Support the ACLU Foundation of Iowa’s LGBT Rights Efforts in Memory of Casey Gradischnig
Casey Gradischnig — artist, activist, and former ACLU of Iowa board member — was always a champion for the marginalized and underserved, never missing an opportunity to help others understand the importance of tolerance and inclusion. Living his own life fully and authentically made the greatest impact.
In the 1990s, a time when the word "transgender" was barely understood, much less uttered, Casey began his transition and began efforts to help people understand the transgender community. Casey called himself an "apprehensive activist" and discussed his life in a very public way with the Des Moines Register’s Rekha Basu in various columns over the years.
Beyond planning his final year of adventures, Casey also took time to plan his legacy in the form of a fund through the ACLU of Iowa. With your support, Casey's legacy and passion for LGBT equality will live on through the work of the ACLU of Iowa, including:
- Litigation challenging Medicaid's ban on medically necessary surgical care for transgender people.
- Filing the state’s first-ever transgender employment discrimination case.
- Advancing equal access to public accommodations for transgender people.
- Offering Know-Your-Rights presentations, educating LGBT Iowans on the rights of individuals in the workplace, housing, public accommodations, and schools.
- Providing information on access to healthcare, the criminal justice system, and how to change legal identity documents.
Thank you in advance for your generosity in memory of Casey and his legacy.
A card will be mailed to Casey's family to acknowledge your gift in his honor.
If you have questions about making a donation to the ACLU Foundation of Iowa, please call us at 515-243-3576, ext. 120 or email us at sarah.conroy@aclu-ia.org.