1990-1991
1990
The Open Air Pancake ICARE Benefit, by now in its fourth year, becomes an Iowa City summer tradition.
1991
Domestic partner benefits are extended to same-sex couples employed by the University of Iowa. The University of Iowa becomes the first public university in the U.S. to implement such benefits. The same year the University of Iowa’s College of Law recruits and hires an openly lesbian couple, Pat Cain and Jean Love; they are featured on the cover of a 1992 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education.
At the June pride rally, Nancy ‘Rusty’ Barceló, Ph.D., assistant dean of academic affairs, announces that she is a lesbian, becoming the University’s highest-ranking openly gay official.
Cherry Muhanji, author of the African American-themed novel “Her,” is grand marshal of the June gay pride parade.
The University of Iowa LGBT Staff and Faculty Association is established.
A statewide lesbian and gay rights assembly is held in Iowa City.
The first annual Iowa City Lesbian/Gay Garden Tour is held in June as part of Pride Month.