2023 Pride Guide

THANK YOU TO OUR RAINBOW SPONSORS

2023 SPONSORS

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

SILVER

AFresh Perspective

BRONZE

& RESTAURANTS J D

®

substancearchitecture

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

2 THE TOP BEAVERDALE BOOKS

BLANK PARK ZOO

COMMUNITY STATE BANK

DES MOINES MENACE

DES MOINES MUSIC COALITION

DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS

DES MOINES WATER WORKS

DOWNTOWN RIVER CENTER

DSM DRAG KING

ELLIPSIS IOWA

HOYT SHERMAN PLACE

IMPERFECT INSPIRATION

IOWA CUBS

IOWA SAFE SCHOOLS

JUNETEENTH

KITCHEN COLLAGE

NIAC – IOWA CHAPTER

NOCE

PLATFORM

RICOCHET

SLOW DOWN COFFEE CO

STORYHOUSE BOOK PUB

TEEHEE’S COMEDY CLUB

THE BLAZING SADDLE

THE DES MOINES ART CENTER

THE GARDEN

UP DOWN

VARSITY THEATER

MISSING AN AD FROM HIGH LIFE / EL BAIT

SILENT DISCO 2022 |

PHOTO: JOELLE BLANCHARD

AMERICANA | ARF & WAG STUDIO

BIG GROVE BREWERY | BUD & MARY’S

BURL HUTCHISON & BEN NUNNIKHOVEN

BUZZARD BILLY’S | CENTRO | DAN JANSEN

DAPPER DSM | DJANGO | EL BAIT SHOP

ELEVENCHERRY SALON | FONG’S PIZZA

G. DAVID HURD & TRUDY HOLMAN HURD FUND

GATEWAY MARKET | HESSEN HAUS

HIGH LIFE LOUNGE | IOWA TAP ROOM | KEN’S SPEAKEASY

LUCKY HORSE BEERS & BURGERS | MALO

NEIL & DEBRA SALOWITZ | ORCHESTRATE

OWEN JEWELRY DESIGN | PJ HAMLEN

500 Loud & Proud is a fundraiser that focuses on individual and small business giving to show how loud and proud YOU are to support Capital City Pride and the LGBTQ+ community, both year-round and during PrideFest Weekend in June. This is our first year and we hope you help us to make history with this annual campaign that runs through June.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD NORTH CENTRAL STATES

PRIDE SPORTS LEAGUE OF CENTRAL IOWA

RECON ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

RITA’S CANTINA | ROBERT ROMORE | ROCHELLE HILES

SAMPSON FAMILY THERAPY SERVICES, LLC

SCENIC ROUTE BAKERY

SHANNON & LINDSAY SAMUELSON | SUSAN & CARL VOSS

THE GARDEN RESTAURANT AND SHOW LOUNGE

THE ROYAL MILE | TRUMAN’S KC PIZZA TAVERN

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY CAFE | WANDRO & ASSOCIATES

WESTRUM OPTOMETRY | ZHOOSH | ZOMBIE BURGER

ZOOM ROOM DOG TRAINING

Photo:Joelle Blanchard

A NOTE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

It is my privilege to welcome you to Capital City Pride’s 44th PrideFest! Last year we welcomed more than 40,000 people to Des Moines in celebration and this year we have an amazing lineup of events, entertainment, and opportunities to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Visibility is education and we are here to show Des Moines and the state of Iowa that the LGBTQ+ community, our friends, family and allies stand arm in arm to celebrate our Pride.

As we celebrate our 44th year of PrideFest, it’s important to remember and celebrate those who work every day to make positive impacts on our LGBTQ+ community. 2023 has been an incredibly difficult year. Legislation was introduced and passed into law in the state of Iowa that singles out LGBTQ+ individuals, attacking some of the most vulnerable members of society. Iowa has always held a foundational belief permeating our state from its very inception; namely, “a powerful commitment to the equality and inalienable rights of all people within its borders’’. After years of moving closer towards equality of opportunity, public leaders accelerated policy to make life harder for LGBTQ+ people who work, live, and go to school here. This does not align with the values we learned growing up in Iowa and makes our work for the LGBTQ+ community even more important.

In supporting our community, we strive to create safe and welcoming spaces where all people feel a sense of community and belonging. We work to ensure that everyone in the LGBTQ+ community not only has access to what we do but sees a little bit of themselves in the programs and spaces we provide. This goes beyond Pride Week and PrideFest. We offer year-round diverse programs and events throughout the year believing Pride is something that must be celebrated every single day.

