The Conference

About The Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth

What is The Governor's Conference on LGBTQ+ Youth?

The Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ+ Youth is a place where Midwest LGBTQ+ youth can come together, celebrate who they are, and find the support they deserve. It’s a day to connect with friends, meet allies, plan for the future, and learn how to make a difference in their schools and communities.

At a time when LGBTQ+ young people are facing more challenges than ever, this conference is a reminder that they’re not alone—they’re part of a strong, joyful community that has their back.

Why is it called that?

Who Attends GovCon?

While many attendees are LGBTQ and allied middle and high school students, GovCon welcomes a wide and diverse audience, including:

Students (many with their GSA clubs)
Educators and school staff (LRC credit available!)
Parents and family members
Elementary students
College-aged students

Plus, nonprofit leaders, business leaders, and elected officials!

Who Organizes GovCon?

GovCon is hosted by Iowa Safe Schools, the largest LGBTQ youth-serving organization in the Midwest. Founded in 2002, Iowa Safe Schools works to create safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments for LGBTQ and allied youth through education, outreach, advocacy, and direct services.

Each year, Iowa Safe Schools serves over 10,000 youth across the state, providing resources for students, families, educators, and community members.

Why does it matter?

Across Iowa, LGBTQ+ students are navigating real challenges that affect their well-being, academic success, and future plans—including reduced access to identity-specific resources, experiences of bullying, and heightened concerns about safety and belonging. These barriers don’t just impact individual mental health and academic performance—they also shape students’ long-term decisions about where they want to study, work, and live.

Our Student Experience Survey, alongside The Trevor Project’s 2024 Iowa Report, offers key insights:

📚 82.99% of students say they’ve lost access to LGBTQ+ books and resources, contributing to feelings of isolation.
🛑 More than 50% report bullying, and 1 in 4 are hesitant to seek help—concerned about confidentiality or lack of support.
🧠 87.18% report increased anxiety and mental health concerns, which are directly linked to lower engagement and academic risk.
🌍 Only 33% of students surveyed plan to stay in Iowa after graduation, citing access to inclusive policies and protections as major factors in their decisions.

These outcomes aren’t just concerning for LGBTQ+ students—they carry broader implications for the future of Iowa’s schools, workforce, and communities. When students don’t feel supported, the state risks losing the next generation of educators, healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.

GovCon helps change that trajectory.

It gives students the tools to lead, collaborate, and advocate. It introduces them to educational pathways and professional connections—right here in Iowa. And it reinforces what research consistently shows: when students feel safe, affirmed, and included, they thrive.

Welcome to The Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth!

About The Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth

What is The Governor's Conference on LGBTQ+ Youth?

Who Attends GovCon?

Who Organizes GovCon?

🗣 “[The conference] teaches kids who feel like this and know who they are, but never really got the support to be who they are. It helps them grow up and know that this is okay and gives them the bravery to actually speak out about who they are and then help educate other students.”

Why does it matter?