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Interweave

Pride Flag
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.

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January 2012

  • BUSINESS MEETING
    Sun, Jan 22
    12:30-2:30pm, library
    Please bring your own lunch or snack. All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • "THE 13 FORMS OF BISEXUALITY"
    Sun, Jan 22, at Round Table
    9:30-10:45am, library
    Conversation based on an article, authored by Kathy Labriola, that discusses the complexities of bisexuality.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome. Co-sponsored by Mission and Outreach Ministry and Interweave.

  • COMMITMENTS
    By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
    Commitment #11 states:

    • "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."

  • REFLECTION
    In the coming months, what will I tell my legislators concerning proposed legislation regarding bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Contact Kentucky Legislators
      Call 1-800-372-7181 to ask your Kentucky legislators to support a statewide anti-discrimination Fairness law and anti-bullying law in 2012. Visit fairness.org throughout the legislative season for updates.

    2. Contact Indiana Legislators
      Ask your Indiana legislators to support suicide prevention and anti-bullying laws in 2012. Voice your objections to the Indiana Marriage Discrimination Amendment (HJR-6).
      Visit Indiana General Assembly to find your legislators contact information.
      Visit indianaequality.org throughout the legislative season for more updates.

    3. Presidential Memorandum
      President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum directing all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights for LGBT people. This marks the first-ever U.S. government strategy dedicated to combating abuses against LGBT people abroad. To coincide with this, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered remarks commemorating International Human Rights Day in Geneva at a United Nations gathering.
      Watch the speech at kentuckyfairness.org

    4. Anti-Bullying Neighbors
      The West Virginia Board of Education approved a statewide bullying policy that protects LGBT students. The measure specifically adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to protected categories.

    5. Prop 8 Moves Forward
      The appeal of the federal district court ruling that struck down California's Proposition 8 is moving forward, now that hearings on two peripheral issues are complete. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could issue its final ruling at any time. Proposition 8 provides that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

    6. Lesbian Immigrant
      A federal immigration judge dismissed a deportation case against an Argentine woman who had married a woman who is a U.S. citizen. Her activism against the Defense of Marriage Act was cited in the request to dismiss the case. According to her attorney, this was the first time a deportation case involving a lesbian married couple had been dismissed since the government relaxed its pursuit of such cases. Dismissals have been granted to gay couples in Newark, New Jersey, and San Francisco.

    7. Marriage License Challenge
      A lawsuit has been filed in North Carolina claiming that marriage license requirements violate the separation of church and state. The complaint reads in part, "In order (to) adequately and fully protect the personal liberty and religious freedom of citizens of North Carolina and the United States, there must be a de-coupling and disentanglement of the state from the personal and religious institution of marriage."

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December 2011

  • "THE 13 FORMS OF BISEXUALITY"
    Sun, Dec 11
    12:30-2:30pm, library
    An article by Kathy Labriola discusses the complexities of bisexuality. Please bring your own lunch or snack. All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • WHAT IS MARRIAGE FOR?
    Wed, Dec 14
    7:00-8:30pm, open classroom
    First Unitarian has taken actions to separate the religious and secular institutions of marriage: we've hung a banner proclaiming that civil marriage is a civil right, we've asked our minister not to sign marriage certificates until marriage equality is achieved. But what role, if any, should the Unitarian Universalist church play in marriages? Please come to this last of three sessions, led by Ben Luoma, even if you didn't attend previous sessions.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome. Co-sponsored by Mission and Outreach Ministry and Interweave.

  • 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."

  • REFLECTION
    What action will I take in the coming month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Committee Passes Respect for Marriage Act
      The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Respect for Marriage Act on a party-line vote. The bill is not expected to go before the full Senate any time soon.
      Marriage Newswatch

    2. Gay-Straight Alliance Benefits
      A new study reports that the presence of a gay-straight alliance (GSA) at a school benefits students, whether or not they attend meetings. Students had less depression. they were less likely to drop out, and they were more successful in higher education.

