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Why Is It Called the Governor’s Conference?
We get this question a lot—and it’s an important one. You may have even found your way to this website after asking it on our social media pages.
The short answer is: the name is a call to attention—not a seal of approval.
A "Governor's Conference"...
A “Governor’s Conference” is a public gathering traditionally used to spotlight urgent statewide issues. There are Governor’s Conferences on education, public health, and economic development. This naming convention doesn't necessarily imply that the sitting governor has a perfect—or even decent—record on the issue at hand.
In 2005...
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack supported the launch of the very first Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth, affirming that LGBTQ student voices matter. Since then, every sitting Governor has been invited to attend and hear directly from LGBTQ youth—a group of constituents whose experiences deserve to be recognized and respected.
While early years saw more consistent leadership presence, recent years have not. And throughout the event’s history, there have been repeated efforts by detractors—people who don’t believe affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth should exist at all—to pressure organizers or the Governor’s office into changing the name. Those efforts have been unsuccessful.
The name stays
We understand that some well-intentioned adults (Facebook comment section, we see you! ❤️) have questions about the name. But our students—the heart of this event—get it. And they’ve been clear: they want to keep it.
The name is a challenge. The name is a reminder.
And most of all, the name is a message from students:
“We are here—and we deserve to be heard.”
This isn’t about honoring any particular Governor.
It’s a standing invitation—a call for Iowa’s leadership to show up, to listen, and to recognize the LGBTQ+ youth who are shaping the future of our state.
timeline: Govcon through the years
📅 2005 – The First Conference
GovCon launches with the support of Governor Tom Vilsack, becoming the first LGBTQ youth conference in the nation to receive gubernatorial backing. Organized by Iowa Safe Schools, the event provides a vital space for students to build community, learn about their rights, and feel seen.
🏛️ 2007 – Policy Wins for Students
Following several years of education and advocacy, Iowa passes the Safe Schools Law, protecting students from bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and updates its Civil Rights Act to include LGBTQ Iowans. GovCon continues to grow in visibility and impact.
📈 2012 – The Name Debate
Amid rising political pressure, some push to remove “Governor” from the conference title. But Governor Branstad affirms his support and allows the use of the name. Students, as always, choose to keep it—it’s not about one leader. It’s a standing invitation to all.
🌈 2016 – Record-Breaking Resilience
Over 1,200 people attend—the largest LGBTQ youth event in the country at the time. GovCon launches the Iowa GSA Network to connect student clubs year-round. The message is clear: this is a movement, not a moment.
🌍 2020 – Virtual and Vital
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GovCon adapts to virtual programming to continue serving students during a time of increased isolation. The commitment to connection and support never wavers.
📚 2023 – Fighting for Inclusive Schools
Returning to in-person, GovCon responds to Iowa laws like SF 496 that ban LGBTQ topics and books in classrooms. The conference offers sessions on student rights and advocacy tools—and doubles down on its mission to protect LGBTQ youth.
⭐ 2025 – 20 Years of Courage and Community
GovCon celebrates two decades of showing up for LGBTQ youth with a theme that honors the journey: “2005 to Today: 20 Years of Courage and Community.” With hundreds of attendees, national speakers, and student leaders at the center, the future is bold—and it’s student-led.