Hundreds Protest Iowa Bill Stripping Trans People of their Rights

Hundreds of Transgender, Queer, and allies amassed at the Capitol to protest a bill that would remove rights guaranteed by the Iowa Bill of Rights.

Iowa GOP introduced House Study Bill 242 on Thursday, and it had already passed through committee by Monday. The GOP had hoped that the speed at which the bill moved would blindside the LGBTQI community and preclude large demonstrations. However, they were wrong.

If the GOP is successful it would be the first time in the history of our nation that rights had been stripped from a protected class.

Amber Williams who works for Inspired Life, a hard-right Christian organization, recounted seeing a transgender woman in a women’s restroom two weeks ago. This made her so uncomfortable, she said, that she left the restroom without using it giving that reason as to why she was testifying for the removal of transgender people from housing, workplace, credit, public accommodations, and education all covered for the past two decades by the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

“This isn't about hatred or exclusion," she told lawmakers. It's about a white Christian woman's comfort level.

JLo To Headline at DC 2025 World Pride Music Festival

Proud mom and Emme Maribel Muñiz

Jennifer Lopez posted on TicToc about her excitement at performing at World Pride 2025 in Washington DC.

"I am beyond excited to perform at the World Pride Music Festival in our nation’s capital," JLo wrote.

"Pride began as a protest—a fight for love, equality, and visibility. I know how important it is to create a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated for exactly who they are."

"This is bigger than music. It’s about standing together, lifting each other up, and showing the world the power of love."

"I can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with you all," wrote JLo.

Some folks were surprised when World Pride revealed that JLo would be performing. But perhaps we shouldn't be.

"Jennifer Lopez introduced her 14-year-old child Emme Maribel Muñiz with gender neutral pronouns as they performed together at the Los Angeles Dodgers Blue Diamond Gala on Thursday, according to Them. Though the performance happened last week, the news gained steam as a clip of the touching moment went viral after being shared by TikTok user @christinathesupermom over the weekend. In the video, Lopez uses “they” and “them” to refer to Muñiz."