This year, Pride Week and PrideFest weekend will once again feature some of our most popular events such as the Pride Walk, I-Cubs Pride Night, Mr. Ms. Mx. Pageant, Drag Brunch, The Silent Disco, Family & Youth Zone, Pride Stride, Health & Wellness Zone, Pet Parade, Teen Zone and the Pride Parade on Sunday!

On behalf of the Capital City Pride Board, I’d like to extend a big thank you to the neighbors and businesses in the East Village, the city of Des Moines, all of our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, entertainers, and, of course, all of you who come out to celebrate and support Capital City Pride. We couldn’t do this without you! Again, thank you for participating in this year’s PrideFest!

Sincerely,

Dan J. Jansen Board Chair | Capital City Pride

MEDIS BRKIC, Relationship Manager, has been with F&G for nine years and was instrumental in building the foundation for the company's DEI efforts. She is an active CCP Board member serving as the Director of Diversity, Accessibility & Inclusion. Medis also serves on various boards and committees, and is an active volunteer in the community.

JUNE PRIDE EVENTS

CCP pride Pageant

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TITO’S VODKA

June 3 | 6:00 – 9:30 PM | The Garden Restaurant and Show Lounge

Honoring Ms. Capital City Pride Paris J Beverly Hillz, Mx. Capital City Pride Matte Black and Mr. Capital City Pride Trigga Sanchez! Contestants compete for the chance to become your 2023 Mr., Mx., and Ms. Capital City Pride!

CCP Drag Brunch

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TITO’S VODKA

June 4 | Tonic Bar Court Avenue

Seating 1: Doors @ 10:00 AM Show @ 10:30 AM

Seating 2: Doors @ 1:00 PM Show @ 1:30 PM

Tonic Bar Court Avenue in partnership with Capital City Pride invites you to come enjoy drag performances, drinks and delicious food! This event will be two seatings for you to come be entertained by some of the best drag personalities ranging from all over the US. With the 47-foot bar, these entertainers are sure to amaze the entire crowd.

CCP Silent Disco

PRESENTED BY BH MANAGEMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SYMETRA

June 9 | 7:30 – 11:00 PM | PrideFest Community Stage

Join us for PrideFest Silent Disco. Located at the Community Stage, this is an all ages event to kickoff PrideFest Weekend.

dsm drag king

June 9 (18+) 9:30 PM | June 10 (All Ages) 5:00 PM | Wooly’s

The largest all drag king show in the U.S. is back and they’re back with two shows! This 700+ sell out event will be showcasing national, regional, state and local talent with 4 out of the top 15 kings in the country, on both Friday & Saturday night. Grab your tickets, VIP and tables at dsmdragking.com before they are gone!

CCP Pride Stride 5K

PRESENTED BY DLL

June 10 | 8:00 AM

Iowa Women’s Achievement Bridge on the Principal Riverwalk

Be yourself. Be a friend. Be family. Show support. Show pride. Walk. Run. Strut with Capital City Pride in the annual Capital City Pride Stride 5K.

CCP Little Rainbow Run

June 10 | Check-in at 9:00 AM | First heat at 9:30 AM

The corner of E. Locust and E. 5th St.

Join us for the inaugural Little Rainbow Run! This fun run is designed as a familyfriendly activity that will take place within the main corridor of the PrideFest street closure. All proceeds go towards Capital City Pride’s year-round programming, which benefits members of the LGBTQ+ community, family, and friends.

CCP Pet Parade

PRESENTED BY F&G

June 10 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM | PrideFest Community Stage

This event is for all our furry friends. We love our furry friends as members of the family and now they have a chance to show their support for a cause you love almost as much as you love them!

CCP Pride Parade + ASL Interpreter

PRESENTED BY VERIDIAN CREDIT UNION & F&G, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBAL ATLANTIC, MIDAMERICAN & NATIONWIDE.

June 11 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Grand Avenue in the Historic East Village

A celebration of community and culture, the annual Pride Parade is a PrideFest Weekend must see! The iconic route starts from the Iowa State Capital and then travels down Grand Avenue beginning at 12:00. Show us your PRIDE!

CCP Service Day at Adventureland Bay

June 12 | 11:00 – 7:00 PM | Adventureland Resort

Capital City Pride invites you to join us on Monday, June 12th at Adventureland Bay for a fun-filled day to relax and unwind after a busy PrideFest! This year, Capital City Pride is reserving the 5 Island Cabanas at Adventure Bay.

CCP AIDS Quilt Remembrance

PRESENTED BY POLK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HOYT SHERMAN PLACE

June 16, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM | June 17, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hoyt Sherman Place

Join Capital City Pride and Hoyt Sherman for the AIDS Quilt display. Six 12’x12’ quilt panels of Iowans will be displayed as a teaching tool to help educate people about HIV/AIDS, its continued impact today, and to remember the 700,000 U.S. lives lost in the four decades since the first cases were reported.

