Iowa City, Johnson County Reaffirm Support for Transgender Youth

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As Iowa continues to pass legislation impacting transgender individuals, Iowa City community members gathered in College Green Park on March 30 to mark Transgender Day of Visibility, a day after the pride flag hanging outside the Johnson County Administration Building was stolen. Johnson County Supervisor Mandi Remington, an organizer of the events, said transgender people and their allies 'aren't going anywhere' despite the 'consistent, relentless attacks' from the state legislature.

Why it matters

The theft of the pride flag and ongoing legislative attacks on transgender rights in Iowa highlight the challenges the transgender community faces, even in relatively progressive areas like Iowa City. The community's response shows their determination to support transgender youth and fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights at the local level.

The details

After the pride flag was stolen, Johnson County Board of Supervisors Chair Jon Green took the transgender flag from his office and put it on the flagpole, saying 'We're not going to be intimidated.' Remington, the mother of two transgender children, said the recent state laws have personally affected her family by restricting access to gender-affirming care. Despite the setbacks, the community raised thousands of dollars during Transgender Visibility Week for local LGBTQ+ organizations.

• On March 30, 2026, Iowa City community members gathered in College Green Park to mark Transgender Day of Visibility.
• A day prior, on March 29, 2026, the pride flag hanging outside the Johnson County Administration Building was stolen.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Johnson County's civil rights ordinances protecting gender identity will remain in place until 'a saner, less vicious legislature' is elected in Des Moines.