My name is Ren. Ren means “humanity”, “goodness”, and “love” in Chinese, as well as “lotus” in Japanese. It wasn’t until I ran a Google search after I had already legally changed my name that I learned of its meaning. I had chosen Ren simply because it was a part of my previous name and I liked how gender-ambiguous it was. Little did I know all of the beauty that lay behind my name. I believe that the universe knows all; that everything happens how and when it should, regardless of what we as individuals may think about it.
I am a 24-year-old queer non-binary person who has lived in the state of Iowa their entire life: Born in Des Moines, raised in Indianola, attended college in Cedar Falls, and currently living and working back in Des Moines. There’s a lot that I love about Iowa: The fields of wind turbines driving across I-80, the National Balloon Classic in my hometown, the iconic 801 Grand Building in downtown Des Moines, purchasing sweet corn from a local farmer on the side of the road, the scorching heat of Iowa summers (really I do), and the little conversations you can strike up with just about any stranger. I love our state and many things about it. It is some of the people in higher offices that have been making it much more difficult for me to love it.
“I started doing environmental work because the climate crisis affects people of all races, genders, religions, and incomes.”
Pride month is a beautiful time, both in nature and for queer people. This pride month, however, I feel conflicted. It hardly seems like a time to be sporting a rainbow flag or drawn on facial hair when so many places, including Iowa, are making it more and more difficult for queer folks to express themselves authentically and to feel safe doing so. As I have grown up and evolved, I have grown to feel unwelcome in the state that I call home.
As a young queer person and occasional drag performer, I am dumbfounded by the bigotry and pure hate seen in some of our elected officials. Children who are transgender will be severely impacted by bills like SSB 1197/HF623 that bans all forms of gender affirming care up to age 18, SF482 that restricts students from using the restroom that aligns with their gender, and SF496 the forced outing bill. The fact that children, a demographic that cannot politically defend themselves, are being specifically targeted by those in power hurts my heart even more. As I watch my young nephew grow up here, I cannot help but feel anxious. Will he be able to live into himself authentically? More importantly, will he be able to do so with access to clean air, clean water, healthy food, and a promising future?
Once we are able to fully accept ourselves and others, we can properly tackle the climate crisis. I started doing environmental work because the climate crisis affects people of all races, genders, religions, and incomes. We need not look past the differences in others, but rather welcome them in and embrace them, for what we share in this human experience greatly outweighs any difference. The first step begins with us; living our authentic truths, welcoming others as they are, and possessing the courage to take bold and just climate action.
One way to take climate action is by giving a gift to Iowa IPL. Your gift not only supports the meaningful environmental work that we do, but also allows us to live out our unique rainbow of truths; as queer people, environmentalists, spiritual individuals, and everything in between. This pride month, we hope you will also consider giving to an LGBTQ organization, like OneIowa or Iowa Safe Schools. The work that they do in our state is truly invaluable. Help us continue to live our most authentic truths; facing whatever the universe has in store with courage, grace, and hope.