Interweave Continental is a membership organization actively working toward
ending oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity,
recognizing that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past."
Interweave is dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social well-being of
Unitarian Universalists confronting oppression as lesbians, gay men, bisexuals,
transgender persons, and their heterosexual allies. Interweave facilitates the
celebration of the culture and the lives of its members.
The Interweave chapter at First Unitarian Church, Louisville, Kentucky, has been active
for several years. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian Church
are welcome at Interweave gatherings. For more information or questions about Interweave,
contact Jasmine Walston, the Chair of the local chapter, at interweave at firstulou dot org, or visit
Interweave Continental.
July 2010
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PLANNING MEETING
Interweave will reschedule its planning meeting for August. Please watch
for updates.
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitment #4 states:
“The bylaws and other official documents of a Welcoming Congregation
include an affirmation and nondiscrimination clause affecting all dimensions of
congregational life, including membership, hiring practices, and the
calling of religious professionals.”
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ADVOCACY
-
UUs March in Pride Parade:
Interweave is very grateful to Fran Ellers for organizing the
First Unitarian participation in the Gay Pride Parade. The Louisville UU contingent
consisted of 43 people from the city's
three UU congregations.
Of this total, 26 were from First, including our entire
Coming of Age
class (and almost all mentors and steering group). We all had a great deal of fun and are
hoping to have an even more substantial presence next year, including a "float"
featuring a giant chalice with a rainbow flame.
~~ Reported by Jo Ann Dale
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NO H8:
Led by Faith Leaders for Fairness, more than 50 Kentucky Fairness
Campaign volunteers silently marched with their mouths duct taped shut
and bearing the iconic “NOH8” face paint to call for passage of a statewide
anti-discrimination Fairness law now, during the annual Kentuckiana Pride Parade.
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In Memorian: Louisville Metro Council member George Unseld.
~~ Unwavering Unseld, from
LEO Weekly, June 16, 2010
~~ By Carla F. Wallace, co-founder of Fairness Campaign, Prospect
~~ Reposted by permission
“With the passing of George Unseld, Fairness has lost one of the most persistent,
wise and genuine “friends in high places” we have ever had.
"George was never an elected official we had to “convince” of every human being’s right
to equality. He never put his finger to the wind to see if supporting justice for LGBT people
was the “smart” thing to do politically. What mattered to George was whether it was just.
"In the period leading up to the 1999 vote on civil rights protections for LGBT people,
many of our friends on the former Board of Aldermen wavered on the Fairness insistence on including
not only sexual orientation, but also gender identity in the ordinance. At a meeting at the
Fairness Campaign office, lead by our transgendered sisters and brothers, other alderpersons
were questioning their ability to win enough votes if gender identity was included. At a certain
point, George, who had not spoken yet, leaned his 6-foot-something self back in his chair and said,
“I may spend the rest of my life trying to understand the terminology around gender identity,
but that’s not the issue here. As a black man, I know discrimination. That’s what we have here.
Gender identity is going in the law.”
"And so it did.
"Thank you, George. Thank you."
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MORE INFORMATION
For more information or questions about Interweave, please contact
Interweave Chair Jasmine Walston at interweave@firstulou.org or 944-7517.
June 2010
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitment #2 states:
"A Welcoming Congregation does not assume anyone's affectional/sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Vocabulary of worship reflects this perception; worship celebrates diversity by inclusivity of language and content."
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ADVOCACY UPDATES - NATIONAL
-
Discrimination Reporting: Indiana Equality is collecting instances of discrimination to improve the service
they provide. Have you experienced instances of discrimination, prejudice, or assault in Indiana because you identify
or are perceived as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender? Please let Indiana Equality know by emailing
discrimination@indianaequality.org
with details about your experience and the city where it occurred.
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Second Chance Prom: The American Humanist Association was among a number of groups and individuals
that provided donations and talent to organize the Second Chance Prom for Constance McMillen and other BGLT students
in Tupelo, Mississippi - home of the American Family Association. McMillen's school in Itawamba canceled the prom
rather than allow a lesbian couple to attend, and she was later misdirected to a fake private prom. McMillen
has transferred to a school in Mississippi's capital city, 180 miles away, and will graduate this June.
The Second Chance Prom was intentionally inclusive, inviting every student from McMillen's Itawamba school.
BGLT and straight students from across the state attended the event.
Read more
And more
-
Student Nondiscrimination Act of 2010: This Act would prohibit public school discrimination
on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The House version
(H.R.4530) was introduced January, and has 107 co-sponsors. A Senate version was introduced on May 20.