Des Moines Menace Pride Night

June 17 | 7:00 PM | Valley Stadium

June is Pride Month, and the Des Moines Menace are teaming up with Iowa Safe Schooles to raise money and spread awareness! The soccer team will wear special edition Pride jerseys during their match and money raised from sales will be donated to Iowa Safe Schools.

JULY PRIDE EVENTS

storytellers

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP BY BUSINESSOLVER, ATHENE, IMT INSURANCE

July 13 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM

At the heart of everything people care about is a great story. This event is a night of first-person stories from LGBTQ+ community members and allies.

Pride Book Club The Verifiers

PRESENTED BY UNITYPOINT

July 18 | 6:00 PM | The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Join us at Capital City Pride Book Club where it is our mission to provide a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ community (+allies) to read and discuss LGBTQ literature; stories that are not only for us, but that are often by us as a community.

Rainbow Safari

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HY-VEE AND TITO’S VODKA WITH ASSISTANCE FROM COMMUNITY STATE BANK

July 20 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | Blank Park Zoo

Rainbow Safari is a family-focused evening hosted at Blank Park Zoo offering the opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to come together in an inclusive space. Enjoy an evening of animal gazing, feeding and entertainment.

Broadway Singalong

PRESENTED BY J&D RESTAURANTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TITOS VODKA

July 26 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM, All Ages | 8:30 – 11:00 PM, 21+ | Noce

Join us for a fully interactive evening of Broadway show tunes performed by a stellar cast featuring a very special guest performer…YOU! Come and enjoy and sing your favorite Broadway songs.

AUGUST PRIDE EVENTS

Rainbow Scavenger Hunt

PRESENTED BY RYAN ROHLF/KELLER WILLIAMS DSMSOLD

August 3 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | East Village

Grab a team or take it on solo for this family friendly event. Join us for a scavenger hunt that involves riddled clues to find the location of our Capital City Pride Rainbow. This event takes place in the Historic East Village.

Movie Under the Stars

PRESENTED BY LINCOLN SAVINGS BANK

August 19 | 7:00 PM | Science Center of Iowa

Capital City Pride and The Science Center of Iowa invite you to join us for a movie night under the stars. Bring your friends and family and a blanket or some lawn chairs to lounge and watch a movie.

SEPTEMBER PRIDE EVENTS

Pride Book Club The House on the Cerulean Sea

PRESENTED BY UNITYPOINT

September 13 | 6:00 PM | Beaverdale Books

Join us at Capital City Pride Book Club where it is our mission to provide a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ community (+allies) to read and discuss LGBTQ literature; stories that are not only for us, but that are often by us as a community.

The Gag Show

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TITO’S VODKA

September 14 | 7:00 PM | TeeHees Comedy Club

Capital City Pride and TeeHees Comedy Club invite you to a night of comedy with some of the best comedians in Des Moines. Grab your friends and be ready for a laugh.

AFresh Perspective

PRIDE LOVE

The Kiss 107.5 FM Main Stage friday, june 9

5:00 PM

Festival Kick-off

5:15 PM

Drag Entertainment

PRESENTED BY DTF PRODUCTIONS

6:45 PM

Haiku Hands + ASL Interpreter

8:00 PM

Sheila E. + ASL Interpreter

9:45 PM

Trixie Mattel (DJ Set) + ASL Interpreter

Des Moines Music Coalition Community Stage

5:00 PM

Community Stage Kick-off

5:15 PM

Jordan Formaro

6:00 PM

Soultru

6:45 PM

Miss Christine

7:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Silent Disco

PRESENTED BY BH MANAGEMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SYMETRA

FRIDAY MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE

SHEILA E.

FRIDAY MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE

TRIXIE MATTEL

DJ SET

ENTERTAINMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

The Kiss 107.5 FM Main Stage saturday,

june 10

12:00 PM

Girls Rock! Des Moines

1:15 PM

Quinn Trilk

2:15 PM

Alyx Rush

3:15 PM

Jenny Kohls

4:30 PM

Drag Entertainment ft. Landon Cider

PRESENTED BY DTF PRODUCTIONS

5:45 PM

Caleb Elliott

7:00 PM

The Glory Hole Comedy Hour with host: Matt Weis, Amber Lehman, Matt Lamb, David Shaun, Brittany

Tilander, Trumaine Bradley

8:15 PM

Pride Mr. Mrs.

