News & Events
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
UU 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.
Gray Area Thinking, a workshop on “inclusion” facilitated by Ellie Krug
Gray Area Thinking, a workshop on “inclusion” facilitated by Ellie Krug
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Unity Center of Cedar Rapids
3791 Blairs Ferry Rd NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Who: Free and open to the public.
To reserve your spot, RSVP at https://forms.gle/3BmrarzxrYrM8Q6m9
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.”
In 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
Called 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.
Sign 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.
Help 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.
“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…
Dr. James Zogby Two Years of War In Gaza Where Do We Go From Here?
The Peace, Justice and Democracy Team of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines in collaboration with Catholic Peace Ministry, First United Methodist Church Mission & Social Concerns Committee; Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom, and Democratic Socialists of America hosted Dr. James Zogby Two Years of War In Gaza Where Do We Go From Here? at First…
Upcoming Book Discussion on Red Earth Nation.
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation we want to both publicize and thank the Decorah UU Fellowship for hosting a Community Book Read “Red Earth Nation” by Eric Zimmer and Meskwaki Historians, Johnathan L. Buffalo and Dawn Suzanne Wanatee Buffalo. The First Unitarian of Des Moines Green Sanctuary Team and IUUWAN Environmental Justice Team are…