Welcoming Transgender and Non-Binary People
Unitarian Universalists support and affirm the rights of all people with emphasis on the LGBTQIA+ population.
Here at USR we have been a Welcoming Congregation since 1998. The statement that was adopted: “The Unitarian Universalist Community Welcomes and Celebrates the Presence and Participation of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Persons”. At the time, the focus was on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual justice. Due to the current situation in the country, it is important for our congregation to be vocally welcoming of and to celebrate transgender and non-binary persons.
In an 11/24 article, UU World stated, “Our Unitarian Universalist Association has been steadfastly working to scale up our support of our trans, non-binary, and intersex kin as the onslaught of damaging rhetoric and oppressive legislation continues. These attacks are not new; whether it be financially or legally, trans, non-binary, and intersex people have never had the freedom to make all the decisions about their own healthcare and how we will live with authenticity and integrity in the world. The past year, these attacks have become very loud. It is now time for us to get louder. Lives are at stake.” (Sic)
At General Assembly 2024 ( USR sent 4 delegates), our congregations voted to affirm a business resolution, “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values,” which directs our work toward justice for trans, non-binary, and intersex folks throughout the UUA and its member congregations”.
From the Side With Love website:
Reactionary Right-wing groups and individuals are deliberately intimidating, criminalizing, and inciting hate against transgender people and their families, leading to fear, physical attacks, and even suicides. In all states, there have been bills introduced that attack the equality, dignity, and free speech and expression of LGBTQ+people, with many directly targeting transgender people. Some bills would criminalize the very existence of Transgender and Gender Expansive people (TGE).
Even before the recent escalation, the American Medical Association declared violence against transgender people an epidemic. And though these attacks are horrific in their own right, it is clear the demonization and scapegoating of TGE people, if not defeated, will invite subsequent attacks against other marginalized groups.
Our Unitarian Universalist values compel us to be actively compassionate, and defend the rights and dignity of all people. We are clear and unapologetic. Our LGBTQIA+ siblings are sacred, whole, and divine. As UUs, we understand that the full expression of the diversity of gender and sexuality is a gift. UUs have long offered affirmation for trans people, many of whom find a welcoming spiritual home in UU congregations and our community as a whole. This is a moment of crisis for (especially) our TGE siblings. UUs are engaged in a broad range of advocacy and organizing to meet the moment and Side With Love.