Episode
Preserving Iowa’s Queer History_ Rick Miller & Sarah High of the Des Moines Pride Center S2E10
- Podcast
- In Other Words
- Published
- Jun 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3534
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Summary
In this episode of In Other Words Podcast, Jan, Val, Karen, and Pam sit down with two extraordinary leaders from the Des Moines Pride Center: longtime LGBTQIA+ advocate Rick Miller and Pride Center President Sarah High. Rick has spent nearly 50 years shaping and preserving Iowa’s queer history. From his first Pride Week in 1976 to his leadership in organizations like the Gay Coalition of Des Moines and the Gay & Lesbian Resource Center, Rick’s work has helped define LGBTQIA+ community life in the Midwest. This year, he was honored with the opening of the Rick Miller LGBTQ Library, a 4,000‑book collection dedicated to queer literature, archives, and community storytelling. Joining him is Sarah High, a Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and President of the Des Moines Pride Center. Sarah brings deep experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and crisis response through her work with the Central Iowa VA and UnityPoint Eyerly Ball. Her leadership reflects a commitment to building safe, affirming, and resilient spaces for LGBTQ+ Iowans. Together, Rick and Sarah share powerful insights into: • The creation and impact of the Rick Miller LGBTQ Library • The importance of preserving queer history in Iowa • Mental health and crisis needs within LGBTQ+ communities • The mission and future of the Des Moines Pride Center • What gives them hope as advocates and community leaders This is a heartfelt, inspiring conversation about identity, resilience, and the people doing the work to keep community alive. Subscribe to In Other Words Podcast for more conversations with creatives, community leaders, and storytellers. A Production of Crimson Crow Press