DES MOINES, Iowa – As a way to educate and celebrate the diverse LGBT culture, Capital City Pride has started its first Speaker Series. The series will welcome six speakers over six months to the Des Moines metro to share their experience as members of the LGBT community. Each speaker will cover topics ranging from challenges and hardships they have faced to their individual paths to success in the hopes of inspiring those in our own community. With a variety of speakers, the series will represent those with different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add the Speaker Series into our 2018 Capital City Pride lineup, and we are incredibly fortunate that each of our speakers is such an outstanding pillar in their respective communities and professions,” said Dan Jansen, Vice President, Capital City Pride. “By inviting these inspiring guests to deliver their personal stories, we hope to not only educate, but also showcase how much of a positive impact members of our LGBT community can have in all aspects of life.”
The 2018 Speaker Series will be held at the Des Moines Art Center at 6:30 p.m. each evening with the exception of Jean Malpas on February 23rdwhich will be part of the Pride Gala at the Temple for Performing Arts. The series is free to attend however due to limited space, it is recommended that tickets be reserved at www.capitalcitypride.com.
Chadwick Boyd: January 25, 2018
Nationally recognized as a food and lifestyle expert, TV host, magazine contributor, and author, Chadwick Boyd has worked with food and lifestyle brands for nearly 25 years. He is the host of the ground-breaking new food series “Reel Food with Chadwick Boyd,” and has been a frequent guest on the Food Network, HARRY, Lifetime, Hallmark, NBC, FOX, and PBS.
Jean Malpas: February 23, 2018
As the Director of the Gender and Family Project at the Ackerman Institute in New York, Jean Malpas is a leading psychologist focusing on issues with gender and sexuality. With several published articles including, Family Process’ “Between Pink and Blue: A Multidimensional Approach to Gender Nonconforming Children and Their Families,” Jean’s work has been recognized by the Early Career Award of the American Family Therapy Academy.
Jonathan Lovitz: March 22, 2018
With a resume that includes Senior Vice President of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Director of NGLCCNY, the New York LGBT and Allied Business Network of NGLCC, Jonathan D. Lovitz has been advocate for LGBT economic empowerment and the vital role businesses play in creating equality. He is a regular commentator on MSNBC, CNBC, NPR, The Advocate, Out Magazine, and many others.
Michael LaRosa: April 19, 2018
After spending seven years as the producer for MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, Michael LaRosa became the Communications Director for the Senate Energy and National Resources Committee under the leadership of Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Michael has been featured in Washington Life’s 2017 Young & the Guest List, Capital File Magazine’s “13 Distinguished DC Men,” and Express Times profile piece.
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About Capital City Pride
Since 1978, Capital City Pride has brought together the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community their friends, allies, and supporters. The organization holds events that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate the diverse community and culture with and for the greater Des Moines Metro.