The UU movement has come a long way toward LGBTQIA+ inclusion, but there’s still a long way to go. A 2018 survey of trans UUs found that only 44% of trans women and men and only 18% of non-binary people feel they are fully included in their congregations. We at Horizon are called to do better to fully live into our mission of “welcoming radically” and our vision of beloved community that helps all to thrive in a just world.
This course is for those who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to create congregations that are fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity. Over six sessions you will deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform yourself and your congregation. Sessions include: Introduction to Beloved Community: Welcome as a Spiritual Practice, Gender and Our Faith Community, Unpacking the Gender Binary, Trans Experience and Spirituality, The Role of Culture in Trans Exclusion, and Creating Culture Shift. We encourage members who would like to work with the Radical Welcome Task Force or in a congregational leadership role to attend this class.
Supplemental resources will also be available for participants to engage with on their own between sessions. Facilitators are Sandy Steele and members of the Radical Welcome Task Force.
Meeting Dates: 1 Tuesday and 5 Mondays beginning September 3 (9/3, 9/23, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11) at Horizon or via Zoom. In person attendance is encouraged.
Meeting Times: The first hour is watching an online video together. If you choose to watch with the group, the meeting starts at 6 pm. Feel free to bring your dinner to eat during this time. If you watch the video at home, the meeting starts at 7 pm.
IMPORTANT: We would love to hear from trans and non-binary members and visitors to discuss logistics and general content of the sessions prior to the class start date. Please email justice@horizonuu.org or contact Sandy Steele.