Iowa City Queer Exchange group offers safe space for local LGBTQ+ community
When Claire Czerwionka and her wife lived in Chicago, they found their community through a queer exchange group. When the two decided to move back to Iowa City, they thought it would be beneficial to start a similar group in town.
The Iowa City Queer Exchange group on Facebook has over 900 members. Czerwionka said the community has helped members of their community feel welcome in the city they call home.
“A handful of times I've seen people saying ‘Hey I am trans and I really want to go to the swimming pool but I am anxious about it, would anybody want to go with me?" said Czerwionka.
The members ages range from teenagers to senior citizens. Member of the group, Amanda Green said their are posts looking for roommates, selling or giving away items and even asking for recommendations on health care.
“I see a lot of people asking do you know of any trans friendly, do you know of any queer friendly, x y z type of doctors. I don’t know where you would get that info if not for here," said Green.
Throughout the last year, the pandemic forced the group to make connections through a screen. Events were virtual and resources were shared through posts rather than word of mouth. President of Iowa City Pride, Tony Sivanthaphanith, said the group has been a great resource as the world returns to normal.
“It is tough times but we are here for a healing space as well because I think we all could use a little healing on top of trying to get to what this new normal is gonna look like," said Sivanthaphanith.
This pride month events have been shared through the group such as hiking and pool parties.
The group was especially active this past legislative session with sharing information surrounding the 15 bills introduced by Iowa's law makers that targeted the LGBTQ+ community.
"We do get a lot of 'this law is coming up the pike, call your legislator about this.' And how this is going to impact our community," said Czerwionka.
Green said having a community like this is important so no one in the group feels alone.
“There are people who don’t have support in their family, or their workplace or their school and that can be a risk to people’s health if they don’t have a way to connect and find support from people like them," said Green.
All are welcome in the group including allies. The link to the group can be found here.