Please contact your Congresspersons and ask them to support this Act.
House bill H. R. 4530
Senate bill S.3390
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Proposition 8 Update: Closing arguments are expected to be scheduled in June in the Proposition 8 trial.
The lawsuit argues in federal court that the provision, which prohibits same sex marriage in California,
violates the equal protection rights of gay and lesbian couples.
Prop 8 Trial Tracker
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May 2010
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CHOICE
Sunday, May 16, 12:30-2:30pm, library
This is a schedule change.
Child care provided
Are gender identity, sexual orientation, and approach to relationships hard-wired
into a person, or are they choices we make? Can they change over the course of a life?
Newcomers and diverse perspectives are welcome. Participants may purchase take out from
a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch.
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitment #7 states:
"A Welcoming Congregation celebrates the lives of all people and welcomes same-gender couples,
recognizing their committed relationships, and equally affirms displays of caring and affection
without regard for sexual orientation."
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ADVOCACY UPDATES - NATIONAL
- Presidential Memorandum on Designated Hospital Visitation: President Obama has ordered that all hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding will be required to allow patients to receive visitors of their choosing and designate surrogate decision makers for medical emergencies. Kentucky and Indiana legislatures both proposed similar legislation in 2010. Neither state acted upon their proposals. Similar legislation has been adopted in Delaware, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
- HUD Launches National Study: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a new website seeking citizen input on a new national study examining discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This is the first national study of its kind.
tinyurl.com/HUD-LGBT
- No Room at the Prom: Constance McMillen's school in Fulton, Mississippi canceled the high school prom
rather than allow her to attend with her girlfriend. To avoid a court ordered inclusive prom, a group
of parents arranged a private prom and invited Ms McMillen to attend. She and her date arrived at the prom
to discover it was a "fake prom" with only five other students, including two students with learning
difficulties. The "real" prom was being held in a secret location. The same trick was played 45 years ago
on a young black student in Alabama. Send a message to the school:
Itawamba County Schools Superintendent Teresa McNeece: tmcneece@itawamba.k12.ms.us
Itawamba Agricultural High School principal Trae Wiygul: twiygul@itawamba.k12.ms.us
- ADVOCACY UPDATES - KENTUCKY
- No State Funds for Baptist School: The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional state funding
for a pharmacy school at the University of the Cumberlands, a Southern Baptist university that expelled
a gay student because of his orientation shortly before the state funding was authorized. Louisville
lawyer David Tachau represented the plaintiffs, which included the Fairness Alliance, the Jefferson
County Teachers Association; and two ministers
- Campus Benefits: Western Kentucky University approved partner benefits for same and opposite sex couples,
effective January 1, 2011.
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April 2010
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FAMOUS GAY MEN
Sunday, April 11, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Child care provided
Bring a story to share about a famous man who is/was gay. Newcomers welcome.
Participants may purchase take out from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch.
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WHAT DOES POLYAMORY HAVE TO DO WITH ME?
Sunday, April 18, 2009, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Please note change of date!
Child care provided
What does polyamory have to do with church? Newcomers and diverse perspectives
are welcome. Participants may purchase take out from a nearby restaurant,
or bring a sack lunch. Co-sponsored meeting.
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitment #12 states:
"A Welcoming Congregation celebrates the lives of all people and their ways of expressing their love for each other."
-
GOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
- Kentucky -- Allowable discrimination
Kentucky House Bill 440 proposes to amend the Kentucky Constitution to prohibit
“burdening freedom of religion for persons or religious organizations…”
--- Kentucky Legislature
“This bill would effectively nullify our Fairness ordinances in Louisville, Lexington, and Covington,
and our state civil rights laws by allowing discrimination as long as a person or organization claims
their action is based on “sincere religious belief.”
--- Kentucky Fairness
While introduced late enough in the current legislative session that it is unlikely to progress,
watch for this bill to resurface in the future.
- Indiana -- Marriage amendment dies
A proposed “marriage amendment” died in the Indiana State House when the legislature refused
to hear the amendment. The amendment would have restricted marriage to one man and one woman
and forbidden recognition of civil unions. The Indiana Legislature adjourned its 2010
legislative session on March 13.
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March 2010
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FAMOUS LESBIANS
Sunday, March 14, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Child care provided
In honor of Women's History month, bring a story to share about a famous woman who is/was lesbian or bisexual.
Participants may purchase take out from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch.
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night, March 13, for Daylight Savings Time!!
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FACETS OF POLYAMORY, part 2
Sunday, March 28, 2009, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Child care provided
Does polyamory refer to a person or to a relationship? Is it a behavior or an identity?
