In just one week, Iowa will mark the second anniversary of the Iowa Supreme Court’s Varnum v. Brien decision, giving gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry. One Iowa is hosting a 2nd Anniversary Bash April 2, at the Scottish Rite Consistory in Des Moines.
This year will also mark the inaugural year for the One Iowa Awards. With the following award recipients announced below:
• The Sharon K. Malheiro Award – Awarded to someone who emulates the work of Sharon K. Malheiro by fearlessly and courageously working in the public sphere to stand up to forces of discrimination and fight to protect the rights and freedoms of all Iowans. Awarded to Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell for their work against House Joint Resolution 6.
• The Courageous 6 Award – This award is named after the six courageous plaintiff couples in the Varnum case, and is awarded to someone who has publicly shared their lives for the betterment of all. Awarded to Dean Genth of Mason City for his tireless efforts to help LGBT Iowans as head of PFLAG – North Iowa.
• The John Karn Award – This award is presented to someone who emulates the work of John Karn, a tireless, dedicated volunteer who gave time and resources to help promote equality and make Iowa a better place. Awarded to Kristin Wood for her unwaivering commitment to One Iowa, and preserving marriage equality in the heart of the heartland.
Finally, this year, for the longtime supporters and special guests of One Iowa, there will be a VIP reception immediately before the Bash, featuring the award recipients and special guests Sen. Mike Gronstal and Zach Wahls. The event is open to those who purchase a Table, Gold or Silver tickets for the Bash.
