Posts by terry
Trans Lives Festival * Saturday, June 6 * 10 AM to 5 PM
What is Trans Lives Festival?
The annual Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival provides an affirming space for trans adults and youth to
celebrate & present their creative work to the LGBTQIA community and allied members of the public.
Sponsored by the Queer & Transgender Action Group (QTAG) of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines,
an LGBTQIA Welcoming Congregation & member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and the
Iowa Unitarian Universalist Witness & Advocacy Network (IUUWAN).
Questions? Email translivesfestival@ucdsm.org
Read MoreUU the Vote’s strategy for getting out the vote this fall
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais is a profound moral wound, not only to the people of Louisiana, but to the promise of a multiracial democracy. This decision invalidates Louisiana’s second Congressional district and paves the way for states to dismantle Black and Latino voting districts across the country. As Unitarian Universalists, we cannot remain silent.
Read MoreForgiving my Offender–transforming pain into purpose
Gray Area Thinking, a workshop on “inclusion” facilitated by Ellie Krug
Gray Area Thinking, a workshop on “inclusion” facilitated by Ellie Krug
In 2009, at the age of fifty-two, Ellie Krug transitioned from male to female while living in Cedar Rapids. Since then, she has worked to make the world fairer and more inclusive for all humans, particularly those considered “Other.”
Please read further to get the link for the recording.
Read MoreIn Decorah: “Aloka the Peace Dog” Choosing to walk with peace. With Guest Speaker Shelley Buffalo
“Aloka the Peace Dog” Choosing to walk with peace.
in Decorah this Sunday March 15, 10:00
Also:
“Rematriation and Indigenous Futurism”
Monday March 16 – 4:30
Read MoreCalled To Climate Action 2026
Please join me for the “Called to Climate Action” conference of the Iowa Faith and Climate Network on Saturday, March 21, from 9 am to 5 pm, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1340 3rd Ave. SE, in Cedar Rapids.
As the board chair for this nonprofit organization, I am excited to welcome neighbors and visitors to Cedar Rapids for this event. Please share with others who might be interested.
We do want people to register for this event (basic cost is $35, but scholarships are available) at this link:
https://iowafaithandclimate.org/ctca-registration/
Translives Festival moved to Saturday, June 6, 2026
Calling all transgender, gender queer, and nonbinary church members and friends. If you would like to participate in this year’s festival (Saturday, June 6, 2026) as a fine art or craft exhibitor, author, performer, or food/beverage vendor, please visit our website for more information on how to apply. Applications may be submitted beginning March 1. Questions? Email translivesfestival@ucdsm.org with any questions.
Read MoreSign petition supporting Immigrants in Iowa
On February 24, 2026, Rev. Carin Bringelson joined 50+ other clergy in hand-delivering a public letter to Rep. Ashley Hinson. In the letter, they urged the legislator to consider the civil rights of immigrants before voting on more funding for Homeland Security, stop her attacks on religious liberty and free speech, and meet with clergy and directly impacted immigrant families in her district.
Read MoreHelp Minneapolis Get a Nobel Peace Prize
The editors of The Nation are formally nominating the city of Minneapolis and its people for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
Read More“Red Earth Nation” Book Discussions
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, Decorah Unitarian Universalists (Decorah UU) is hosting book discussions of “Red Earth Nation” by Eric Zimmer and Meskwaki Historians, Johnathan L. Buffalo and Dawn Suzanne Wanatee Buffalo. This book was recommended by Shelley Buffalo from the Meskwaki Red Earth Nation. Free and open to the public, please join us…
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