A temporary status or an orientation? Is it something entirely different?
Participants may purchase take out from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch. Co-sponsored meeting.
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitment #1 states:
"A Welcoming Congregation is inclusive and expressive of the concerns of
bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender persons at every level of congregational life-in worship,
in program, and in social occasions, welcoming not only their presence but the unique gifts
and particularities of their lives as well."
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GOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
- Parental Recognition: The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld a joint custody agreement between a former lesbian couple
on Jan. 21, 2010, reversing an appellate court ruling. The Court granted joint custody to Arminta Jane Mullins.
She and Phyllis Dianne Picklesimer had filed joint custody before separating. The Court stated that Mullins, while not
being the biological mother of the child, did serve as a "de facto parent." Eighteen states recognize "de facto parents."
Law professor's blog on the ruling
- Transgender Appointee: "I'm truly honored to have received this appointment and am eager and excited about this
opportunity that is before me. And at the same time, as one of the first transgender presidential appointees to the
federal government, I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds, and that this appointment opens future opportunities
for many others."- Amanda Simpson, Statement released on December 31, 2009, after receiving President Barack Obama's
appointment to the position of the Senior Technical Advisor to the Department of Commerce in the Bureau of Industry and Security.
News report on the appointment
- ENDA - The Employee Non-Discrimination Act: ENDA is pending in the U.S. House and Senate. This bill would prohibit
discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Please ask your U.S. legislators to support this bill.
ENDA information from ACLU
- "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Gains Support: President Obama has reiterated his campaign promise to repeal DADT,
calling it urgent, 188 members of the House of Representatives have signed on to the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA),
which will repeal current law and replace it with a policy of non-discrimination. More than 100 retired admirals and generals
support a policy change. Among the supporters: current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen; current
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates; former Secretary of Defense and former Vice President Dick Cheney; former Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Shalikashvili, (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and
former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, (Ret.).
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
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February 2010
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ALL CHURCH LUNCHEON
Sunday, February 14, after service
Interweave invites you to continue the celebration of Freedom to Marry
and the rededication of First Unitarian's "Civil Marriage is a Civil Right" banner
by gathering for an all-church luncheon, prepared by Interweave members,
after the Celebration of Life. Donations will be accepted to cover costs of the meal.
Proceeds will be donated to the church's general fund.
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FAMOUS POLYS
Sunday, February 28, 2009, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Polyamorous relationships have been the daily reality for a remarkable number of people both
in modern times and throughout history. Who are some of these polyamorists whose relationships
were publicly known and whose names we might recognize? Participants may purchase take out
from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch. Co-sponsored meeting. Sun., Feb. 28, 12:30-2:30pm, library.
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitments #6 and #11 state:
"A Welcoming Congregation offers congregational and ministerial support
for services of union and memorial services for bisexual, gay, lesbian,
and/or transgender persons, and celebrations of evolving definitions of family."
"A Welcoming Congregation, as an advocate for bisexual, gay, lesbian,
and/or transgender people, attends to legislative developments and works
to promote justice, freedom, and equality in the larger society. It speaks out
when the rights and dignity of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people are at stake."
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LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - KENTUCKY
Posted on the Kentucky Fairness website:
- Kentuckians Value Fairness Day: The 2010 lobby day for fairness, is Wednesday, February 24
- Statewide Fairness Bill (House: HB 117): This bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis
of sexual orientation and gender identity throughout Kentucky in employment, housing, public accommodations,
insurance coverage, and credit.
- Hospital Visitation Bill (House: HB 118): This initiative would allow any adult hospital patient
to designate another individual to be treated as a member of the patient's family with regard to visitation.
- Dating Violence Bill (House: HB 30): This bill would expand domestic violence statutes
to allow "unmarried couples" (dating partners) to obtain protective orders.
- Fair Marriage Bill (House: HB 17): This bill would repeal the 2004 anti-marriage amendment
by returning the issue to Kentucky voters.
- Oppose the Divisive Child Welfare Bill: This initiative holds that
being without a family is better for a child than being raised by a gay couple.
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LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - INDIANA
Posted on the Indiana General Assembly website:
- Definition of marriage: Senate Joint Resolution SJ0013 provides that only a marriage between one man
and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. Provides that a legal status identical or
substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.
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January 2010
-
COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed to the "Commitments"
listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
Commitment #3 states:
“An understanding of the experience of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or
transgender persons will be fully incorporated throughout all programs,
including religious education.”