    3. The Commitment Campaign
      A number of Marriage Equality advocates are shifting focus from equal rights to the value of commitment. A focus on rights unintentionally creates a perception that gay and lesbian couples want to marry for different reasons than straight couples. The "Commitment Campaign" emphasizes values of love, commitment, and stable families that same-sex couples hold in common with people who may be undecided on the issue. Among its supporters are Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley; Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee; former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman; and Ken Mehlman, former chairman of the Republican National Committee.

    4. Poverty and Children of GLBT families
      According to a report entitled "All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families," children growing up in LGBT families are more likely to live in poverty than children in heterosexual families. These children may also be denied legal ties to one of their parents, resulting in a parent's legal inability to make medical decisions for their own child or provide medical and financial benefits. Two million children in these families live in 96 percent of U.S. counties. Recognition of same-sex marriage will provide important protections for children in LGBT homes.
      "All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families,"

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November 2011

  • WHAT IS MARRIAGE FOR?
    Wed, Nov 9
    7:00-8:30pm, library
    Our church has taken actions to separate the religious and secular institutions of marriage: we've hung a banner proclaiming that civil marriage is a civil right, we've asked our minister not to sign marriage certificates until marriage equality is achieved. But what role, if any, should the Unitarian Universalist church play in marriages? In the second of three sessions, Ben Luoma will lead a look at Unitarian Universalist principles and sources and ask how they might inform shared values surrounding marriage. Please come, even if you didn't attend our first session.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome. Co-sponsored by Mission and Outreach Ministry and Interweave.

  • TRANSGENDER IN LOUISVILLE
    Sun, Nov 20
    9:30am, library
    Sunday Morning Adult Round Table
    Listen to the stories and views of transgender people in our community. Ask questions, discuss, and discover what it means to be transgender in today's society. Speakers are from Sienna, a support, education, and advocacy group for the local transgender community, and from First Unitarian.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • VIDEO
    Sun, Nov 27
    12:30-2:30pm, library
    The loss of a partner while living a closeted life is magnified by the inability to grieve openly. Video will start promptly to allow discussion time afterward. Please bring your own lunch or snack.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • 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."

  • REFLECTION
    What action will I take in the coming month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Respect for Marriage Act
      Senator Patrick Leahy, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that he will call for debate and vote in November on a bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Respect for Marriage Act has 30 co-sponsors in the Senate and a record bipartisan group of 129 co-sponsors in the House.
      Marriage Newswatch

    2. Dollars & DOMA
      Speaking to the Value Voters Summit, House Speaker John Boehner threatened to withhold funding from the Justice Department unless it agrees to defend in court a ban on the federal government recognizing same-sex marriages.

    3. Frank Kameny: American Hero, 1925-2011
      Feisty. Determined. Unapologetically pragmatic. Stubborn and impatient, Kameny understood that he and a growing gay rights movement had to take bold steps to move society as a whole incrementally toward equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans. Fifty years ago, after he was fired by the Federal government for being gay, Kameny was the first person to argue to the Supreme Court that the discrimination he faced was an affront to human dignity. Sacrifice. Courage. Perseverance. Decades ago, Kameny carried protest signs in front of the White House. Four years ago, those same protest signs were placed on display in the Smithsonian Institution. In 2009, at the signing of an executive order granting benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees, Kameny stood beside President Obama.

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October 2011

  • FAIRNESS CONVERSATION
    Sun, Oct 23, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    Chris Hartman, Director of the Louisville Fairness Campaign, will be Interweave's guest speaker as we explore advocacy priorities in the region and opportunities for First Unitarian to contribute. A light lunch will be available for a donation.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • WHAT IS MARRIAGE FOR?
    Three Wednesdays:
    Oct 12, library; Oct 26, social hall; Nov 9, library
    7:00-8:30pm
    Marriage has met many purposes at many different times, but what does it mean to us today? How do our values as Unitarian Universalists shape our understanding of marriage, and how do our lives as married, unmarried, and unallowed-to-marry people shape our lives? Come and explore these questions in this three part series. Ben Luoma, program leader; co-sponsored by Mission and Outreach Ministry and Interweave.
     
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • COMMITMENTS
    By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed to the “Commitments” listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook.
    Commitment #5 states:

    • "A Welcoming Congregation engages in outreach into the bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender communities, both through its advertising and by actively supporting other bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender affirmative groups."

