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Iowa transgender prison nurse files complaint after denial of benefits

complaintDES MOINES — A transgender man who is a longtime staff nurse at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville filed a complaint against the Iowa Department of Corrections this week, alleging discrimination based on his gender identity.

Gender identity has been a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act since 2007, and Jessie Vroegh seeks a remedy to the situation.

In his complaint, Vroegh alleges that the department prevented him from using bathrooms and locker rooms matching his gender identity and denied him health coverage for care related to his transition. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa is representing Vroegh.

“Vroegh has done everything right, working with his health care professionals and making appropriate and legal requests to accommodate his reality as a transgender man. We urge the Iowa Department of Corrections to make the necessary changes,” One Iowa Executive Director Donna Red Wing said.

One Iowa is the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization working toward equality for LGBT individuals through grassroots efforts and education.

“Clearly it is important that law enforcement not only review policy addressing the treatment of transgender inmates, but their own staff as well,” Red Wing explained.

The Iowa Department of Corrections released this statement on the complaint, saying “As a very important part the Department of Corrections Mission, the Department strongly focuses to protect and treat with respect the public, staff and offenders. Due to a pending Civil Rights Complaint, the Department cannot comment at this time.”

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