Mx. Pageant Winners + ASL Interpreter

8:30PM

Leslie and the LYs + ASL Interpreter

9:30 PM

Shangela + ASL Interpreter

Des Moines Music Coalition Community Stage

10:00 AM

Pet Parade

PRESENTED BY F&G

12:30 PM

Drag Entertainment

PRESENTED BY DTF PRODUCTIONS

1:45 PM LINE

3:00 PM

The Satin Dollz

4:00 PM

MFKS ft. J’Main

5:15 PM

Worst Impressions

6:30 PM

Drag Entertainment

PRESENTED BY DTF PRODUCTIONS

8:00 PM

Allegra Hernandez

SHANGELA

ENTERTAINMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

sunday, june 11

The Kiss 107.5 FM Main Stage

9:00 AM

Yoga PRESENTED BY POWER LIFE YOGA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WELLMARK

10:00 AM

Pride Worship

PRESENTED BY DOWNTOWN DISCIPLES + ASL Interpreter

3:00 PM

PrideFest Parade Winners + ASL Interpreter

3:15 PM

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

3:45 PM

Drag Entertainment

PRESENTED BY DTF PRODUCTIONS

4:45 PM

Festival close-out

PRIDE PARADE 2022 | PHOTO: JOELLE BLANCHARD

PRIDEFEST SAFETY

Alert Iowa

Sign up for Alert Iowa via text message to receive important county notifications right to your phone.

Text YourCountyNameIA (ours is PolkIA) to 672-83

Be Prepared. Stay Aware.

Sign up for Alert Iowa notifications via text message and receive important PrideFest specific notifications via text message.

Text PRIDE to 672-83

911 – Call if you can, text if you can’t

It’s always preferred that you call 911, but in Iowa if you can’t call, then text! Currently, all carriers have taken the necessary steps to allow you to text 911 on your mobile phone in Iowa.

As of January 28, 2020, 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties have 911 call centers capable of receiving text messages. The only county that is still not Text-to-911 capable is Pottawattamie

VIP LOUNGE

Join us for our first ever PrideFest VIP Experience! Ticket holders will have access to a premium parking space, a private VIP only bar, a complimentary IV Infusion from Iowa IV as well as air conditioned trailers provided by Top Level Suites.

VIP ticket holders will be able to relax or enjoy the Kiss 107.5 Main Stage shows from the rooftop decks and lounge furniture and receive 2 complimentary Capital City Pride merchandise items.

Tickets sell for $150 and will be capped at 100. VIP ticket holders will have first option to purchase Trixie or Shangela meet and greet tickets for an additional $25.

pridefest Schedule

Friday, June 9

5:00 – 11:00 PM

Lounge / Bar Open

Saturday, June 10

11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Lounge / Bar Open

Sunday, June 11

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lounge / Bar Open

PRESENTED BY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Symetra is proud to support the Capital City Pride

We embrace and celebrate the diverse identities, experiences and perspectives that make us a stronger company, a stronger country and a stronger world.

Symetra Empowers® Inclusion

Pride Grows Here

FAMILY & KIDS ZONE

pridefest Schedule

Saturday, June 10

9:00 – 10:00 AM

Little Rainbow Kids Run

Check-in begins at 9 AM. Run begins at 9:30 AM and is hosted between the Community and Main Stages.

BREAK IN PROGRAMMING

10:00 AM

F&G Pet Parade

Pet Zone / Community Stage

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Blank Park Zoo

Zoo to You Class with live animals

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Iowa Wild

Crash the mascot will be on site with an inflatable hockey goal

12:00 – 2:00 PM

Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Puppy pen and adoptable pets

12:00 – 5:00 PM

ARAG Legal Insurance

Sand art workshop

12:00 – 5:00 PM

Des Moines Fire Department

Firetruck on display and tours

12:00 – 5:00 PM

Iowa Corn Growers Association

Biofuels Interactive Trailer along with activity books and water bottle giveaway

12:00 – 5:00 PM

Goldfish Swim School

Membership giveaways and activities

Vendor times may extend or change based on attendee demand

12:00 – 5:00 PM

Johnson Robotics Association

Interactive driving experience on robot driving course

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Iowa Wolves

Alpha the mascot will be on site for photos and basketball shooting game

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Des Moines Buccaneers

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Professor Von Air Balloon animals and free creations

1:00 – 4:00 PM

DSM Art Club Various art and coloring activities

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Iowa Cubs

Cubbie the mascot will be on site for photos and giveaways

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Molly’s Cupcakes

Cupcake decorating classThe first 100 kids will receive cupcakes to decorate

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation and Polk

County Master Gardeners

Urban garden workshopPlant a seed and spin the agriculture prize wheel

3:00 – 4:00 PM

Science Center of Iowa

Star Party

THIS COULD BE YOUR CAMERA ROLL.

HAVE HEARD?

