Who We Are
Capital City Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization that brings together the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and queer community along with their friends, allies, and supporters. Our vision is to create a community where; the presence and contributions of LGBTQ+ people are welcomed and celebrated, where intolerance is challenged and defeated, where justice prevails, and where the civil rights of all people are valued and respected.
Capital City Pride brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, their friends, allies, and supporters. We do this by producing events that inspire, educate, and celebrate our diverse community and culture with and for the greater Des Moines Metro.
While best known for producing the annual PrideFest weekend celebration, Capital City Pride also leads nearly 100 programs and events throughout the year to embrace every aspect of our community. Each event is centered around one of the Five Pillars of Pride: Community, Wellness, Education, Family, and Celebration. These pillars guide our work and help us build a stronger LGBTQ+ community in Central Iowa.
Pillars of Capital City Pride
EDUCATION
HEALTH/WELLNESS
FAMILY
COMMUNITY
CELEBRATION
Education
CCP values continuous learning as an organization. We strive to create a culture where learning and innovation are celebrated and encouraged.We believe that educational opportunities should be available to LGBTQ+ individuals, community members, and allies to promote learning, conversation, collaboration and growth. Our educational programs and events enable members of our greater community to learn and appreciate diverse peoples, culture, and backgrounds and can be used as a primary source of sharing history and the vision for future community growth and evolution. These events also create storytelling experiences that show the amazing contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Health/Wellness
CCP believes in safe outlets for LGBTQ+ individuals to experience positive physical and mental health opportunities. Given the health disparities of the LGBTQ+ population, this work to build wellness cannot be taken for granted. Societal stigma, discrimination, denial of civil and human rights all result in higher rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Capital City Pride works to create opportunities for free, safe, and accessible spaces where LGBTQ+ people can navigate some of their own struggles through physical activity, meditation, art, cooking, and community. We also collaborate with organizations that specialize in or are a direct provider of health and wellness services.
Family
CCP believes there are many types of family, whether biological or chosen. Family has a different meaning to many people with equal importance in sharing love and life together. CCP celebrates families through events and activities that embrace our differences and highlights the common threads. We strive to create an environment where families can come together, share experiences, feel supported, connected, and safe. We have a special focus on creating spaces for LGBTQ+ parents, children, and teens.
Community
CCP believes it is critical to build a strong sense of community to create connection and belonging. Everyone nCommunities provide LGBTQ+ people and allies a place to find themselves, feel supported, and embrace their surroundings. These spaces have consistently helped individuals cope with difficult personal and societal challenges while offering the comfort of coming together and celebrating all of our unique individual lives.
Celebration
CCP believes that celebration of Pride is equally as important as the ongoing efforts for equal and fair rights. CCP creates spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel comfortable, uplifted, celebrate, and truly safe to simply be themselves! Celebration and awareness are year round efforts that culminate in the events of Pride Month.