The following writers and artists have contributed to TRM:
Click on any author to see all of their writings published in The Real Mainstream.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Destiny Smith online pic 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Destiny-Smith-online-pic-1.jpeg)
Destiny 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. kelly stucker](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kelly-stucker.jpg)
Kelly Stucker is a life coach and former owner of The Konnexion in Iowa City and Dubuque.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. cathy chavez head shot](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cathy-chavez-head-shot.jpg)
Cathy Chavez is an instructional services specialist with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, a parent and a voracious reader.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. varla](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/varla.jpg)
Varla is a member of the I.C. Kings, and a motivational speaker.
Dr. Glenn Hurst runs a private practice in Minden, Ia., and was a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. alyson pearson new](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/alyson-pearson-new.jpg)
Alyson Pearson is a licensed social worker, parent, and founder of Pearson Mental Health Therapy.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. ox fotheringham roller derby](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ox-fotheringham-roller-derby.jpg)
Ox Fotheringham is a former member of the Old Capitol Roller Derby team in Iowa City.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Nat20 Photography](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Nat20-Photography.jpg)
David McDanel of Nat20 Photography is a full-service professional photographer based in Davenport. Reach him at nat20photo@outlook.com.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. cici bernstrom](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cici-bernstrom.jpg)
Cici Bernstrom is a social worker, parent and author who lives in small-town Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Goddess Carroll 3](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Goddess-Carroll-3.jpg)
Goddess 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.' "
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. heather mae](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/heather-mae.jpg)
Heather Fudala is an emergency room nurse in Richmond, Va.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Amanda Green 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amanda-Green-1.jpg)
Author 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.
A.J. Richard is a freelance writer based in Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Mike Pace headshot 250x335 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mike-Pace-headshot-250x335-1.jpg)
Mike Pace is a freelance writer based in Bettendorf, Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. jason frerichs](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jason-frerichs.jpg)
Jason Frerichs is a respiratory therapist, an activist and a freelance writer based in Central Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. latisha mcdaniel](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/latisha-mcdaniel.jpg)
Latisha McDaniel Grife is self-described queer left-leaning libertarian activist.
Lisa Skriver is an aspiring writer based in Iowa City.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. katie arcenas](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/katie-arcenas.jpg)
Katie Arcenas is a parent and medical professional from Coralville.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. ross clowser](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ross-clowser.jpg)
Ross Clowser is a professional jazz musician and former teaching assistant at the University of Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. eric kusiak](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/eric-kusiak.jpg)
Eric Kusiak is assistant nursing manager at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Ciinics.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. eric puryear head shot](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/eric-puryear-head-shot.jpg)
Eric Puryear is an attorney licensed in Illinois and Iowa and owner of Puryear Law in Bettendorf. Learn more at puryearlaw.com.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. bettie rage from my lips to yours](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/bettie-rage-from-my-lips-to-yours.jpg)
Bettie 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)
Dawn Frary is a professional photographer, death doula, and assistant at Faithful Companions pet cremation in Coralville, Ia.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. aime wichtendahl 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/aime-wichtendahl-1.jpg)
Aime 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. tyler mitchell](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/tyler-mitchell.jpg)
Tyler Mitchell is marketing and communications director for The Project of the Quad Cities and an adjunct instructor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Joan Altabe head shot](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Joan-Altabe-head-shot.jpg)
Joan Altabe is a long-time art journalist and critic who currently writes for Blasting News.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Nikki Lunden Trotter 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nikki-Lunden-Trotter-1.jpg)
Nikki 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. sharon hughes kunkel](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sharon-hughes-kunkel.jpg)
Sharon Hughes Kunkel runs Wordslinger Marketing & PR in Sarasota, Fl., and is a parent, longtime journalist and public relations professional, drummer in a rock band.
Kate Crane is a neuro-occupational therapist at Mayo Clinic and a graduate of Drake University.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. emma scintu](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/emma-scintu.jpg)
Emma Scintu is a graduate of the University of Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. kent mick head shot](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kent-mick-head-shot.jpg)
Kent Mick is an advanced placement teacher at Grinnell High School in Iowa, a parent, and a member of the original band The Jury.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. rich hendricks head shot](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/rich-hendricks-head-shot.jpg)
Rich D. Hendricks is pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in Davenport and co-founder of One Human Family QCA.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Tori Trembath](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tori-Trembath.jpg)
Tomi 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. caleb rainey main photo 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/caleb-rainey-main-photo-1.jpg)
Caleb Rainey is a touring spoken word poet, and awarm-winning slam poet, and author of two poetry compilations. Reach him at thenegroartist@gmail.com
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. alex kestrel](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/alex-kestrel.jpg)
Alex Kestrel is a nurse, longtime student of psychology and behavior, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Andrea Scott Photography 300x232 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Andrea-Scott-Photography-300x232-1.jpg)
Andrea 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. The Plantiful Pantry logo](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Plantiful-Pantry-logo.jpg)
The 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
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. cheryl weatherford](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cheryl-weatherford.jpg)
Cheryl Weatherford is owner of Chereal Designs, a custom jewelry design company based in Iowa City.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. znielsen head shot 150x203 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/znielsen-head-shot-150x203-1.jpg)
Zachery 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. mike goll](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mike-goll.jpg)
Mike Goll is co-founder of Pride Orange City in western Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. cat sinclair](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cat-sinclair.jpg)
Cat Sinclair is a parent and advocate for understanding chronic pain who is based in Iowa Falls.
Linda Park is an adjunct instructor at Kirkwood Community College and a blogger.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. mandi nichols](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mandi-nichols.jpg)
Mandi Nichols is founder of Corridor Community Action Network based in Iowa City. Learn more at ccan.org.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. kora acebear](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kora-acebear.jpg)
Kora Acebear is an asexual advocate and aspiring writer.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. viminda shafer 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/viminda-shafer-1.jpg)
Viminda 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.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. abby schwartz 720x500 1](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/abby-schwartz-720x500-1.jpg)
Abby Schwartz is a mom, aspiring novelist and gamer from central Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Imborek](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Imborek.jpg)
Dr. Katie Imborek is a family physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and a parent.
Michael Savage is an aspiring writer based in Rochester, Minn.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. thurgood brooks 2](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thurgood-brooks-2.jpg)
Thurgood Brooks is a youth coach, activist against police brutality, and former candidate for Illinois state representative and Rock Island mayor.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Rebecca Hathaway](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Rebecca-Hathaway.jpg)
Rebecca Hathaway is a parent and aspiring novelist based in central Iowa.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. sapphira](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sapphira.jpg)
Sapphira is a London-based burlesque performer and instructor, EDM musician and author. Learn more about her at sapphiramusic.com/
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. bob mueller](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/bob-mueller.jpg)
Bob Mueller is a longtime activist who now resides in Mount Pleasant, Ia., and volunteers on behalf of PFLAG Mount Pleasant and Iowa WINS.
![Featured Writers A roster of all writers featured in The Real Mainstream since its inception. Katie James](https://therealmainstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Katie-James.jpg)
Katie James is a customer service professional and parent based in Coralville, Ia.