Several University resources are designed to welcome and support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students.

Iowa was the first state university to officially recognize the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allied Union (in 1970), and was the first public university in the country to offer insurance benefits to employees' domestic partners (in 1993).

Support networks

• UI Student Organizations—There are more than 400 student organizations at Iowa, including the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Union, MEDIQS, and GraDykes.
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center—Open to everyone, this University-owned house is an open and affirming space where GLBT students and allies can interact to enhance their educational experience at Iowa.
• Queer Connections—Members of this gay community group get together for parties, forums, and other events in Iowa City. The group introduced a new gay magazine, called Outlook Iowa City, in 2007.
• The Quire—This GLBT community chorus performs in and around Iowa City.
• Momentum—Dances, coffee socials, barbeques, and game nights are among some of the events organized by members of this community program for gay and bisexual men in Johnson County.

Curriculum
These programs offer courses that may be of particular interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.

• Sexuality Studies Program—This interdisciplinary program focuses on the history and construction of human sexuality and gender identity.
• Women's Studies Department—This interdisciplinary program brings the perspective of gender, along with a consideration of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, and physical ability to bear on a host of problems and issues of current concern.

• Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity—This University office supports and enhances the University's commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students at Iowa.
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Staff & Faculty Association—This group was organized in 1990 to support the interests of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender campus community.
• Safe Zone Project—After completing this three-hour educational workshop about the LGBT experience and resources, participants receive a SAFE Zone symbol to display in their work or living space.
• Rainbow Alumni Network—Providing opportunities for GLBT and allied students, alumni, parents, and supporters to serve as advocates of The University of Iowa.