Uplift: Uplifting LGBTQ+ Experience Within and Beyond Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism Holds that No Person’s Identity is Dictated by Laws and Legislation

#WeWontErase Transgender Identity

We unapologetically reject any effort to erase transgender people and their identity. We affirm the inherent worth, dignity, and humanity of our trans siblings.

By Susan Frederick-Gray

On Sunday, the New York Times reported that the Trump Administration is considering "narrowly defining gender as a biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth” in an effort to undermine federal civil rights protection for transgender people.

Our Unitarian Universalist faith affirms that no person’s identity is dictated by laws and legislation. In accordance with our First Principle, transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and ALL persons possess inherent worth and dignity, which includes the right to define who we are. The Trump Administration’s attempt to erase trans identity is an attack on our Beloved Community as a whole and is the latest in a series of human rights violations that feed cruelty and threaten the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We unapologetically reject any effort to erase transgender people and their identity and demand that President Trump put an end to any and all policies that bring further harm to marginalized communities already at risk.

As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity, the full humanity and beauty of our trans siblings. Beloveds, we see you. We will follow your lead.

My fellow UU’s, we’ve also got work to do to be communities of inclusion and solidarity, protecting and advocating with the transgender, genderqueer and non-binary community.

We call all people of faith and conscience to join us by TAKING ACTION in the following seven ways:

  1. If you live in Massachusetts, vote YES ON 3 and encourage your friends and neighbors to do so as well. Visit freedommassachusetts.org for more information.

  2. Get out the vote. Visit UUA.org/votingrights.

  3. Contribute to trans-led organizations.

  4. Understanding that trans people are criminalized, contribute to bailout funds.

  5. Cis Allies: Call or text three cis people in your life about a measure they can take to support trans people.

  6. Pay attention to proposed federal and state legislation

  7. Support trans and non-binary journalists.

As Unitarian Universalists, we are with Chelsea Manning who declares, “Laws don’t determine our existence - *we* determine our existence...we will keep fighting.”

May it be so!