ONLY THE S S ARE SILENT

HEALTH & WELLNESS ZONE

pridefest Schedule

Saturday, June 10

12:00 – 11:00 PM

Health Screenings

PRESENTED BY UCS HEALTHCARE

UCS Healthcare delivers comprehensive health care services, including medical and behavioral health diagnosis, education, and treatment, including therapy, psychiatric services, substance use disorder therapy, and medication assisted treatment

12:00 – 11:00 PM

Primary Health Care

Primary Health Care provides medical, dental, and behavioral health care. PHC is also the home of The Project at PHC, an HIV prevention, care, and treatment services

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Corporate and Community Health & Wellness

PRESENTED BY SAMMONS

FINANCIAL GROUP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DLL FINANCIAL

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Polk County Health

Creating conditions for all people to live healthy lives by engaging residents, reducing health disparities and attending to the needs of the most vulnerable families

12:00 - 6:00PM

Pride Fitness DSM

Free stretching or soft tissue treatment

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Planned Parenthood

Your health is our highest priority and we believe your body is your own. Planned Parenthood, is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive and sexual healthcare, and sexual education

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Pride Sports League

Dunk Tank - It only takes one good throw to soak your favorite Board members and Community Celebrities

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Des Moines Buccaneers

Vendor times may extend or change based on attendee demand

PRESENTED BY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Testimonials

It has been an absolute pleasure working with York to sell our home. He is extremely responsive & never rushed whenever we have a question, which have been many! He has taken the stress out of selling our home & left us feeling really good about the process. Would highly recommend working with him. -Kim H.

York took all the stress out of buying our home. He was always available to answer our questions, and helped us every step of the way. York is a wonderful realtor with extensive knowledge and gives sound advice. He helped us feel confident in our decision to purchase our home. -Chad P.

TEEN ZONE pridefest Schedule

Saturday, June 10

12:00 – 5:00 PM

Iowa Safe Schools

Booth & Tailgate Zone

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Meta / Facebook

Metaverse goggles experience

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Ellipsis

“What does Pride Mean to Me”

Activity / Social Media Lounge

12:00 – 6:00 PM

DMACC

Selfie Station

Take your best selfies and text them to your besties

Pit Crew Challenge

Clock the fastest time to win the challenge

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Job Corps

Come play some bags or other outdoor games

12:00 – 6:00 PM

Button, Buttons, Buttons

Your chance to make your own PrideFest button memory

2:00 – 6:00 PM

Des Moines Library

Check out what’s going on at the Des Moines Library

5:00 – 9:00 PM

Teen Zone Silent Disco

PRESENTED BY SYMETRA

Show your best TikTok dance moves to the music only you can hear

Vendor times may extend or change based on attendee demand

PRESENTED BY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WE RUN TOGETHER.

We live up to the legacy of innovation our founder forged in a one-room blacksmith’s shop nearly two centuries ago by creating a culture that brings out the best in all of us. At John Deere, we take great pride in empowering LGBTQ employees to make the greatest impact as their true selves. Together, we’re stronger. And together, we RUN so life can LEAP FORWARD Deere.com/Diversity

PET ZONE pridefest Schedule

Saturday, June 10

9:00 AM Line-up

10:00 AM Start

Pet Parade

PRESENTED BY F&G

Check-In, Pet Zone / Community Stage. Parade goes from Pet Zone to Community Stage

9:00 – 5:00 PM

Paws & Pints

Membership giveaways, dog hotdog bobbing, and doggy champagne

10:00 – 12:00 PM

Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Puppy pen and adoptable pets

10:00 – 5:00 PM

Animal Rescue League of Iowa

K9 Cafe and K9 Kooldown

1:00 – 4 PM

Zoom Room

Dog agility course

Vendor times may extend or change based on attendee demand

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Creating vibrant communities

When we come together to build stronger communities, we give our time, energy, and ideas to help influence positive change. And as we watch progress take root, we grow as well. wellsfargo.com/donations

Capital City Pride, thank you for your commitment and service to the community.

Leading with inclusion

We believe in a work environment— and a world—where everyone can be their authentic self. Where diverse perspectives help everyone achieve more.

At Principal®, that means prioritizing inclusion, integrity, and respect. Not only does this enable our workforce to reach their full potential, but it also helps us best serve our customers.

Thank you, Capital City Pride.

FREE STD Testing!

Know your Status! Come get FREE & confidential HIV/STD testing. We'll be testing with the Project of PHC in their Mobile Health RV during Pride Weekend. Look for us in the Health & Wellness section. Happy Pride!

More STD Testing Info Here!

