What's Happening
By Kimi Floyd Reisch
The Ongoing Work of Welcome
Since 1989, Unitarian Universalists have been working to live more fully into our bold promise of Welcome. Yet many in our LGBTQ and TGQNB communities still struggle to find belonging in UU spaces. Trans and nonbinary UUs continue to face barriers to full inclusion. Bisexual and pansexual people experience ongoing invisibility. Asexual, intersex, and polyamorous UUs are still seeking a faith community that honors the fullness of their truths.
Our commitment to radical inclusion and centering love calls us to move beyond words into deep transformation in our congregations, our systems, and ourselves. The work of welcoming all is not finished; it is a living practice of accountability, love, and liberation..
Learn about The Five Practices of Welcome Annual Renewal
The Five Practices of Welcome Renewal are vibrant benchmarks that help our congregations live more deeply into the spirit of radical welcome. Each practice invites Unitarian Universalist communities to center, celebrate, and embrace the full diversity of our LGBTQ, TGQNB, and Two-Spirit kin, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, nonbinary, and genderqueer people, and more.
To remain “current” as a Welcoming Congregation, each community is called to engage these five practices every year, renewing our wider UUA commitment to belonging, equity, and love in action.
Attend Five Practices of Welcome Renewal Orientation
Are you ready to renew your Welcome? Register now to schedule a Five Practices of Welcome Renewal Orientation Session with your team. You only need to attend once to get started!
These sessions offer a chance to explore the Five Practices, reflect on your congregation’s journey, and take the next step in living our Unitarian Universalist values of radical welcome and inclusion.
Please share this invitation with others in your congregation and community who are ready to join the work of renewal and plan to attend a session .
The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a monthly online gathering designed for trans children, youth, and adults—as well as the parents and caregivers of trans people. Each session will begin with a shared message and grounding ritual, followed by breakout rooms tailored to different communities within our circle, and we will come back together for a release. Sessions will be about an hour and a half.
Each breakout room—co-facilitated by two chaplains—will offer space for meaningful check-ins where we can honor our grief, celebrate our joy, and support one another. The spirit of each room will reflect the people within it.
For example:
- Saplings — Trans Youth (13+/HS)
- Sycamores — Trans Adults (18+)
- Sequoias — Parents/Caregivers (attending solo)
- Sequoias Jr. — Parents/Caregivers (attending with kids)
The Woodlands will gather on the first Sunday of the month:
- Sunday, November 2nd
- Sunday, December 7th
TIME: 4:00pm EST / 3:00pm CST / 2:00pm MST / 1:00pm PST
UPLIFT Action
From the rising tide of “Don’t Say Gay” laws to the criminalization of life-saving gender-affirming and abortion care, our bodies and identities are under attack. Rooted in our Unitarian Universalist affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of all people — including all bodies and all identities — Side With Love is proud to introduce UPLIFT Action, our campaign organizing for LGBTQIA+, Gender, and Reproductive Justice.
Together, we commit to growing our skills, deepening our spiritual grounding, honing our analysis, and fighting for a world in which every body is sacred.
Learn more and get involved here: Fall 2025 Events & Updates from UPLIFT Action
Resources to Support Trans/Non-Binary People
The well-being and mental health of transgender individuals rely on connection, understanding, and care. There are many organizations and resources that provide guidance, support, and community for those navigating the challenges of living authentically.
Seeking support is a sign of strength. You do not have to face difficulties alone. Explore the resources we have gathered on this page to find trusted organizations, connect with your local LGBTQ+ community, and engage with friends and family who honor your identity. There are people and communities ready to walk alongside you and help you find strength, resilience, and hope.