Unitarian Universalist Society:East is recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Unitarian Universalism is widely known for its commitment to welcome and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and families.
Unitarian Universalist Society: East has two groups that are deeply involved with our LGBTQ Welcoming Congregational Culture:
Our Welcoming Congregation Steering Group intially arose from our Social Justice efforts. This is a group of LGBTQ people and their straight and non-gender-variant allies dedicated to efforts to promote welcome and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexed, queer and questioning people from all walks of life. We work on the Welcoming Program at UUS:E.
We also have the Rainbow Alliance that is Unitarian Universalist Society: East’s social group for LGBTQ people and their families that periodically gets together for movie nights, potlucks, picnics and other events! For more information on the Rainbow Alliance, click here.
Upcoming Events for All:
Watch this space for upcoming events.
Recent Events:
Marriage Equality Rally (Connecticut) 3/25/13
On March 26-27, the U.S. Supreme Court heard testimony on two cases that are fundamentally about whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans should have the same freedoms as everyone else. Those two cases will decide the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Proposition 8 — this is a huge and historic moment! And UUS:E members did not want to miss being a part of it!
More than 25 members from UUS:E joined a crowd of 150 in an exciting grassroots collaboration between LGBTQ organizations, churches, individuals, couples, families, allies, and other supporters in Connecticut who support same-sex marriage is coming together. We gathered in front of the Federal Courthouse on Main Street in Hartford for a powerful, inspiring & peaceful rally to Stand on the Side of Love!
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) spoke: “One day I know that my children will ask me, ‘What was all that fuss about?’ like we ask what was all the fuss about gaining freedom from England? What was all the fuss about integrating our schools? Every fight for freedom and equality has involved a struggle, and Martin Luther King is absolutely right: the arc of history bends toward justice.” For more photos visit Marriage Equality CT and check out the power of standing together!
Chely Wright’s “Wish Me Away”
There was a fine turn out in the UUS:E sanctuary to watch this feature-length documentary Wish Me Away. But ofcourse there was plenty more room for others to come and enjoy this community experience, share bowls of popcorn and learn about lives other than your own. Wish Me Away is a personal and intimate look at Chely Wright, the first country music star to come out as gay. After a lifetime of hiding, she shatters cultural and religious stereotypes within Nashville, her conservative heartland family, and most importantly, herself. Ever wondered about the complex experience of coming out as LGBTQ? This film gives you a front row seat. If you missed it you can still catch on Netflix. Bring it to your small group ministry. Have a potluck. Call a friend. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about your LGBTQ friends and neighbors.
Ongoing:
Welcoming Culture Steering Group
Next Meeting: Wed, April 24th, 7:00 to 9:00 PM Children’s Chapel at UUS:E.
Th
is energized steering group is working to nurture and guide our cultural commitment to being a Welcoming Congregation. It is an alliance - members from the LGBTQ community and those who are straight and non-gender-variant allies to that community at UUS:E. We are working together to renew our Welcoming promise. Contact Annie in the main office for more details at 860-646-5151 or uuse153@sbcglobal.net.
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED!!!
Welcoming Congregation Program
http://www.uua.org/leaders/idbm/bglt/welcomingcongregation/index.shtml
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Ministries:
http://www.uua.org/aboutus/professionalstaff/identity-basedministries/bisexualgay/index.php
Top Picks for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Resources
http://www.uua.org/leaders/idbm/bglt/index.shtml