2023 SPONSORS

2023 SPONSORS

SILVER

AFresh Perspective

BRONZE

& RESTAURANTS J D

®

substancearchitecture

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

2 THE TOP BEAVERDALE BOOKS

BLANK PARK ZOO

COMMUNITY STATE BANK

DES MOINES MENACE

DES MOINES MUSIC COALITION

DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS

DES MOINES WATER WORKS

DOWNTOWN RIVER CENTER

DSM DRAG KING

ELLIPSIS IOWA

HOYT SHERMAN PLACE

IMPERFECT INSPIRATION

IOWA CUBS

IOWA SAFE SCHOOLS

JUNETEENTH

KITCHEN COLLAGE

NIAC – IOWA CHAPTER

NOCE

PLATFORM

RICOCHET

SLOW DOWN COFFEE CO

STORYHOUSE BOOK PUB

TEEHEE’S COMEDY CLUB

THE BLAZING SADDLE

THE DES MOINES ART CENTER

THE GARDEN

UP DOWN

VARSITY THEATER

REMEMBERING OUR COMMUNITY

Capital City Pride would like to pay tribute to Ruby James Knight (Jim Raymond), Iowa drag legend.

Ruby James Knight (Jim Raymond) was a drag legend in Iowa for 30 years and was known for their Phyllis Diller outfits, retro wigs, and dignified demeanor. Knight won the title of Miss Waterloo in 1998 and 2008 and had a significant impact on the state’s LGBTQ+ community as a mentor, performer, founding member of Community AIDS Assistance Project, and event organizer.

Their career started when Jim was hanging out at a bar in 1995 called The Bar. Jim and a group of co-workers at John Deere Co. took

the stage in drag “for fun,” and Raymond caught the eye of house queen, Courtney Michaels, and Lili Whyte. Michaels invited Raymond back and helped with make-up and clothes. Whereas Jim was shy, Ruby was a persona that Jim considered beautiful and loving.

Over the years, Knight became well-known for her classy style, generosity, and charisma on stage, and her fellow queens credit her with transforming their lives. Knight will be missed by many, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of drag performers and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Ruby James Knight (Jim Raymond) September 7, 1954 - May 11, 2023

Sharon Malheiro was a tireless champion for LGBTQ+ Iowans, exhibiting an extraordinary passion for civil rights. She committed herself to advocacy work and had a significant impact. Sharon’s legacy lives on through the Varnum v. Brien ruling, which helped guide the way for a federal Supreme Court ruling in 2015, allowing same-sex couples the right to marry in Iowa. On October 10, 2009, Sharon accomplished her personal goal by legally marrying her partner, Sue, in the eyes of all, after their union was first formalized in a commitment ceremony eight years earlier. Their commitment spanned over 33 years. Sharon’s advocacy work focused on both local and statewide goals, such as the passage of an anti-discrimination ordinance in Des Moines and outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in Iowa.

Born in Chicago, Sharon attended Drake University and graduated with a degree in journalism. She served as the managing editor of the Des Moines Register and

Tribune syndicate from 1979 to 1987 before getting a law degree from Drake Law School in 1988. She joined the Davis Brown law firm in 1990 and became a shareholder in 1995, eventually serving as its president from 2010 to 2012. Sharon was the first openly gay woman to be a law firm president in all of Iowa, and she played a key role in the firm’s relocation to the Davis Brown tower.

Sharon’s commitment to creating real and lasting change came from her personal connections with people, and she and Sue opened their home every Friday for “Framily Night,” where they shared food, wine, and advice with friends. Sharon continued her advocacy work on LGBTQ rights up until her death, working on issues such as birth certificates, death certificates, divorce, elder care, and family rights. Sharon loved hard, and our community was lucky to benefit from her kindness, her stories, and her hearty laugh.

Capital City Pride would like to pay tribute to Sharon Malheiro, co-founder of One Iowa.

Sharon Malheiro November 26, 1956 - April 10, 2023

P K P E

2023 PRIDE GALA AND AWARD WINNERS

Person of the year

Becky Tayler

Becky Tayler (She/Her/Hers) is the Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools. She has spent most of her career in direct service of LGBTQ youth across Iowa and was excited to step back into the work that Iowa Safe Schools is doing statewide. She is inspired by the incredible work being done by young people across the state in GSAs and QSOs. Becky is especially interested in helping students and young people use their voice to create positive change in their communities through youth activism and advocacy efforts.

Person of the year

Bethany Snyder and Kris Maul

Bethany Snyder and Kris Maul are a queer couple living in Urbandale, with their amazing 12-year-old kiddo and adorable pets. They plugged into the LGBTQ+ community focusing on strengthening connections for LGBTQ+ families by starting Central Iowa Rainbow Families, a group focused on providing support, social, and advocacy opportunities for LGBTQ+identified parents and families with LGBTQ+ children. Today Central Iowa Rainbow Families boasts a membership of over 600 and partners with community organizations for multiple events each month. Bethany is also the Board Chair of One Iowa Action and looks for opportunities to build connections and foster partnerships within the LGBTQ+community whenever she can. They have both served on boards and in leadership roles for several national and local LGBTQ+ organizations, including Family Equality.

