The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Advisory Council is a group of change agents committed to enhancing opportunities in housing, employment, city services and public accommodations for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Formed in 2017, the LGBTQ Advisory Council raises awareness, educates, and advocates for the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer residents and visitors of Des Moines to ensure the City’s department and services are fair and inclusive, with a particular focus on housing, employment, City services, and public accommodations.

• Providing assistance and advice to the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission regarding discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities with a focus on equal access to employment, housing, municipal practices and public accommodations.
• Advocating for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ persons.
• Educating the LGBTQ+ communities about the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission.

One aspect of the Bridging the Gap project are the DSM Reimagined Dialogues. These dialogues, a joint project of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission and the LGBTQ Advisory Council (LGBTQAC),  assessed the viability, equity, inclusivity and access of city resources. LGBTQAC conducted two listening sessions with over 40 community members and identified barriers to advancement that are also incorporated in the Bridging the Gap Recommendations.