  • REFLECTION
    What action will I take in the coming month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Hospital Visitation
      "...It is unacceptable that, in the past, some same-sex partners were denied the right to visit their loved ones in times of need. We are releasing guidance for enforcing new rules that give all patients, including those with same-sex partners, the right to choose who can visit them in the hospital as well as ...who will help make medical decisions on their behalf."
      Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, speaking about the recent memorandum, "Hospital Patients' Rights to Delegate Decisions to Representatives."
      Marriage Newswatch

    2. Health Benefits for Same Sex Partners
      An Arizona law denying state-provided employee health benefits to unmarried domestic partners violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, according to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in Diaz v. Brewer.

    3. Australian Passports
      Passports in Australia now have a third option available to intersex individuals: Indeterminate. This option is not available to transgender individuals. A transgender person may select the male or female gender they identify with, by providing a doctor's statement.

    4. Quote of the Month
      "Watching Chaz Bono dance is not going to make your kid transgender. But what it can do is possibly save your kid's life."
      Publicist Howard Bragman on "Good Morning America."

    5. Elementary Bathroom Battle
      Georgia's McIntosh County School System denied a second-grade transgender boy access to a male or unisex bathroom. In mid-September, the boy's father presented a petition with 40,000 signatures to the School Board asking for bathroom access for his son.

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September 2011

  • PLANNING MEETING
    Sept 4, 1:15-3:00pm, library
    Interweave will meet to plan events for the coming season.
    Please bring your ideas and calendars.
    Gather at 12:30pm to purchase take-out lunch.
    All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome.

  • 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."

  • REFLECTION
    Did I take an action this month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. APA Statement of Support
      "The world's largest organization of psychologists took its strongest stand to date supporting full marriage equity, a move that observers say will have a far-reaching impact on the national debate. The policymaking body of the American Psychological Association (APA) unanimously approved the resolution 157-0...citing an increasing body of research about same-sex marriage, as well as increased discussion at the state and federal levels...."
      Marriage Newswatch

    2. Proposition 8 Heads Back to Court
      On September 6, the California Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether Prop 8 supporters have standing to defend the measure in court. Proceedings will be televised on California's public affair's channel. The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is awaiting the California court's decision before it considers Prop 8's constitutionality.

    3. Immigration Denied
      "Citing the Defense of Marriage Act, the Obama administration denied immigration benefits to a married gay couple from San Francisco and ordered the expulsion of a man who is the primary caregiver to his AIDS-afflicted spouse."
      Marriage Newswatch

    4. Suquamish Marriage Equality
      The Suquamish Tribe in Washington state approved same sex marriage at their annual meeting on a voice vote of about 300 attendees and a unanimous follow-up vote of the tribal council. Domestic partnerships are available to same sex couples in Washington state. The Coquille Tribe of southern Oregon previously allowed a same sex marriage on their reservation. The Navajo and the Cherokee have passed laws in opposition to same-sex marriage.

    5. South of the Border
      Columbia's Constitutional Court has ordered the nation to recognize gay and lesbian couples within two years. Chile's president sent a proposal to Congress to recognize same sex civil unions. In Cuba, a man recently married a trans woman. This marriage is making the news as "Cuba's first gay wedding"; same-sex marriage is banned in Cuba. The couple described the wedding as a reminder to Fidel Castro of the atrocities committed against the gay community under his rule. Gay rights have improved under Raul Castro, and the country is studying civil unions.

    6. Across the Pond
      Activists continue to seek marriage equality in Ireland, Scotland, the Czech Republic, Tasmania, and Australia through marches, protests, clergy supporters, political conferences, and surveys showing support as high as 60%. Australia will count same sex couples in their census for the first time this year.

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August 2011

  • SUMMER BREAK
    Interweave monthly meetings continue on break for the summer. Enjoy your summer activities! All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome when meetings resume in the fall.

  • 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."

