Central College Common Ground

08/20/2026

⬇️ Community Resource ⬇️

Registration is open for the RISE Voice Training Group! RISE (Resonance, Identity, Self-expression & Empowerment) is a 10-week, online training program in gender affirming voice for people who are looking for an introduction to voice modification and vocal health

Sessions include vocal warm-ups, learning about topics like vocal weight and intonation, small group practice, and large group activities to help you explore your voice. Other topics addressed are pitch, intonation, resonance, language, and non-verbal communication. Sessions are run by graduate student clinicians who are supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist who specializes in gender affirming voice.

To get more information or reserve your spot, please contact Louise Pinkerton, [email protected], or call the clinic office at 319-335-8736.

08/12/2026

The ICSC Q***r Elders are hosting a q***r dance at Studio 13 from 3-6 pm on September 27th! It will feature q***r anthems from the 60s to the present, and drinks will be available for purchase. This event is for folks who enjoy going out and dancing but don’t want to stay up late. Anyone q***r-friendly is welcome. We’ll see you there! ✨💃🌈

08/12/2026

New HHS rule issued—and we know it’s scary. Here’s what you need to know: The new HHS rule impacts youth under the age of 18 for Medicaid and 19 for CHIP—it does NOT ban care, but does prohibit federal Medicaid and CHIP funding from being used for medically necessary care for transgender youth. The rule is expected to go into effect mid-October.

Now, here’s what else you need to know: Everyone, regardless of gender identity, deserves the healthcare they need when they need it. Today’s new rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services restricting access to medically necessary care for transgender young people is hurtful and harmful, and our hearts go out to all the families impacted. We will NEVER stop fighting for you and all of our trans loved ones.

We are working to get the best, highly-verified information possible from our legal teams, and we will report back with these details as soon as we have them—be sure to follow us here and check out our Stories as we share more.

If you are needing urgent emotional support—a place to vent, a person to reach out to, a space to commiserate with others impacted:

1) Reach out to your local PFLAG chapter by visiting pflag.org/find.

2) Join our private Facebook group, the PFLAG National Online Community. It’s a safe, moderated space that allows users to post anonymously. To join, visit facebook.com/groups/pflagnational, answer the three simple questions, and agree to the group rules. Please note that we take the privacy of our members seriously, and thoroughly vet all member requests.

Remember: You are not alone. This is a scary and challenging time, but together we will face this moment and every moment to come with unity, courage, hope—and always leading with love.

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

kinda chic... common ground edition✨🪩☀️ we will see you soon at the involvement fair around the pond on september 2nd!

07/05/2026

After the Iowa City closure, Des Moines will be home to the only remaining Planned Parenthood health center in Iowa.

Planned Parenthood provides far more than abortion care. Millions of patients rely on its health centers for birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, annual wellness exams, pregnancy testing, and other reproductive healthcare services.

As healthcare access continues to change across Iowa, it’s important to understand where care is available and what services patients rely on every day.

07/04/2026

We commemorate the 250th anniversary of this nation by carrying on the American tradition of dissent. Challenging those in power is woven into the very fabric of our nation. On this historic 4th of July, we’re recommitting to our defense of our most fundamental rights and freedoms, guaranteed to us in the Constitution centuries ago and all of those won since. Even through the darkest parts of our nation’s 250 years, one thing remains clear: We the people are worth fighting for.

Speaking out about government abuses is foundational to who we are as a country. We’ll keep performing our patriotic duty of speaking truth to power in defense of all of our rights.

06/12/2026

another central alum doing amazing things in the community!

06/07/2026

We're packing up the supplies tonight to see YOU at the Trans Lives Festival tomorrow, Saturday, June 6 from 10am - 6pm. Come check out the wonderful vendors, music, performances, and so much more. We'll be in the basement with FREEEEE clothes. See you soon!