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.