HONORARY PERSON OF THE YEAR

Meda Brkic

Meda Brkic is a Relationship Manager that’s has been with F&G for 9 years. She was instrumental in building the foundation for the company's DEI efforts and currently sits on the F&G’s DEI Council. She is an active CCP Board member serving as the Director of Diversity, Accessibility & Inclusion. Meda also serves on various boards, committees and is an active volunteer in the community. Originally a refugee from Bosnia, Meda’s passion is to help those less fortunate and facing adversity.

Ally of the year

Amber Haltom

As the proverbial “fat kid” I spent my most of my life trying to be invisible, and not be noticed because I didn’t feel confident or comfortable in who I was. I felt embarrassed with group interactions, and uncomfortable, always staring at the floor and avoiding the vulnerability of eye contact so that I could not see any passing judgment. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-thirties that I finally decided I wanted to live my life my way. No apologies, no embarrassment, no feeling like an outsider, and no more living my life to make others more comfortable with who I am.

Working with the DLL DEI DREAM Committee has helped me further find my voice and unabashedly be who I am and help others find their voice within DLL’s activities.

I have a daughter who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and I want her to always be comfortable with who she is and proud to show the world her true self no matter what! She has helped me with DLL’s involvement

in the annual Pride Parade and has been a big supporter with ideas and making sure we are able to pull it off! She is an amazing human, and I want her to always know who she is, and have confidence in the light she brings to the world! Being able to be involved in something that brings so much to the world she lives daily is absolutely the best experience.

I love everything about Capital City Pride, and have felt welcomed at every turn, in everything I participated. I am so proud to be able to be involved and hopefully able to inspire people to do the same. I used to think “I won’t fit in there” or “These are untested waters, and it’s scary for me,” but through my volunteering with CCP and DLL, I have overcome so many of those mental obstacles! Nothing is off limits with an amazing community behind you. Even while at the booth for fun run even if we all know this body was not built for running, people were talkative, and made me feel like I’m a valuable part of the event.

I want to do what I can to empower a loving community that it often criticized, and judged, which I am able to relate to, on a non-comparable level. No one should feel like they need to be invisible and hide who that are. You do you, and I’ll have you back, promise. Let’s make some eye contact!

company of the year

Broadlawns Medical Center

We are so proud to receive this award for our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Despite our differences, we are all connected, we are all a part of humanity. At Broadlawns Medical Center, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and affirm our commitment to health equity and equal rights. We encourage our Broadlawns Physicians and Therapists to complete One Iowa training to assure LGBTQ+ patients will receive culturally competent care from their medical providers. We are committed to a workplace culture providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ team members, patients and families—and we are proud to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community! Together we are better.

2024 PRIDE GALA SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024

THE RIVER CENTER

The Right Firm. The Right Fit.

Whitfield & Eddy Law is proud to support Capital City Pride and the 2023 PrideFest.

We deliver custom legal solutions for families and businesses throughout Iowa and across the country.

MEET THE BOARD

Dan Jansen (he/him), Chair

Pride celebrates love and acceptance, and gives people a particularly special freedom to express themselves however they would like in regards to their self identity, partner choice, and more. Pride also promotes equality, visibility, and justice. I also believe visibility is education. When we are proud of ourselves we become our authentic selves.

Burl Hutchison (he/him), Vice Chair

Pride is important to me because I spent far too much of my life not accepting myself. I will never again be scared to love the man that I do and to live my life free and fearless. Pride is a time to celebrate how far we have come, recognize how far we have to go and to stand together, fearless in our pursuit to get there.

Meredith Murphy (she/her), Secretary

Pride is important to me because I want young kids to see, celebrate, and learn from older LGBTQ+ individuals so they know they can be themselves and be PROUD of it!

Pride is important to me because it is a chance to see all members of our community coming together to celebrate who we are. It is a space to be our authentic self. It gives me hope for the future to see the number of people that attend grow each year!

I celebrate Pride because it’s an inclusive space for all of us to come together to celebrate what makes each of us unique. Over the years, I’ve connected with some of my best friends and make new ones every year!

Pride is important to me because it represents togetherness and being able to celebrate your authentic self.

Pride is important to me because of the rich history from Stonewall to present. Pride is a beautiful reflection celebrating love, advocacy and overcoming adversity in such trying times. I celebrate Pride as an ally, uplifting and connecting others, building a village of unity, equity and inclusion for all.

