Veritas et Arcus Iris
A Note from Rainbow Alumni Leadership
Did you know the Grinnell Rainbow Alumni actually has written bylaws, modeled on the Alumni Council? We decided to do this for a couple reasons, but the biggest effect is that our co-chairs rotate out of the position, in alternating years. This helps prevent burnout and encourages development of new ideas. With the end of the school year, we thank Phoebe Lostroh ’94 for her hard work and commitment to getting the Rainbow Alumni off the ground. She’s not going anywhere, though, and will still be volunteering with us.
In her place, we welcome Carly Jerome ’11 as the new co-chair! Carly has been working on the Programming and Events Committee, and helped ensure the Reunion 2025 Drag Show was such a success. She lives in L.A., and is looking for fellow Angelenos to coordinate next year’s Ren-Gay-Vous!
In solidarity,
Carly Jerome ‘11 (carlyjerome@gmail.com)
Rick Rose ‘88 (rick.rose@yahoo.com)
Co-Chairs, Grinnell Rainbow Alumni
On behalf of the entire Steering Committee
What We Did for Pride: Ren-Gay-Vous Pride Events for 2025
Across the Midwest and coast-to-coast, the second annual Ren-Gay-Vous Pride Events were a huge success! Throughout June and July 2025, Grinnellians reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and celebrated the progress of our community.
Meetups were held in nine cities: Chicago, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Springfield (Ohio), the Twin Cities, and Washington D.C. In 2026 we are switching to hosting Ren-Gay-Vous gatherings in October to coincide with Grinnell College’s campus pride month! Please contact Sarah Smith-Benanti at smithben@grinnell.edu if you are interested in hosting (or co-hosting) or would like to help with events year-round.
Below is a collage of photos from this year’s Ren-Gay-Vous! We look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
National Coming Out Day: Stories about the SRC
Thank you to Caito Scherr ’09 and Javon Garcia ’14 for hosting the National Coming Out Day virtual storytelling event. This year’s theme was Stories about the SRC in honor of the Stonewall Resource Center at Grinnell College celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Alumni from 1967-2024 attended and shared stories about the SRC, and how community took shape without the SRC. Several alumni had stories about visiting campus as prospective students and being inspired to attend by the mere presence of the SRC. It was a beautiful evening of connection.
Wondering how the SRC came into being, and how it’s changed over the years? Check out this timeline from the Grinnell College Multicultural Alumni Archive.
Development of Drag Subcommittee for Events
The Programming and Events Committee is excited to announce the formation of a Drag Subcommittee! This new group will be dedicated to planning and hosting drag-related events throughout the year, all of which will build excitement for the (now annual!) Reunion Drag Show. Please email Sarah, smithben@grinnell.edu, if you are interested in joining this committee.
Meet a Member: Jay Dick ‘93
Co-class fund director; alumni council member
Can you tell a bit about yourself and your time at Grinnell College? What was your year and major?
I am a 1993 Political Science graduate. For the last 32 years, I have mostly lived in the DC Metro Area now calling Fairfax, VA, home. But I grew up just down the road from Grinnell (exit 182) in Colfax (exit 155) Iowa. While Grinnell was only 30 miles away, it was in all actuality a world apart from my small hometown.
I have been with my husband, Chuck Salvetti for 27 years (married 17). He often comes to Grinnell events with me and has even been to Reunion. I currently oversee the government affairs department at Americans for the Arts, the nation’s largest arts advocacy and research non-profit, where I’ve been for 20 years. I work with arts organizations from across the nation to promote the creative sector and its economic and cultural benefits to society.
How would you describe your identity on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum during your time at Grinnell? Did it change later on?
Growing up in rural Iowa in the 1980s, there were no real gay role models. Only when I got to Grinnell did I realize what those feelings were that I was experiencing. To me, prior to Grinnell, gay meant “happy” or “joyous.” There was no other thought about being anything but a straight person. When my ignorance was exposed, I quickly did realize my true sexuality but I didn’t act on it. At that time, to be out would have likely had a negative effect on a political career, something I was working toward. So, I stayed in the closet.
