[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E965-E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING JORDAN MIX AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, as we begin celebrating Pride Month, I rise 
today to honor Jordan Mix as Iowan of the Week. Jordan Mix, an advocate 
for transgender and non-binary kids in Iowa, works with educators, 
families, businesses, and organizations to create LGBTQIA+ inclusive 
environments across the state. Jordan serves as the Director of 
Educational Programming at Iowa Safe Schools, where they work with 
educators to create inclusive curriculum and lead training sessions for 
community members to better support transgender and non-binary kids.
  Jordan Mix was born in the Chicago area and now lives with their wife 
and cat in Des Moines. Growing up, Jordan's family was very supportive 
when they came out in 2010 as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This 
love and support was especially poignant to Jordan in the face of the 
enactment of anti-LGBTQ+ policies and has remained a very important 
part of their story. It's why Jordan enjoys working with families of 
LGBTQIA+ youth and empowering parents and families to support their 
children.
  To pursue their passion for advocating for transgender and non binary 
young people, Jordan attended Drake University and graduated in 2016 
with degrees in Law, Politics and Society; Sociology; and Women and 
Gender Studies. While at Drake, they were chosen to be the President of 
Rainbow Union, which is Drake's LGBTQ+ organization. In this role, they 
helped establish the first all-gender bathroom on campus. Additionally, 
Jordan collaborated in writing Drake's Transgender Inclusion Statement. 
To further their education, Jordan attended the University of North 
Carolina Charlotte and earned their graduate degree in Gender and 
Sexuality Studies.
  One project that Jordan is especially proud of is called Breathe, 
Learn, Act. This project is the first virtual care package for families 
of transgender and non-binary kids. The purpose of the care package is 
to learn about gender, your child who has come out, talking with your 
family and friends, and how to be a supportive parent. The project is 
part of My Kid Is Gay, an organization that helps parents of LGBTQ+ 
kids.

[[Page E966]]

  Jordan's favorite part of their job at Iowa Safe Schools is the kids. 
They enjoy helping empower youth to rise to the occasion and advocate 
for themselves. They also love teaching and helping and having 
conversations with people who want to be supportive, but just need 
extra time to process and learn. In taking the time to help Iowans 
learn about and support one another, Jordan is helping our families and 
communities grow stronger.
  Besides being passionate about advocating for transgender and non-
binary kids, Jordan loves spending time with their wife and cat, 
hiking, watching women's soccer, and practicing their professional 
barista skills.
  Jordan Mix is a tremendous example of someone who goes above and 
beyond. They promote community and inclusion, empower parents and loved 
ones, create innovative ways to connect with others and to educate, and 
provide a safe space for those who need support. Jordan's work is 
crucial to Iowans and makes our communities a better place for 
everyone. I am so proud to honor Jordan Mix as Iowan of the Week.

                          ____________________