Unitarian Universalism has been a pioneer in reaching out to the LGBTQ community for over 50 years. Our General Assembly endorsed UU clergy to officiate at same gender commitment ceremonies (as they were called before marriage equality became the law of the land) in 1980.
Here at Red River UU, we welcome people of all gender identification into the full participation of church life. In August of 2019 we completed the process of becoming a Welcoming Congregation, recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association. The certification is a public statement that we affirm and include people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer at every level of congregational life—in worship, in program, and in social occasions—welcoming them as whole people
As a Welcoming Congregation we pledge to:
- honor the lives of all people and equally affirm displays of caring and affection without regard for sexual orientation.
- celebrate diversity by using inclusive language and content in worship.
- incorporate an understanding of the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons throughout all of our programs, including religious education.
- affirm and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues and history.
- affirm marriage equality and conduct same-sex weddings.
- advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, promoting justice, freedom, and equality in the larger society. We speak out when the rights and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are at stake.
We recognize that there’s always something more to learn, and remain open to deepening our understanding about the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.
As a service to the community we are posting these links:
From single care.com: LGBTQ+ Guide to Health & Wellness
From Intelligent.com: LGBTQ+ College Student Guide