After graduation, I had an internship for then Iowa Senator Tom Harkin in his DC office. Later, I switched to the office of Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey. I was still in the closet at this time, even to friends who were out. I am sure they knew, but they respected my privacy. In Sen. Lautenberg’s office, I befriended Tom, the office manager. I would later realize that he was gay and partnered. I was tired of leading a double life, and knowing I could safely be who I truly was, I started to come out. But, I remember some of Tom’s wise words: “You get to choose who you come out to. If you don’t want to, don’t. It is your choice.” To this day, as a gay man, society assumes you are straight and I still have the choice to come out to people on a daily basis. 
Most of the time I will gently correct someone who asks about my wife, etc., but it is always my choice. I am lucky to live in a progressive area and work for an industry that is always welcoming to LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am out at home and at work, but my sexual orientation isn’t my dominant feature. Tom and his husband Jim, who are in their 80s, are dear friends who I cherish to this day.
What was the overall atmosphere like at Grinnell while you were there? Were you involved in any campus organizations or support networks at the time?
Because I was closeted, I never visited the Stonewall Resource Center, dated, etc. So I don’t have any thoughts on gay life while at Grinnell. I did find the campus liberating and full of energy and activity. I loved learning about new things and new cultures. My first year, on James 3rd, there were two international students on my floor and I don’t know how many in my dorm. I am still friends with many of the individuals I met those first few weeks at Grinnell and we still get together whenever possible. Grinnell gave me lifelong friends and memories.
Can you share any memorable LGBTQIA+-related events or experiences during your time at Grinnell? How did your time at Grinnell shape your personal growth or identity?
As I was closeted, I don’t have any LGBTQIA+ experiences, but Grinnell certainly shaped my personal growth. Looking back, I do regret not coming out, but hindsight is 20/20. Grinnell gave me confidence and a strong academic foundation, which has shaped my life. Grinnell gave me empathy and understanding of others. It taught me to be woke: to care for and about others.
How have your experiences at Grinnell influenced your life and career after graduation?
Having Grinnell on my resume was the key factor in getting work in the U.S. Senate. As someone who grew up in a small, rural area, Grinnell was the most transformational institution in my life, which allowed me to choose my own direction. Given that, I hold the college in great esteem, which is why I give financially to the college (my husband and I have established a fund to allow students to intern at nonprofit organization), why I volunteer, and why I will always make time to talk with current students or alumni needing advice or help.
Have you been involved in any LGBTQIA+ organizations since leaving Grinnell?
I am a former board member of Equality Fairfax, our local LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization in Virginia. I donate to HRC and other LGBTQIA+ organizations. Fun note: I just marched in the World Pride Parade this June here in DC.
What advice would you give to recent LGBTQIA+ Grinnell graduates based on your experiences?
Don’t let others demand that you come out. You will do so when you are ready. While the world is a much more accepting place for LGBTQIA+ folks, it can still be scary or unsafe. If you can, find an older queer mentor. We have a great lived experience and generally are willing to help young people traverse some of life’s curveballs. That said, a message to the young gays: Know your gay history! Your queer elders fought hard; don’t take things for granted and if you do not know your history, you don’t know how you got to the present, which will cloud your future.
How do you hope your experiences and contributions as a Rainbow Alum will continue to shape the future of Grinnell?
Bringing people together in a community is a powerful force. As a Rainbow Alum, I want others to know that there are safe spaces for them to truly let down their guard and be vulnerable, as these experiences or interactions will help them grow and become stronger.
News from Campus and Beyond
The Scarlet & Black
Durant, Iowa man set to plead guilt to assault of Grinnell College student, seeks deferred judgement
Check out our LinkedIn page
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What You Can Do Right Now
Looking for ways to get involved with Rainbow Alumni and help Grinnell? Here are a few suggestions:
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- Forward this email to a friend! Know someone who should get this newsletter and join the Rainbow Alumni? Forward it to them to help us spread the word.
- Volunteer! Have some fun and make new friends with Grinnellians from across the decades! Take the volunteer survey here. Committees looking for participants include Networking and Storytelling; Events; Communications and Outreach; and Fundraising.
- Donate to support students! We are currently focused on fully funding the Grinnell Rainbow Alumni Internship Fund. Use the pull-down menu to select the fund of your choice.
- Come to our next event. Reconnect to Grinnellians in your area or online. Regional events will take place during Pride Month in your area. Stay tuned for more information.
- Did a friend forward this email to you? Sign up as a member of the Grinnell Rainbow Alumni by submitting your email address here.