On January 22, TRUUsT (Transgender Religious professional UUs Together) released a report (https://transuu.org/truust-report/) that provides an unprecedented look at the experiences of trans Unitarian Universalists, based on a survey of hundreds of trans UUs conducted in spring 2018 by TRUUsT and the UUA’s Multicultural Ministries office.
The report provides a portrait of who trans UUs are, shares trends in their experiences of inclusion and marginalization in UU congregations, gives a snapshot of the particular experiences of trans religious professionals, and offers actions that all Unitarian Universalists can take to improve the experiences of trans people within Unitarian Universalism.
2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the Welcoming Congregation Program, which has largely been considered a success—75% of UU congregations have gone through the program and Unitarian Universalism has made great strides toward fully embodying its values and commitment to being an LGBTQ-welcoming faith. But TRUUsT’s report offers a sobering perspective.
The report shares that only 28% of trans UUs feel that their congregation is completely inclusive of them as trans people, 42% of trans UUs regularly experience trans-related marginalization in UU spaces, and less than half of trans UUs feel spiritually nourished and connected at their congregation.
Survey results show that trans UUs are more likely to be low-income, young, disabled, racially diverse, and LGBQ than the general UU population, and the more marginalized identities they hold, the less likely trans UUs are to experience full inclusion. For example, only 15% of trans UUs of color feel their congregation is completely inclusive of them as trans people, and only 10% of Black trans UUs feel that way.
The report also offers a snapshot of trans religious professionals, the barriers to employment they have experienced, and the incredible contributions they've made to Unitarian Universalism despite these challenges.
The report makes it plain that creating trans-affirming UU spaces requires grappling with the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, disability, and age. Single-issue approaches to welcome do not serve trans people, and inclusion can’t stop at basic access (such as using inclusive language and having all-gender bathrooms available).
In today’s political climate, trans people need spiritual spaces more than ever, and Unitarian Universalism needs the unique spiritual gifts and perspectives of trans people. Yet TRUUsT’s report shows that despite decades of stated dedication to being an LGBTQ-welcoming faith and a force for justice for LGBTQ people, UU congregations are not currently safe, affirming, and spiritually fulfilling for the majority of trans people.
However, the report also points a way forward, sharing five actions all UUs can take to support trans UUs and live into the values of this faith: donate to fund trans UUs’ healing and survival, be an accomplice for trans UUs, hire trans religious professionals, engage in trans education, and engage congregations in taking action on their next move to increase trans access, inclusion, and affirmation.
Please read and share the report now: https://transuu.org/truust-report/.