Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who’s behind the Trans Community Dinners?
The Trans Community Dinners are a partnership between Madison Christian Community, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Integrated Counseling LLC, and our team of enthusiastic volunteers.
If you’re at a church, does this mean I’m going to be preached at?
Absolutely not. The Trans Community Dinner is a non-religious event. We want people of all faiths, and those with no faith, to feel welcome and embraced in our community.
Why are these churches doing this if you’re not trying to get people to come to church?
Because they recognize the importance of “third spaces” (places that aren’t where you live or work) in order to foster community. A lot of us lost our third spaces in the COVID-19 pandemic, and for queer people, most of the spaces we have left are bars and nightclubs.
Can I bring my cisgender friend/partner/spouse/etc.?
The dinners are a Safe Space reserved for trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people. Cisgender allies are invited to volunteer with the dinners in a support role (e.g. cooking, setup, cleanup, or transportation). Volunteers share the same free meal as the guests, in a separate space, after all guests have been served (usually by 6:45 pm or so).
Are children welcome?
Children age 12 and up are welcome to attend the dinners with a parent or guardian. Childcare for children under 12 can be provided if requested at least two weeks in advance.
What’s the parking situation?
Ample off-street parking is available in the church parking lot.
I have a food allergy. Will it be safe for me to eat?
If you let us know about your allergy at least 1 week in advance, we will make every effort to accommodate it. However, since the food is being prepared by volunteers in their home kitchens, we cannot guarantee that there won’t be some cross-contamination. You should consider the severity of your allergy and make your own risk assessment.
Why are alcoholic beverages not allowed at the dinners?
We want the dinners to be a safe space for those who are in recovery, and we want the focus to be on building relationships, not partying. There are lots of other places to party in Madison.
Are you taking any precautions for diseases like the flu or COVID-19?
Guests are strongly encouraged to stay current on vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu, but this is on the honor system. Nobody is checking your vaccination status.
Since some of our guests have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to infection, we ask everyone to refrain from attending if you are currently sick or still testing positive after an illness.
Since we are eating together, masking during the dinner isn’t really possible, but guests are welcome to wear masks before and after the dinner if it will make them feel more comfortable. Again, you are encouraged to make your own risk assessment.
My question isn’t listed here.
No problem! Email us at info@madisontransdinners.com.