  • REFLECTION
    Did I take an action this month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Domestic Partner Benefits for Metro Louisville Employees
      Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer signed an executive order providing domestic partner benefits to Metro Government employees, covering same-sex couples and unmarried heterosexual couples. About 300 to 400 employees will be affected. Coverage begins July 2012.

    2. New York Adopts Marriage Equality!
      New York signed marriage equality into law on June 24, with an effective date of July 24. Six states and the District of Columbia currently provide marriage licenses to same sex couples. Two additional states previously adopted marriage equality before it was overturned by ballot measures.

    3. Rhode Island Adopts Civil Unions
      On July 2, Rhode Island's governor signed a new civil union law, becoming the fifth in the nation to adopt civil unions. Six additional states offer registered domestic partnerships with varying degrees of protections and benefits.

    4. DOMA Hearing
      A Senate Judiciary hearing was scheduled for late July, entitled "The Respect for Marriage Act: Assessing the Impact of DOMA on American Families." Updates can be found at Prop8TrialTracker.com

    5. Cost of DOMA
      In a Huffington Post article called "DOMA and Me," a taxpayer figured her and her spouse's annual financial costs related to the Defense of Marriage Act at $10,400/year. These are costs related to Medicare means testing, higher Federal income tax, and lost Social Security benefits. that a heterosexual married couple with similar incomes would not have to pay.

    6. Don't Ask, Don't Tell
      In early July, a federal appeals court ordered the U.S. military immediately to stop investigations and discharges of gay and lesbian service members. The military is complying with the order. Training of service members will continue under the Don't Ask Don't Tell legislative repeal. President Obama is expected to certify in the next few weeks or days that military readiness will not be adversely affected by repeal. The policy will officially end 60 days after written certification.

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July 2011

  • SUMMER BREAK
    Interweave monthly meetings will take a break for the summer. Enjoy your summer activities! All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome when meetings resume in the fall.

  • 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."

  • REFLECTION
    Did I take an action this month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Marriage Licenses
      First Unitarian Church voted to request the Rev. Dawn Cooley not to sign marriage licenses until same sex couples have access to legal marriage in Kentucky. The Rev. Cooley agreed, and responded, "I am grateful to my church for helping me to clarify my convictions on this subject, and for asking me to take a stand. As we move forward, our board of trustees will be engaging in research to determine other steps in this direction the congregation might take. We are hoping to build on the momentum that another local congregation began. Perhaps others will join the bandwagon."

    2. New York Votes on Marriage
      As of the Steepletalk Deadline, the New York Senate is within one vote of passing a marriage equality bill, which has already passed the Assembly. The governor is expected to sign the bill if it passes.

    3. Proposition 8
      Supporters of the Proposition 8 "marriage amendment" in California asked a federal judge to vacate Judge Walker's ruling that the provision is unconstitutional based solely on the fact that Judge Walker is a gay man in a same sex relationship. One day after the hearings, Judge Ware ruled against the challenge.

    4. DOMA Takes Another Hit
      A Bankruptcy judge in California declared DOMA unconstitutional in a mid-June ruling. The ruling was joined by 19 other bankruptcy judges in the district.

    5. Not Gay Enough
      The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance disqualified a gay softball team and stripped them of their second-place win in the Gay Softball World Series. The Alliance alleged that three of the team's players were bisexual and that this violates eligibility rules. The three players claim their team was penalized because they were considered "not gay enough." Bisexuals have been allowed to play on NAGAAA teams In the past.

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June 2011

  • SUMMER BREAK
    Interweave monthly meetings will take a break for the summer. Enjoy your summer activities! All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome when meetings resume in the fall.

  • 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."

  • REFLECTION
    Did I take an action this month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Events
      • Kentuckiana Pride Parade - June 17, 8 pm, Main Street, Downtown Louisville
      • Kentuckiana Pride Festival - June 18, 10 am to Midnight, Belvedere, 5th & Main Streets
      • Pandora's 'LGBTQ Youth Project' - June 5, 2 pm, Unity of Louisville, 757 S. Brook St.

    2. Marriage Licenses
      Douglass Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) voted unanimously that the church won't sign marriage licenses until same sex couples are have access to legal marriage in Kentucky. The Rev. Derek Penwell, the church's senior pastor, said the decision is in line with "the teachings of Jesus that focus on the necessity of embracing the powerless, giving voice to the voiceless."