Pride is an important celebration of inclusion and diversity. It’s a time for the LGBTQ community to be our authentic selves, rather than hide in a metaphorical closet.

Amy Eaton (she/her), Ex Officio

Vivette Perry (she/her/queen), Director of Entertainment & Gala

Rebecca Smith (she/her), Director of Community Engagement

Shannon Samuelson (she/her), Director of Finance

Maison Bleam (he/him), Director of PrideFest

Meda

Brkic (she/her), Director of Diversity, Accessibility & Inclusion

I celebrate Pride because it’s important to me to do my part to raise awareness around LGBTQ+ issues, but also to take in all the euphoria of celebrations, seeing how far we’ve come as a community, and so much more!

Bartley Mullin (he/him), Director of PR & Communications

I celebrate Pride, in honor of those who boldly live their truth, for those who are still traversing their own paths, and for those who were never afforded the opportunity. Pride serves as a momentous occasion for us all to unite in joyous commemoration of the unparalleled qualities that render each and every one of us exceptional.

Kyli Hassebrock (she/her), Director of Brand & Marketing

I celebrate Pride because everyone deserves to feel loved, welcomed and celebrated for exactly who they are. In today’s climate, when rights are being taken away from different genders, races and orientations, and people are so often being disrespected; It’s even more important to be loud about what you stand for.

Steven

Hodges (he/him), Director of IT

Pride is important to me because with everything that’s going on in the country, and the world as a whole, I think it’s incredibly important to show that we are proud and deserve to be equal to everyone else.

- Arthur Chan

May life always give you reason to celebrate

At

To

You should have the peace of mind to fully live every moment of your life. So at Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®, we want you to know you can count on us to be with you when you need us most. Wellmark.com

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. #21374

– Lin-Manuel Miranda 2016 Tony Awards

JOIN THE BOARD

Interested in joining the board?

Capital City Pride is a group of dedicated individuals who are committed to creating a more inclusive community for all. With diverse backgrounds and experiences, the board brings a range of perspectives to the table to ensure that our events and initiatives are reflective of the needs and desires of the LGBTQ+ community. Terms are two years and align with our fiscal year of August through July.

Don’t have time to commit to a board?

We offer a wide variety of committee and deputy director positions to get involved. To learn more about Capital City Pride and to get involved, visit our website at CapitalCityPride.org or email chair@capitalcitypride.org.

MAKE A DONATION

PRIDEFEST 2022 | PHOTO: JOELLE BLANCHARD

PRIDEFEST 2022 |

PHOTO: JOELLE BLANCHARD

WE TAKE PR I D E IN TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN

At NCMIC, we know that amazing things happen when we put others first. That’s why it’s important to us to take care of our employees and our customers in ways that celebrate their diversity and recognize their contributions toward a more inclusive community.

NCMIC stands with the LGBTQ+ community and we are proud to support Pride Fest 2023.

Job Corps is a no-cost education & vocational training program by the U.S. Dept. of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives by empowering them to get great jobs and become independent.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Our Mission is Making Lives Better

HELP FOSTER AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

RENEE ANZOVINO, VP of DEI, Culture & Experience has been with F&G since 2021. An actuary by trade, Renee was inspired to help people and achieved her MA in Mental Health Counseling. She is now a licensed professional counselor associate (LPCA) in Connecticut and leads F&G’s DEI efforts to integrate DEI strategies across the organization and help employees positively impact others.

ADV 2708 (04-2021)

Rev. 01-2023

At F&G we respect and embrace the identities of our people and

July 7-8 • Downtown Des Moines, Iowa

Sudan Archives · Deerhoof · Ric Wilson · Gustaf

House of Large Sizes · Elizabeth Moen · Maxilla Blue · Pictoria Vark · Tayls · Ramona and the Sometimes · Neil Anders and the Brothers Merritt · Monstrophe · Des Moines Music Coalition Summer Camps

Cautious Clay · Blu DeTiger · Thumpasaurus · William Elliott Whitmore

Etran de L’Aïr · Disq · McKinley Dixon · Ax and the Hatchetmen · Lipstick Homicide · Kiss the Tiger · Ancient Posse · Annie Kemble · Us Vs Them · Emma Butterworth · Penny Peach · Hurry Up, Brothers · Allegra Hernandez · Lady Revel · Flash in a Pan · Chill Mac· Surf Zombies · Basketball Divorce Court · Zap Tura · Glass Ox · Salt Fox · Belin Quartet · The Crust Band · Lost Souls Found · Girls Rock! Des Moines

THANK YOU TO OUR RAINBOW SPONSORS