Celebrate the LGBTQ Community on National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11

Each year, on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day celebrates the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The awareness campaign is an opportunity to take a stand against discrimination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community and even #weartheribbon to celebrate this year’s event on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

In Greater Des Moines (DSM), you can continue to show support for the local LGBTQ past National Coming Out Day, too, by spreading awareness and/or attending upcoming One Iowa events like the 2022 LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Ave., and the LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summit, a virtual event taking place on the following Wednesdays: Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.

LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards

The LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards showcase community leaders who have helped positively influence Iowa as an ally of the LGBTQ community. The event is hosted by dsm magazine, One Iowa and American Equity and includes networking from 4:30 until 5 p.m. and a program from 5 – 7 p.m. Purchase a ticket to the event here.

LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summit

This highly anticipated event is for anyone looking to create a more inclusive workplace. Once you register for this One Iowa Summit, you will have access to all four sessions, including:

• Session 1: LBGTQ 101 & LGBTQ 201 on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• Session 2: Allyship in the Workplace on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• Session 3: DEI Employee Resource Group Best Practices on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• Session 4: Inclusive LGBTQ Workplace Policies & Legislative Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 2 -4 p.m.

Find information on legal support, healthcare providers, upcoming events and resources at the One Iowa website, oneiowa.org. If you’d like to receive LGBTQ Iowa news, information on volunteer opportunities and alerts for upcoming events, sign up for the One Iowa newsletter. One Iowa is an organization committed to educating on LGBTQ issues and empowering LGBTQ leaders within the community.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) welcomes diverse talent to the region. As one of the fastest growing business communities, inclusion and attracting diverse talent in the workplace is a key strategy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more here.