    3. Civil Unions and Immigration
      Attorney General Eric Holder set aside a deportation ruling of a gay man who celebrated a civil union in New Jersey, and asked the immigration judicial panel to reconsider the case.

    4. Presbyterian Clergy
      The Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., has voted to eliminate a prohibition on the ordination of sexually active unmarried Presbyterians as ministers, elders, and deacons. 2011. Language requiring "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness" will be eliminated from their constitution effective July 10, 2011.
      Presbyterian News Service
      The congregation that started it

    5. Uganda's Anti-gay Bill
      Uganda's parliament adjourned May 13 without debating a harsh anti-homosexuality bill that included the death penalty for some circumstances and imprisonment for landlords who rent housing to gay men or lesbians. The bill's sponsor has pledged to reintroduce the measure in the next parliament. Harassment based on sexual orientation reportedly increased in Uganda since the introduction of the bill in October 2009. Internet petitions gathered more than 1.4 million signatures opposing the proposed bill. Christopher Senyonjo, a retired Ugandan Anglican bishop, said: "This was a dangerous bill…. The pressure from people around the world has had a big impact and the resulting influence from the international community has played a very important role in stopping this going forward today."

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May 2011

  • BUSINESS MEETING
    May 1, 1:00pm, library
    Discuss Interweave's plans for next year. Meeting follows the All-Church luncheon. All Interweave supporters of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome. Please note this month's Welcoming Congregation commitment.

  • SING YOU HOME
    Sunday, May 1, ~1:45-3:00pm, library
    The book Sing You Home, by author Jodi Picoult, explores gay rights from several perspectives. All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome. The discussion will begin after the business meeting.

  • POLYAMORY AND RELIGION
    Conversation and questions about polyamory, and what it has to do with religion. All First Unitarian members, friends, and visitors of any relationship philosophy or practice, gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith path are welcome. Bring a snack or 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 #9 states:

    • "A Welcoming Congregation encourages the presence of a chapter of Interweave (Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender concerns)."

  • REFLECTION
    Did I take an action this month to promote civil rights and full inclusion for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people?

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Teaching Moment
      Chris Hartman, Fairness Campaign Director, recently found himself explaining the Federal Hate Crimes Law to the FBI, who were investigating a hate crime at Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg.

    2. Kentucky Attitudes
      For the second year in a row, the Kentucky legislature has not proposed a single piece of anti-gay legislation According to a 2011 telephone survey, over 80% of Kentuckians support non-discrimination toward BGLT people in hiring, the workplace, housing, restaurants, and public accommodations.

    3. ENDA Resurfaces
      An Oregon senator introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate in mid-April, encouraging an executive order as an interim step. Please ask your senator to support ENDA.

    4. More Work to Do
      The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is far from complete, as the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network reminds us. Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis explained that post repeal, service members who are legally married to same sex spouses will not receive the same benefits as their counterparts married to opposite sex spouses. He noted, "We will still need a legal services organization to assist gay and lesbian service members in a post repeal environment. We will need to clean up the DD-214s of thousands of service members who were discharged under DA/DT, and thousands more who were discharged under the prior regulation." Sarvis said, "...we did not make this long journey to get halfway there. We have to finish this job. We do not want partial equality in the military. We want full equality!"
      Learn more at SLDN.org

    5. Delaware Passes Civil Unions
      The Delaware legislature passed a civil unions bills on April 14, and the governor plans to sign it. Delaware will become the eighth state to provide civil unions or comprehensive domestic partnerships to same-sex couples. Five states and D.C. issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, and three states recognize same sex marriages from other states.
      National Conference of State Legislatures

    6. Indiana Amendment
      Indiana legislators passed a "marriage amendment" in late March. The measure also bans civil unions and arrangements "substantially similar" to marriage. The Senate closed their public viewing area during their debate and vote due to audience chants of "stop hating, stop dividing, stop pandering." Before taking effect, the measure must pass the legislature again in two years and go to voters. Thirty states address the definition of marriage in their constitutions.

