The following writers and artists have contributed to TRM:
Click on any author to see all of their writings published in The Real Mainstream.
Zachery NielsenZachery Nielsen is owner and founder of Bloom Therapy, based in Bettendorf, Iowa and providing in-person and online counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Reach him at bloomtherapist@bloomtherapyqc.com.
Mike GollMike Goll is co-founder of Pride Orange City in western Iowa.
The Plantiful PantryThe Plantiful Pantry, run by Mariah Andrews and Devon Olberding, is an online nutrition guidance service focused on plant-based eating. Learn more at theplantifulpantry.com
Caleb RaineyCaleb Rainey is a touring spoken word poet, and awarm-winning slam poet, and author of two poetry compilations. Reach him at thenegroartist@gmail.com
Joan AltabeJoan Altabe is a long-time art journalist and critic who currently writes for Blasting News.
A.J. RichardA.J. Richard is a freelance writer based in Iowa.
Rich D. HendricksRich D. Hendricks is pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in Davenport and co-founder of One Human Family QCA.
SapphiraSapphira is a London-based burlesque performer and instructor, EDM musician and author. Learn more about her at sapphiramusic.com/
Katie ArcenasKatie Arcenas is a parent and medical professional from Coralville.
Bob MuellerBob Mueller is a longtime activist who now resides in Mount Pleasant, Ia., and volunteers on behalf of PFLAG Mount Pleasant and Iowa WINS.
Goddess CarrollGoddess Carroll is founder of Sunseed Community, a media platform and support network to acknowledge "whiteness, cis-heteronormativity, and patriarchy" and to liberate folks "within queer, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and communities who are deemed 'other.' "
Amanda GreenAuthor Amanda Green, of Coralville, is a senior learning specialist at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids; chair of the company’s Pride Enterprise Employee Resource Group; founding member of the I.C. Kings drag troupe; and parent of three kids with their wife Chelsea.
Destiny SmithDestiny Smith is single mom, an entrepreneur, author of the autobiography "Living My Truth," an AIDS/HIV advocate, and a peer navigator with The Project of the Quad Cities. Reach her at destinysmith0711@gmail.com.
Tomi TrembathTomi is a client services manager at Leepfrog technologies, the host of the Transcending Comics and Giant Sized Violence podcasts, a Cedar Rapids area writer, and a comic book enthusiast.
Katie ImborekDr. Katie Imborek is a family physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and a parent.
Kora AcebearKora Acebear is an asexual advocate and aspiring writer.
Katie JamesKatie James is a customer service professional and parent based in Coralville, Ia.
Abby SchwartzAbby Schwartz is a mom, aspiring novelist and gamer from central Iowa.
Ox FotheringhamOx Fotheringham is a former member of the Old Capitol Roller Derby team in Iowa City.
Cathy ChavezCathy Chavez is an instructional services specialist with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, a parent and a voracious reader.
Mandi NicholsMandi Nichols is founder of Corridor Community Action Network based in Iowa City. Learn more at ccan.org.
Cici BernstromCici Bernstrom is a social worker, parent and author who lives in small-town Iowa.
Michael SavageMichael Savage is an aspiring writer based in Rochester, Minn.
Dawn FraryDawn Frary is a professional photographer, death doula, and assistant at Faithful Companions pet cremation in Coralville, Ia.
Kate CraneKate Crane is a neuro-occupational therapist at Mayo Clinic and a graduate of Drake University.
Thurgood BrooksThurgood Brooks is a youth coach, activist against police brutality, and former candidate for Illinois state representative and Rock Island mayor.
Viminda ShaferViminda Shafer is a mom, former teacher, and leader of community development for The Project of the Quad Cities, which provides health services for the Quad Cities and 20 counties along the Iowa/Illinois border.
Eric PuryearEric Puryear is an attorney licensed in Illinois and Iowa and owner of Puryear Law in Bettendorf. Learn more at puryearlaw.com.
Cat SinclairCat Sinclair is a parent and advocate for understanding chronic pain who is based in Iowa Falls.
Rebecca HathawayRebecca Hathaway is a parent and aspiring novelist based in central Iowa.
Lisa SkriverLisa Skriver is an aspiring writer based in Iowa City.
Eric KusiakEric Kusiak is assistant nursing manager at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Ciinics.
Alyson PearsonAlyson Pearson is a licensed social worker, parent, and founder of Pearson Mental Health Therapy.
Ross ClowserRoss Clowser is a professional jazz musician and former teaching assistant at the University of Iowa.
Heather FudalaHeather Fudala is an emergency room nurse in Richmond, Va.
Bettie RageBettie Rage (her scene name) is a parent, financial professional, and 20-year member of the kink and Leather community. She has helped lead classes and workshops in the Leather Community and has served as Ms. Iowa Leather since 2020. (head shot by Coit Photography)
VarlaVarla is a member of the I.C. Kings, and a motivational speaker.
Cheryl WeatherfordCheryl Weatherford is owner of Chereal Designs, a custom jewelry design company based in Iowa City.
Nikki Lunden TrotterNikki Lunden Trotter is a longtime roots rocker based in Iowa City, and is the lead singer/guitarist for the Natural Habits Band. Contact her at naturalhabitsband@gmail.com.
Andrea ScottAndrea Scott is a full-service photographer and videographer based in eastern Iowa. See more of her work at andreascottphotography.com, and contact her at
(319) 325-8500 or andrea@andreascottphotography.com.
David McDanelDavid McDanel of Nat20 Photography is a full-service professional photographer based in Davenport. Reach him at nat20photo@outlook.com.
Jason FrerichsJason Frerichs is a respiratory therapist, an activist and a freelance writer based in Central Iowa.
Kelly StuckerKelly Stucker is a life coach and former owner of The Konnexion in Iowa City and Dubuque.
Mike PaceMike Pace is a freelance writer based in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Kent MickKent Mick is an advanced placement teacher at Grinnell High School in Iowa, a parent, and a member of the original band The Jury.
Alex KestrelAlex Kestrel is a nurse, longtime student of psychology and behavior, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Sharon Hughes KunkelSharon Hughes Kunkel runs Wordslinger Marketing & PR in Sarasota, Fl., and is a parent, longtime journalist and public relations professional, drummer in a rock band.
Linda ParkLinda Park is an adjunct instructor at Kirkwood Community College and a blogger.
Glenn Hurst, M.D.Dr. Glenn Hurst runs a private practice in Minden, Ia., and was a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022.
Latisha McDaniel GrifeLatisha McDaniel Grife is self-described queer left-leaning libertarian activist.
Tyler MitchellTyler Mitchell is marketing and communications director for The Project of the Quad Cities and an adjunct instructor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport.
Emma ScintuEmma Scintu is a graduate of the University of Iowa.
Aime WichtendahlAime Wichtendahl is a city council member in Hiawatha, Ia., and is a parent, customer service specialist, and freelance writer. You can reach her at info@aimewichtendahl.com.
