ITMAF Fundraiser
- iowacqn
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
Friday October 24th, 2025
The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund was founded in June of 2021 with the belief that every Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Iowan should have access to gender-affirming care. They do this by providing small grants to those throughout the state. These grants cover things like transition-specific clothing, makeup, and wigs, Hormone Replacement Therapies, therapy co-pays, doctors visits for gender-affirming care, gender-affirming surgeries, name change fees, and travel expenses to access gender-affirming care out of state. Since its foundation, the ITMAF has dispersed over $300,000 to hundreds of Iowans, many of which were repeat applicants.
The ITMAF is a necessary and integral part of supporting Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Iowans. Now more than ever. MANY Gender Diverse Iowans lost access to gender-affirming care on July 1st, when Governor Reynolds signed the ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care. According to the bill, mental health counseling for gender dysphoria is still available for those on Medicaid, but we have heard quite a few reports of people having to fight Medicaid to even get this covered.
This is why we held this fundraiser. We aren't just words at the Iowa Corridor Queer Network. We quite literally put our money where our mouth was to raise funds for this cause. The night turned out absolutely amazing!! Everyone involved in this show, from the performers to the people who volunteered their time, identify within the transgender umbrella.
Performers and volunteers:
Dior Valentino- Transgender woman and Drag Queen- Miss Cedar Rapids Icon 2025
Emerald RavenWood- Transgender woman and Drag Queen- Miss Trans Iowa 2023 (as Carmen Love Monroe)
Rory RavenWood- Transgender man and Drag King- Mr. Trans Iowa 2023 (as Rory Phoenix Monroe)
Electra Switch- Nonbinary Burlesque performer with Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha
Rel of Reldon's Lens- Nonbinary photographer
Wyatt- Transgender man- Owner and operator of ICQN
Bella- Nonbinary volunteer
Dez- Gender diverse/Genderqueer volunteer
Dior kicked off the show with a moving performance of Defying Gravity (2024). It was so perfectly fitting and the crowd responded with fevered enthusiasm. It set the tone for what became a wildly successful fundraiser. With each performance the crowd became more and more enthusiastic. During half time of the show, Emerald, Rory, and Wyatt spoke about what it is like to be transgender in the US in 2025. Emerald and Rory spoke on the uneasiness that is present in all spaces, but especially when it comes to a workplace. They both expressed gratitude for their employers and coworkers (many of whom were present for the show) not only for their acceptance, but their support for transgender rights. They also highlighted that they are lucky because their gender presentation matches their gender identity which allows them a bit more safety when it comes to interacting with strangers.
Wyatt then spoke about a much different transgender experience. Having come out in August of 2023, Wyatt is very early in his transition. Although it has been two years since he came out, his time on testosterone has been intermittent resulting in him only being on testosterone for a year in total. Wyatt then spoke about the gripping fear that came with the 2024 election. Being so new in his own acceptance and transition, he became scared of everything. Scared he would no longer be able to transition and be his authentic self. Fear about his gender presentation not matching his gender identity and how people would treat him. Fear of public spaces and suddenly becoming VERY aware of everyone around him in a way that he had never been before. Wyatt then implored the crowd to get involved. To be loud, be fiercely supportive, and be the voice for this community that is unable to be heard in the current political climate.
In total, $476 was raised for the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund. By the IMTAF's statistics, that will fund more than two applicants. Funds were sent to the IMTAF on November 6th. With the success of this fundraiser, we are hoping to have an even more successful one in the future!
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