5 days ago
Iowa City Pride: The places, people that make this city so LGBTQIA+ friendly
Iowa City Pride: The places, people that make this city so LGBTQIA+ friendly
Any list of the country's premiere independent bookstores always includes several from both coasts. Yet, one bright light shines in the middle of the Midwest — Prairie Lights Books in Iowa City. For nearly 50 years, it has been a primary source of cultural understanding and community in this city of 75, point to Prairie Lights as a primary factor in Iowa City regularly appearing alongside San Francisco, New York and Miami as a destination for queer travel.'From the beginning, Prairie Lights has never shied away from whose books and what topics they would carry or what authors they would invite to special events,' says Joe Reilly, a gay man who, as night mayor, serves as a non-elected liaison between downtown businesses and city officials on issues like safety and inclusivity.'Iowa City has successfully planned for a safe and inviting community by providing good lighting, a healthy pedestrian mall and public safety that demonstrates this space is cared for,' he says. It should be noted that Iowa City's elected mayor, Bruce Teague, is openly also credits the transitory nature of many residents for making Iowa City so welcoming. As the original capital of Iowa, the city is home to the University of Iowa and its 30,000 students from around the world.'People come here from so many walks of life and quickly learn from each other and grow together,' Reilly was in this environment 25 years ago that Studio 13 opened in a downtown alley. Despite its offbeat location, it quickly became the most visible LGBTQIA+ space in town. Owner Jason Zeman acknowledges that a supportive local government has contributed to the club's success, but Studio 13's mantra is based on supporting individual identity.'We live by the philosophy that every customer should feel better leaving our venues than when they came in,' he says. 'Making people feel good about themselves and reminding them they're special, important and loved is something I emphasize to our staff.'Complementing businesses such as Studio 13 are Big Grove Brewery, Iowa's largest craft brewery, that produces a Rainbow Connection Brew. Proceeds benefit Iowa City boutique movie theater FilmScene regularly shows movies with queer themes and by LGTBQ directors. The Iowa City Senior Center has a Queer Elders group.A popular boutique hotel, The Highlander, has won numerous recognitions by the gay travel community.
