Dedicated to building a future where LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, supported, and celebrated
The Queer Youth Resource Center is dedicated to providing affirming resources, programming, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. We cultivate spaces for connection, creativity, and education by collaborating with local organizations, offering mentorship, and hosting events that celebrate and uplift queer identities.
Our mission is to empower young people to live authentically and access the tools they need for a successful future.
Events and Partnerships
Have an idea for an event? Have a space we can use? Reach out to us today!
Safe Space Prom
One of the most highly anticipated events held at the Des Moines Art Center each year is the Safe Space Prom, organized by the Des Moines Queer Youth Resource Center. This annual event is designed to provide a prom experience free from discrimination, bullying, or exclusion, ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth can celebrate this rite of passage in an environment of love and acceptance.
The Safe Space Prom offers an opportunity for young people to dress up, dance, and enjoy a memorable night with friends, all while knowing they are in a space where they are respected and celebrated for who they are. The event has become a hallmark of the Des Moines LGBTQ+ youth community, further solidifying the Art Center as a place of belonging and joy for all young people, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center’s partnership with the QYRC and its commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth goes beyond just providing a space for art-making. It is about building a community of acceptance, support, and empowerment, where every person is encouraged to embrace their authentic self and explore their creative potential. The Art Center has become a vital resource for LGBTQ+ youth in the Des Moines area, helping to nurture their artistic talents and foster a sense of connection to one another. Through art, these young people are not only learning new skills but also gaining the confidence to shape their own stories and define their own futures.
Our Team
The QYRC is made up of dedicated and passionate people who believe in queer youth
Annie
Micah
Jasper
Ollie
Jo
Kirstie
