West Des Moines hosts first-ever Pride event

West Des Moines is holding its first-ever Pride event later this month.

Why it matters: While Des Moines is known for its Pride festivities, LGBTQ advocates in the suburbs say they want to highlight support within their own communities too, amid a wave of LGBTQ state legislation.

Driving the news: Bing's owner Val Veiock grew up in West Des Moines and is spearheading the family-friendly Pride event at Railroad Park in Valley Junction on Sunday, June 30.

• "As a young person, I would have loved to have a Valley Junction Pride."

Zoom in: The free event will include a Pride pet parade, drag storytime, maker's market and live entertainment from 12-4pm.

What they're saying: Veiock says she wants to show Iowans want to be inclusive.

• "As a business owner, I want people to stay in Iowa — to create jobs in Iowa," Veiock says.
• "The legislation has people leaving. ... When you don't feel welcome here, why would you want to stay here?"

Zoom out: Ankeny is also hosting its third annual Pride event this Saturday at AMP.

• The event has grown to 45 food trucks and vendors.
• "Ankeny has been ready to embrace this work," says Ankeny Pride president Jill Bjorklund.

The big picture: In recent years, Iowa lawmakers have passed a record number of LGBTQ legislation , including banning gender-affirming care for minors and banning LGBTQ instruction in elementary schools.

• Des Moines' suburban school board races have become highly partisan as well, with both LGBTQ and Evangelical groups fundraising and weighing in on how queer issues should be addressed in schools.