UUA Board of Trustees Adds Business Resolution Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People to General Assembly Agenda

On May 20th, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Board of Trustees added a business resolution embracing transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people as a

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fundamental expression of Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious values to the agenda of this year’s General Assembly (GA). GA is the annual gathering of UUs, where the Association conducts business, gathers in community, explores the theological underpinnings of the UU faith, and emphasizes the Association’s mission and values. Delegates, members of congregations, individuals UUs and more can read the resolution, entitled, “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values” on page 77 of the Final Agenda (PDF 81 pages) for General Assembly 2024.

The resolution emphasizes the challenges and threats that transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals are facing, including “hundreds of new oppressive laws and policies across dozens of states and countries [that] are now targeting reproductive justice and transgender people across their lifespans.” The resolution highlights the additional risks to transgender youth, whose ability to access gender affirming medical care is under threat in the United States and beyond.

The authors of the resolution worked with UUA staff, Board members and transgender, nonbinary and intersex UU leaders to develop the resolution. The text outlines the history of UUs in advocating for equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people, gender equity, and reproductive justice and the denomination’s record of recognizing the intersectional nature of oppression and pushing back against it. While the General Assembly has adopted past statements in clear support of transgender equity, this will be the first time that a business resolution, with the power to set the Association’s core commitments, will be considered specifically related to transgender people.

“The imperative to care for those most at risk, especially due to systems of injustice, is one of our defining religious commitments throughout our UU history. These systems imperil the basic human right to experience freedom from discrimination in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, housing, employment, free expression, and beyond. Denial of medical care and basic human rights causes profound damage and trauma, and is a violation of our core religious principles. Securing these rights for LGBTQI+ people and communities, whose rights are now at risk, is essential for their lifelong development and thriving,” the resolution (PDF pg. 77 of 81) says. “Our religious tradition is a living one, and today we collectively declare that our covenant inescapably binds us to affirmation and protection of our transgender and intersex members and kindred, in faith and in practice.”

The resolution urges UU congregations to honor, defend and celebrate the spectrum of gender identity and to affirm that commitment through actions. Among the actions identified include:

  • Condemning all anti-transgender legislation, demanding the repeal of anti-transgender laws, and working to block additional such bills;
  • Partnering with local and state organizations led by transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people to advocate for their needs and interests;
  • Supporting organizations that help people relocate or access health care including across state lines, such as the Pink Haven Coalition;
  • Participating in UPLIFT Ministries programs;
  • Amplifying campaigns for bodily autonomy, such as Side With Love’s UPLIFT Action campaign;
  • Participating in the Welcoming Congregation renewal program;
  • Affirming this commitment locally through votes and investment of the congregation.

Delegates at this year’s General Assembly, which will take place virtually from June 20th through June 23rd, will vote on adoption of the resolution. The resolution will need two-thirds of the delegates to vote in favor to pass. Learn more about the delegate and voting process at General Assembly.

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