Interweave

2009-2010

This is the archive page of Interweave's activities
from September 2009 through June 2010.
Read about current year programming.

June 2010

• 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."

• ADVOCACY UPDATES - NATIONAL
  

  1. 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.
     
     
  2. 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
     
     
  3. 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
     
     
  4. 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

• 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.

• 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."

• ADVOCACY UPDATES - NATIONAL
  

  1. 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.
     
     
  2. 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
     
     
  3. 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
  

  1. 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
     
     
  2. Campus Benefits: Western Kentucky University approved partner benefits for same and opposite sex couples, effective January 1, 2011.

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April 2010

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
  
  1. 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.
      
  2. 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

• 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!!

• 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.

• 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."

• GOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
  
  1. 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
      
     
  2. 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
      
     
  3. 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
      
     
  4. "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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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."

• LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - KENTUCKY
  Posted on the Kentucky Fairness website:
  
  
  1. Kentuckians Value Fairness Day: The 2010 lobby day for fairness, is Wednesday, February 24
     
     
  2. 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.
     
     
  3. 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.
     
     
  4. Dating Violence Bill (House: HB 30): This bill would expand domestic violence statutes to allow "unmarried couples" (dating partners) to obtain protective orders.
     
     
  5. Fair Marriage Bill (House: HB 17): This bill would repeal the 2004 anti-marriage amendment by returning the issue to Kentucky voters.
     
     
  6. 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.

• LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - INDIANA
  Posted on the Indiana General Assembly website:
  
  
  1. 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.”

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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."

• 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

• 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.

• 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

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1. November 10, Tuesday, 7:30pm Movie Night /Discussion: "Normal"; Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Women's Center
2. November 12, Thursday, 5:00pm Trans 101-Seminar; LPTS Women's Center
3. November 17, Tuesday, 7:30pm Movie Night/Discussion; LPTS Women's Center
4. November 18, Wednesday, 6:00pm Memorial Service; Metropolitan Community Church
5. November 19, Thursday, 12:30pm Panel Discussion; LPTS Winn Center, McAtee room
6. November 20, Friday, 8:00am Morning Meditation; LPTS Women's Center
7. November 20, Friday, 8:00pm Evening Memorial Service; LPTS Caldwell Chapel
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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
   Sunday, October 11, 2009
  Sunday Morning Adult Round Table at 9:30am and the Celebration of Life at 10:55am will celebrate the spiritual significance of openly living our deepest truths. Bisexual, gay, intersex, lesbian, questioning, and/or transgender persons and straight allies who are wrestling with issues around coming out are invited to talk with Rev. Dawn Cooley and/or any member of Interweave. First Unitarian and Interweave welcome your questions; we welcome your concerns; we welcome you.
• PERSONAL COMING OUT STORIES
  Sunday, October 11, 2009, 12:30-2:00pm
  Share a story, explore possibilities, or ask questions about Coming Out over lunch together at a nearby restaurant. Meet in the church volunteer area after the morning service.
• COURTYARD CAFÉ Saturday, October 24, 2009, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
  Courtyard Café is a social gathering and outreach event to the local BGLT community. A cover charge provides a donation to a BGLT organization and covers costs to the church. The October event includes a reception introducing Rev. Dawn Cooley to the community. To volunteer your time to the success of Courtyard Café, contact Rebecca Dimon at 585-5110.
• POLYAMORY AND RELIGION
  Sunday, October 25, 2009, 12:30-2:00pm
  Conversation and questions over lunch at a nearby restaurant. Meet in the church volunteer area after the morning service. Co-sponsored meeting.

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September 2009

• AIDS WALK
  Sunday, Sept 13, 1:00pm, Belvedere
  The Louisville AIDS Walk heightens awareness, unites the community, and raises money to address the needs of local people living with HIV/AIDS through multiple local, non-profit HIV/AIDS service organizations which provide critical direct services. Contributions are tax deductible. First Unitarian member Jack Jackson will be walking. Contact Jack to support him or walk with him as a First Unitarian Team.
• POLYAMORY AND RELIGION
  Sunday, Sept 27, 1:00-3:00pm
  Brainstorm topics and meeting times over lunch at a nearby restaurant.

MORE INFORMATION
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.