The Meaning of Family

The Family YMCA's, located at 4001 1st Ave. S. in Fargo, definition of family is being challenged by Fargo’s UU Church. Photo by Bruce Crummy / The Forum

The struggle of bisexual/lesbian/gay/transgender people to be recognized as families continues, as UUs advocate for equality

In Fargo, North Dakota, a lesbian Unitarian Universalist couple, Jo and Louise, along with their children, have been recognized as a family in most circles. But not at the local YMCA, where they have been refused a family membership because their family does not fit the Y's definition of 'family.' After two years of struggle, to get the Y to change their attitudes, the 61-member Fargo Unitarian Universalist Congregation has become involved in advocating in Fargo for a broader definition of 'family.' Click here to read "A Family Matter" by Matthew Von Pinnon, The Forum, 3/17/02

(Please note: The Forum requires you to fill out a registration form to access their articles.)

Accompanying articles:

"Other views: Yet another indignity visited on lesbian and gay citizens" By Robert Uebel, The Forum, 3/20/2002
Three cheers for the lesbian couple and their supporters in the Unitarian Church who are challenging the YMCA’s decision to restrict “family” memberships to traditional heterosexual families. Cheers also to The Forum for publishing the articles and choosing to respect the couple’s desire for anonymity..." FULL STORY»

• "Church united by action, not dogma", by Erin Hemme Froslie, The Forum, 3/17/2002
• "Lesbian-led family recounts struggle with Y", by Matthew Von Pinnon - The Forum, 3/17/2002
• Letter to the Editor, The Forum, 3/28/2002
• Letter to the Editor, The Forum, 3/27/2002
• "Y Board Member Says Gay Policy Unfair" by Matthew Von Pinnon, The Forum

Additional Information and Resources:

• "Gay Couples Sue for Marriage Rights in Massaschusetts," by Rachel Gotbaum, WBUR audio coverage
• UU Ministers Decry Judge Moore's discriminatory statements against bisexual/gay/lesbian/transgender people in Alabama
• UUA Actions in support of bisexual/gay/lesbian/transgender people
• UU Family Network

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