Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival
June 6: First Unitarian Church of Des Moines Iowa
In honor of the International Transgender Day of Visibility, the Transgender Action Group For Iowa hosted the 6th annual all-ages festival showcased the creative work of transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa.
Work included visual art and crafts for sale, food trucks and booths, live music, poetry, literature, dance, drag, and comedy performances. Local nonprofit and community organizations provided support and resources to the trans community. TRANScendent, a member-founded ensemble of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, closed out the festival once again.
May Bingo Fundraiser
May 30 - The Blazing Saddle
Our May Bingo Beneficiary was Planned Parenthood and we raised over $1,000 for them!!
A HUGE thank you to everyone that came out! We'll be back at Saddle for Bingo a couple more time
Muffy Rosenberg's Celebration of Life
May 23 - The Garden Nightclub
On May 13, 2026, the LGBTQIA+ community lost a powerhouse, Muffy Rosenberg. The community gathered to celebrate her life in the most fitting way, by putting on a show. There were tears, but there was also laughter while remembering the incredible legacy that Muffy built.
Muffy was a fierce advocate for all, founded the Imperial Court of Iowa Guardian Angel Scholarship Fund, lifted up new and emerging performers, and brought joy to so many on and off the stage. She was deeply loved and will be missed always.
The Rosenberg name will continue on to carry Muffy’s legacy forward to the future generations of entertainers and the queer community.
Rest in Power Muffy.
Mother Day Brunch and Bingo
May 10 - The Garden Nightclub
The Priory hosted our Second Annual Mother's Day Brunch and Bingo to celebrate the fabulous mothers in our lives! This year, Anita Biscotti served up some great food and the fabulous Rusty Jones kept everyone hydrated at the bar. A huge THANK YOU to everyone that attended! We couldn't do this without you and look forward to next year.
Downtown Farmers Market
May 9 - Des Moines, IA
The Priory rose at the crack of dawn for our inaugural trip to the Downtown Farmers Market. Held in Downtown Des Moines’ Historic Court District, The Market spans 12 city blocks and brings together 305 vendors from 74 cities across 42 counties. The 2026 season features 75 produce and agriculture vendors, connecting Market-goers directly with local farmers and producers. We had an amazing time and will return!
Animal Lifeline of Iowa Comedians to the Rescue
May 1 - Events Center West
We were delighted to attend the 4th annual Animal Lifeline Comedians to the Rescue benefit show. ALI is Central Iowa’s only animal shelter focused on special needs cats and dogs, based in Des Moines and serving the entire state of Iowa. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats and dogs that are disabled, pregnant or nursing moms, orphaned, injured, abused, or undergoing treatment for ongoing medical conditions.
Inclusive Sexual Health Fair
April 28 - Mickle Community Center
We hosted our first inclusive sexual health fair with Polk County Health Department, The Project of Primary Health Care, Planned Parenthood North Central States, Annie's Foundation, The First Unitarian Church of Des Moines Iowa, and the Family Planning Council of Iowa. These groups provided information on sexual health, medication and treatments, STI testing, financial assistance, and so much more. Stay tunes for future health fairs!
We also made a surprise visit to our friends at The Little Book to celebrate Indy Bookstore Day!
Transgender Day of Visibility Service
March 31st - Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames extended an invitation to join them for Transgender Day of Visibly to share our stories, joy, and ministry with the Ames community. It was a privilege to spend the morning with them and share the work we do to create more inclusive and compassionate communities.
Leather & Lace Ball 3, Iowa Pride Ensembles Swing Fling
March 28th - Garden Nightclub & Bash
Welp, we broke the rules and split the party. But for 2 great events! Big Momma Jean, Nerdy Bear, and Gus Gus hosted a fantastic event and raised over $3,000 for Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund. Also that night, the Iowa Pride Ensembles Jazz Orchestra had their inaugural performance for the community. We had sisters at both events to help in all the merry-making. We can't wait to work with both of these groups again!
DMGMC Spring Concert - Silver Linings
March 20th - Urbandale High School
We joined the DMGMC once again for their Spring concert - Silver Linings: Moments of Hope & Joy in Otherwise Dark Times, in collaboration with the Des Moines Diversity Chorus.
March Beer Bust
March 15 - The Blazing Saddle
We came, we beered, we busted...again. Our second beer bust was over St. Patrick's Day weekend. Keep an eye out for more as we add them to our calendar.
March Bear Happy Hour & Raven's Uncaged
March 14-15 - The Garden Nightclub & The Blazing Saddle
The Raven family hosted a weekend of kink, education, community, vendors, and fun. The Saturday night variety show overlapped with the Capital Bears Happy Hour so all the critters were out. We mingled with the crowds and offered a blessing Saturday night for the variety show. Money raised during the variety show and silent auction was split between Lucien and Celina's travel fund and The Carter Johnson Library & Collection.
Krystina Pine Benefit Show
March 8 - The Garden Nightclub
We were honored to help celebrate the life of Krystina. Our amazing community showed up to raise over $3000 for Krystina's family.
February Beer Bust
February 15 - The Blazing Saddle
We came, we beered, we busted. We had a blast at our first beer bust of 2026. Keep an eye out for more as we add them to our calendar.
Dickolas' Top Surgery Benefit
January 31: The Garden
After bingo, a couple sisters went to support Dickolas T. Frost for his upcoming Top Surgery. Our Helda Magnum joined a magnificent line up of entertainers to help raise over $4,000 for Dickolas!
January Bingo Fundraiser
January 31: The Blazing Saddle
Our first bingo of the year was a blast! WE had a great turnout and raised funds to support our mission throughout the year.
Bar Ministry
January 24 & February 7: East Village, Des Moines
Snow storm? Don't know her 😆The sister ventured out in early 2026 to spread joy in our community.
Capital Bears Variety Show and Iowa Bear Fundraiser
January 10: The Garden Nightclub
We kicked off 2026 by helping the Capital Bears raise funds for Iowa Bear 2026, DJ Dom's travels during his title year! The Bears put on an amazing show emceed by Mama Jean and had some wonderful raffle baskets.
