We Are Waterland Pride.

Des Moines Waterland Pride is a registered 501c3, founded in 2022 to unite our local LGBTQIA+ family. We’re all about creating a warm and welcoming space where everyone feels they belong. Throughout the year, we host several free events, with our fabulous PrideFest lighting up every June! We also shine a spotlight on resources that matter to the queer community, and organize educational talks to boost awareness on issues important to LGBTQIA+ folks and their allies.

Pride visibility is essential because it gives LGBTQIA+ individuals the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. For many, seeing others who share their identity can be empowering and affirming, reminding them that they’re not alone.

Woman sitting at a table covered with rainbow-colored items and Pride merchandise, smiling at the camera with a Waterland Pride banner behind her, under a blue canopy.

Our Mission

Des Moines Waterland Pride advocates, educates, and fosters LGBTQIA+ awareness, emphasizing acceptance and belonging. Our mission includes addressing intersectional issues such as racism, housing and food insecurities, and homophobia and transphobia, and to create intentional, sustainable, and safe environments for the Des Moines LGBTQIA+ community.

Two smiling women, one in a colorful tie-dye shirt and the other in a multicolored geometric dress with a pink corset, standing in front of a yellow curtain and a speaker with purple lights.
Three women dressed in colorful, flamboyant costumes standing on stage with a metallic rainbow backdrop, smiling and posing for a photo.
Four women and one man sitting at a table in a restaurant decorated with string lights, enjoying drinks and wearing colorful, retro-style clothing and accessories.

Waterland Pride is a space where everyone belongs.

Three women holding a banner that reads, 'Thank you for being a friend,' during a Pride parade. The women are dressed in colorful, vintage-inspired outfits, and one is wearing sunglasses and a floral dress. The parade is on a street with pedestrians, and there are buildings, signs, and cones in the background.