource Guide • In addition to Arts organizations, Johnson County is home to many distinct cultural and ethnic groups practicing common national or cultural traditions. As part of the survey information about artists will be gathered in order to establish a living Resource Guide of Johnson County Arts and Cultural Organizations made available to the public and used internally to improve partnership opportunities.

Take the survey: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GwxSAxFQjyt3E2

Andrew Sherburne at Tavern Blue 11/4/21.

Photo by Gregory Cameron.

The National LGBTQ Task Force Releases Statement on Voting Rights Special to GoGuide Jan 2022

New York - Statement from Kierra Johnson, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund Executive Director on Voting Rights Under Attack and Upcoming Actions Related to Democracy Bills “The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund urges the U.S. Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Voting rights are a cornerstone of our democratic process and have been under attack by conservative political extremists. These extremists have tried everything from partisan gerrymandering to mass purges of voter rolls in attempts to undermine the work of election officials, sow false doubt in legitimate election results and curb access to registering and casting votes.

There are many things to be divided over but right now there is an opportunity to be aligned in eradicating barriers to voting. We have an opportunity to restore faith in the American people that there are still foundational values and inalienable rights that can hold us together. The right to vote is a baseline. It is an essential part to exercise our power and participate in our democracy.

George Washington was quoted as saying, “The power of the constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their choosing: and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can and undoubtedly will be recalled.”

This is the plainest argument for eradicating barriers to voting for any and all of our people. However, it also explicitly explains why attacks on voting rights and access have increased as the demographics of this country have changed.

When LGBTQ+ Americans, People of Color and other marginalized populations vote in high numbers, elections are greatly impacted and it can make the difference in local, state and federal elections. The fear of losing power and the threat of losing an elected seat is not justification for our leaders to carve out LGBTQ+ folks, People of Color, women, poor people and so many other already marginalized groups from the political process.

Members of congress often have the hard job of making decisions that require them to weigh numerous nuances and complex decision points with varying intended and unintended consequences on communities.

However, on the question whether to eradicate barriers to voting – the answer is clear. Our beloved people deserve access to our democracy. We have a right to it and therefore the right to vote – regardless of our political views. Any member of congress who is advocating for anything less than ensuring and protecting the right to vote for all of the people in their districts and states is in fact advocating to take away the power of the people

to elect and hold accountable those who should be legislating on their behalf.

The choice is simple: are you on the side of all voters or are you willing to allow restricting of the vote for political ends? Will you advocate for all of the people that you claim to represent or will your sacrifice and abandon us community by community? Every decision will firmly place our elected officials on either the right or wrong side of history.

Instead of leaning into tactics that alienate and distance people from our democracy and each other, what if instead our elected Officials were inspired to get back to the real work of getting more of our people to more actively and consistently participate in civic engagement. What if they were willing to commit to learning more about the fears and dreams of those in the community that they know the least about and invest in meeting their needs and creating opportunities from them to thrive!

Our Democracy is broken and further restricting access to the political process will not heal the fractures that have only grown deeper and wider over these last years. Senators must take leadership and pass legislation that will protect and ensure free and fair elections. The strength of our Democracy and of our people depend on it.

Ongoing state legislative attacks in 2021 and 2022 on voting rights, many of which are barely disguised plans to suppress votes of Black people, as well as people from other historically marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ community, are undemocratic, racist and just plain wrong.

Some new and proposed state voting laws qualify as inhumane, for example, making it illegal to provide water and food to voters standing in hours-long lines.

Some of these attacks ignore the reality of people’s daily lives, outlawing assistance to voters with disabilities so they can cast ballots by mail from home, limiting voting hours, limiting, or ending ballot drop-box accessibility for people working several jobs to support minor children and elderly parents, and requiring identity documents to counter supposed voter fraud that research shows is practically nonexistent.

Identity document requirements pose specific challenges for many transgender and gender non-binary people due to some outdated state laws and financial and other barriers to updating documents like legal fees, a lack of access to inclusive health insurance and an inability to afford or overcome discriminatory policies and practices to receive gender-affirming care.

The path forward is clear – we need our federal elected officials to take leadership, take action, and protect voting rights NOW in order to rebuild and strengthen our democracy. This country belongs to all of us. This is our democracy, and we demand our rightful place in it. Pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act now!

Cathy Renna, Communications Director, 917-757-6123, crenna@thetaskforce.org National LGBTQ Task Force, 25 Broadway, 12 Floor, New York, NY 10004, United States https://www.thetaskforce.org/

Go&Vote 2022

Iowa

Winter

Photo’s by Tim Nedoba

UI Campus GoGuide Magazine file photo