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RESTROOMS
Sunday, January 10, 2009, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Public restroom etiquette and issues cover a wide range of topics: gender
questions, family assistance, security cameras, safety, privacy, intimate
behavior, and criminal activity.
The group will order take out from a nearby
restaurant, or participants may bring a sack lunch.
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FACETS OF POLYAMORY
Sunday, January 24, 12:30-2:30pm, library
Does polyamory refer to a person or to a relationship? Is it a behavior or
an orientation? A temporary status or an identity? Is it something
entirely different? Co-sponsored meeting.
The group will order take out from a nearby
restaurant, or participants may bring a sack lunch.
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SPRING FOR A DAY
Interweave honors October 11, Coming Out Day, in the Spring For a Day
campaign. Interweave also honors all those individuals and families who choose
to come out in one or more areas of their lives. Coming out provides new
perspectives about marginalized people to all those around them. In addition,
Interweave honors all those individuals and families who choose to remain
closeted for any of a variety of reasons, or who struggle with this
extremely personal and bridge-burning choice.
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December 2009
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed to the "Commitments"
listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook. Commitment #8 states:
"A Welcoming Congregation seeks to nurture ongoing dialogue between people of different affectional/sexual orientations and gender identifications, and to create deeper trust and sharing."
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WHERE TRANSGENDER AND RELIGION MEET
Sunday, December 13, 2009, 12:30-2:30pm, library
"Though Transgender people are few among us, their presence calls us to, yet again, discern what it means to live out our values. ... [In 2002], two of our congregations settled the first 'out' transgender ministers in our movement. We are taking beginning steps toward tolerance. But our theology, our faith, calls us to a standard higher than tolerance. Affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person, even those who make us uncomfortable, calls us to examine our assumptions, to recognize our prejudices and preconceptions, to gather information we need, and to move into honest relationship with 'the other.'...
"We have much to be proud of. But our work is not done."
-- Rev. William G. Sinkford, Past President, Unitarian Universalist Association
The group will order take out from a nearby restaurant, and talk over the meal.
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November 2009
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COMMITMENTS
By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed
to the “Commitments” listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook. Commitment
#10 states:
“A Welcoming Congregation affirms and celebrates bisexual, gay,
lesbian, and transgender issues and history during the church year (possibly
including Gay Pride Week, which is in June).” November provides opportunities
for First Unitarian members and friends to revisit Commitment #10.
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TRANSGENDER DAY OF AWARENESS
√
"The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who
were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held
in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998
kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project....
√
Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to
transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors
in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating."
√
Among its several purposes, "Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and
honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise
be forgotten.... Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to
step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of
us who've died by anti-transgender violence."
--Excerpted from
"About the Day of Remembrance."
√
A number of events are planned for the Eleventh International
Transgender Day of Awareness. Event details are being finalized. Visit
Sienna
for schedule additions or changes, or contact
Interweave at interweave at firstulou dot org
.
-
November 10, Tuesday, 7:30pm Movie Night /Discussion: "Normal"; Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Women's Center
-
November 12, Thursday, 5:00pm Trans 101-Seminar; LPTS Women's Center
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November 17, Tuesday, 7:30pm Movie Night/Discussion; LPTS Women's Center
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November 18, Wednesday, 6:00pm Memorial Service; Metropolitan Community Church
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November 19, Thursday, 12:30pm Panel Discussion; LPTS Winn Center, McAtee room
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November 20, Friday, 8:00am Morning Meditation; LPTS Women's Center
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November 20, Friday, 8:00pm Evening Memorial Service; LPTS Caldwell Chapel
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STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE
Sunday, November 9, 12:30-2:00pm, library
The UUA's new public advocacy campaign uses "Standing on
the Side of Love" at its center, a slogan originally created to support marriage equality.
Discuss the broadening of scope of this slogan over lunch together at the church. The
group will order take out from a nearby restaurant.
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COURTYARD CAFÉ
Friday, November 20, 2009, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Courtyard Café is a social gathering and outreach
event to the local bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender communities. A cover
charge provides a donation to a BGLT organization and covers costs to the church.
First Unitarian members and friends are encouraged to attend. To volunteer your
time to the success of Courtyard Café, contact Rebecca Dimon at 585-5110.
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POLYAMORY AND RELIGION--CONVERSATION WITH RESEARCHER
Sunday, November 22, 12:30-2:00pm, library
A local professor researching polyamory will join the conversation this
Sunday. The group will send out for lunch and talk over the meal. Please add
your perspective to the conversation. Co-sponsored meeting.
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October 2009
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NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH
"On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our
elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people....Our single
demand: Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states."
-
COMING OUT DAY
