Michael Blake Personal Collection

1978

Gay Affiliates of Iowa, Iowa’s first statewide gay rights advocacy organization, is founded in Iowa City. Its first meeting is held at the Iowa Memorial Union, with its long-term goal to secure, through legislation, equal rights for gays. In 1981 the group’s name is changed to the Lesbian and Gay Affiliates of Iowa.

Jill Jack Papers, Iowa Women’s Archives

1979

Following closure of Grace & Rubies, the Women’s Coffeehouse is established by the Lesbian Alliance as a social and artistic venue. Its location is kept confidential and advertising is posted only at women-oriented spaces such as the Women’s Resource and Action Center and the Plainswoman Bookstore. It operates until 1984.

Michael Blake Personal Collection

A contingent from the University of Iowa Gay People’s Union joins the historic 1979 March for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Washington, D.C.