DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Safe Schools has announced that actor Harvey Guillén will serve as the keynote speaker for the 20th Annual Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth, scheduled for Friday, April 11, at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona.
The event, which celebrates two decades of advocacy and support for LGBTQIA+ youth, is sponsored by Musco Lighting and Google.
Guillén is renowned for his portrayal of Guillermo de la Cruz in FX’s critically acclaimed comedy “What We Do in the Shadows,” a role that earned him five Critics Choice Award nominations and made history as the first queer Latinx actor recognized in the Best Supporting Actor category. He also won two Imagen Awards for his performance. The series’ sixth and final season premiered in October 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome Harvey Guillén as our keynote speaker,” said Damian Thompson, Interim Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools. “As an openly LGBTQ and Latino actor, Harvey’s story underscores the power of embracing who you are without apology. We know his journey will inspire our students to live authentically and lead with courage.”
Guillén’s career spans live-action, voice acting, and producing. He recently starred in Warner Bros.’ sci-fi thriller “Companion” and Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Life of Chuck,” which debuted at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
His upcoming projects include Disney+’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip” and the dark comedy “Damned If You Do,” where he will star and executive produce alongside Kate Siegel.
Guillén also wrapped production on Studio 33’s “Spicy Will” and will begin filming the bromance comedy “That Friend,” serving as a producer.
The annual Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth was created in 2005 with the purpose of creating a safe space for LGBTQ IA+ youth in the Midwest to gather, show their pride, and learn about ways to advocate in their communities.
Through the years, the conference has grown to be the largest LGBTQIA+ youth conference in the nation, and has featured celebrity guest speakers from all walks of life.
Click HERE to register.
