Capital Bears
The Blazing Saddle
Iowa Leather Weekend was established in October 1988. It is an annual celebration of the fetish community in Iowa. It is held typically the second weekend of October each year.
Michael Hoksbergen &
Carol Jackson
tHE gARDEN nIGHTCLUB
Capital City Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization that brings together the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community their friends, allies, and supporters. We do this by producing events that inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse community and culture with and for the greater Des Moines metro.
Our vision is to create a community where the presence and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people are welcomed and celebrated; where intolerance is challenged and defeated; where justice prevails; and where civil rights of all people are valued and respected.
Community AIDS Assistance Project (CAAP) is a non-profit organization committed to AIDS prevention educational programming and supporting those living with HIV and AIDS in Northeast Iowa. A Board of Directors who volunteer their time to raise money, governs CAAP. HIV and AIDS affect many people around the world and unfortunately our community is not excluded from these harsh realities. The Community AIDS Assistance Project (CAAP) was formed over 20 years ago to help those individuals in our community who live with this devastating virus. We do this by raising funds to provide support for people and organizations to help with meeting quality of life needs. While people can get assistance for food, rent, and other basic needs, CAAP tries to fill the gap where others cannot help. We also provide funds to the Cedar AIDS Support System, Cedar Valley Hospice, Black Hawk County Health Department, University of Northern Iowa Health Department and ACCESS.
The Des Moines Men’s Chorus boasts fifty singers who have banded together to sing in support of justice, inclusion, and love. It is open to those who sing in the tenor and bass ranges, regardless of gender. The chorus was founded by Dr. Randal A. Buikema in 2001. Its first electrifying performance, given before a standing room only crowd, was filled with the promise of a chance to make real change. The chorus' mission of promoting harmony among all is best fulfilled through the outstanding musicianship of its members, the creative programming of its artistic staff, and its engagement with the community. Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Rebecca Gruber and Pianist Ben Hagen came to DMGMC in 2005. They and the Board of Directors plan a concert subscription series and dozens of other performances highlighting the gifts and skills of gay people and declaring the dignity and worth of all persons.
Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus
CAAP (Community aids assistance project)
One Iowa was founded in 2005 to advocate for LGBTQ Iowans’ right to marry. The original goal of the organization was realized on April 3, 2009 when the Iowa Supreme Court made the unanimous decision in Varnum v. Brien to make marriage equality a reality in Iowa.
The organization then changed course and dedicated itself to defending the right to marry from powerful opponents. In 2012, it became clear that marriage equality in Iowa no longer needed the vigorous defense it once did.
We shifted our focus to a comprehensive approach to ensure LGBTQ Iowans’ rights and dignity are respected in every facet and stage of their lives. One Iowa’s current mission is to advance, empower, and improve the lives of LGBTQ Iowans statewide.
Dino’s Storage specializes in providing modern self-storage facilities to customers in our service areas.
Our various locations provide a wide variety of storage opportunities, from outdoor storage for boats and automobiles, to indoor storage for general items, to climate controlled storage for your special keepsakes. Family owned and operated.. Mention the ICIA when reserving your storage unit.
Jonathan Dwight
Photography
The Capital Bears were founded in late 2013 by Brian Chestelson and Nick Caruth in Des Moines, Iowa. Capital Bears is an inclusive group which focuses on providing the LGBTQIA+ community a safe & accepting social network. They aim to offer social activities that are safe and provide a good space to share ideas and meet individuals. The purpose is to create an atmosphere of social acceptance among individuals who identify as bear, otter, cub, admirer, or supporter. The welcoming group of all individuals that wish to participate. Capital Bears does not discriminate with regards to age, sex, sexual orientations, gender identity, race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or marital status.
We are a passionate group of experts and advocates who believe individuals who have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or harassment deserve to know their rights and options. Our team combines professional expertise with deep empathy to ensure survivors feel supported, informed, and empowered to take the next steps in their healing and justice journeys.
Empress 27 & 28 of All Iowa
Ida Ho
iowa leather weekend
All students need a safe, supportive atmosphere in which they can learn, including students that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ). Unfortunately, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against LGBTQ students occurs often in our schools. In fact, 82% of transgender youth report that they feel unsafe at school and 74.1% of LGBTQ students were verbally bullied in the past year because of their sexual orientation. As these students face verbal and physical harassment, educators, policy makers, parents, and other students are often hampered by the lack of quality information and resources to protect LGBTQ students. That’s where Iowa Safe Schools comes in.
We provide comprehensive support, victim services, resources, and events for LGBTQ and Allied youth. Serving over 10,000 youth annually, Iowa Safe Schools is the largest LGBTQ youth serving organization in the Midwest.
CAAP (Community aids assistance project
Community Partners & Resources
When you book a studio session with me, either outside, on location, or in my home studio, you'll enjoy a relaxed session working through various poses while shedding any nervousness or tension.
I love capturing special moments at your events as well. I work with many local non-profits such as the Des Moines Playhouse, Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, Des Moines Diversity Chorus, Des Moines Vocal Ensemble Chorus, and Community Support Advocates' Momentum program.
When not doing photos, you'll likely catch me at the Des Moines Playhouse where I regularly volunteer backstage.
If you’re looking for a friendly LGBTQ+ bar in Des Moines, then you’ve found it! The Blazing Saddle is the oldest gay bar in Des Moines and has been known as the Gay “Cheers” since we opened in 1983. The Saddle (as most people call it) is open 365 days a year without fail so you always have somewhere to go.
We offer Happy Hour every day and Trivia Night every Tuesday. We hold monthly charity events for non-profits. Latin Nites and various types of Drag Shows Wednesdays through Sundays! Our motto is “Always A Double, Never A Cover” so come on in and enjoy!!
Sponsors for Coronation XXXIII
The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge is an LGBT+ owned and operated business that is home to a whole host of amazing talent and we have an outstanding legacy to back it up! We offer a wide variety of shows for you to enjoy in addition to a full kitchen menu!
Looking to reserve a table? Head to the UPCOMING EVENTS section of our website!
Dew Drop Inn -
1307 5th St Gilbertville, Iowa 50634
CAPITAL CITY PRIDE
Empress 24 of Minnesota
Ida Slapter-Back
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Imperial Court of Iowa Founded 1992