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April 2011

  • THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE GLBT MOVEMENT
    Sunday, April 3, 1:15-3:00pm, library
    As advances are made in civil rights for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people, what is needed to sustain these advances and build on them in the general population? In our church? Discussion follows the All-Church luncheon. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome.
    Article

  • MEETING TO BE DETERMINED
    The regular fourth Sunday meeting will not meet on Easter Sunday. Rescheduling of the meeting is pending. Co-sponsored meeting.

  • UPCOMING BUSINESS MEETING
    A business meeting will be scheduled in May to discuss Interweave's plans for next year.

  • 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.”

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Kentucky General Assembly
      The bill to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity did not pass. Neither did the bill to protect hospital visitation rights. The General Assembly passed 100 bills out of more than 650 bills that were filed during the session.

    2. Local Hate Crime
      The FBI is investigating a hate crime at Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, IN, after one teen attacked another while calling him gay slurs. The attacker was expelled and charged with battery; however, Sellersburg police had declined to charge him with a hate crime.

    3. New Hampshire Marriage Battle Delayed
      The New Hampshire legislature will not consider repeal of the state's marriage equality law this year. Their Judiciary Committee will consider the bill early next year.

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March 2011

  • QUEER LITERATURE
    Sunday, March 6, 1:15-3:00pm, library
    In bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender communities, literature and activism have influenced each other's development. Guest speaker William Sweigart, Associate Professor of English at Indiana University Southeast. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Discussion will follow the All-Church Luncheon.

  • COMING OUT POLYAMOROUS
    Sunday, March 27, 12:30-2:30pm
    Who might want to come out poly? Why? When is a suitable time? How can family and friends respond with respect and care to someone who comes out? All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase a light prepared 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 #5 states:

    • “A Welcoming Congregation engages in outreach into the bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender communities, both through its advertising and by actively supporting other bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender affirmative groups.”

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Statewide Fairness Rally & Lobby Day!
      Wednesday, February 23
      702 Capital Ave
      Frankfort, Kentucky
      Rally with hundreds of supporters from across the state and meet with your legislators for anti-discrimination Fairness laws to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Kentuckians! Contact Laura@Fairness.org, 502.893.0788, to schedule an appointment with your legislators and for more info!
      •  8am Carpool, Fairness Office, 2263 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville
      •  9am Lobby Training in Capitol Annex Room 125
      •  10am-1pm Meet with Legislators
      •  1pm Rally in the Capitol Rotunda

    2. Phone Lobbing
      Call your Kentucky legislators any Monday - Friday
      1-800-372-7181
      Ask them to support House Bill 106 and Senate Bill 98!

    3. Growing Support!
      A newly released survey shows 83% of registered Kentucky voters agree that LGBT people should be protected from discrimination in the workplace, in housing, and in restaurants or other forms of public accommodations - a nearly 20-point gain in support since 2004.

    4. Ongoing Lobbying
      Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday thru March 17
      Kentucky State Capitol Building
      702 Capital Ave
      Frankfort, Kentucky
      •  10am - Meet at the Capitol Building to lobby directly for a statewide Fairness law.
      •  9am  - Carpools from the Fairness office are available at 9am.

    5. Legislative Strategy Meetings
      Every Thursday through March 31
      7:30pm
      At the Fairness Campaign office, 2263 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville
      Join the meeting without making the trip by emailing Chris@fairness.org for the call-in number!

    6. Gaga Themed "AfterPARTY"
      March 12 , 11pm-2am, Convention Center, 221 S. 4th St., $25 in advance/ $30 at door, $100 VIP. 502-893-0788.

    7. ACLU/Fairness Dinner
      March 26. For more than a decade, Susan Hershberg and the Wiltshire Pantry have hosted this elegant affair to benefit the work of the ACLU-KY and the Fairness Campaign. Held at the Muhammad Ali Center, tickets are $125, tables $1,000, and sponsorships $1,000 (two tickets) and $500 (one ticket). Call 502-893-0788.

    8. Fairness Campaign Coordinating Committee Meeting
      Third Sunday of every month
      5-7pm
      Join Fairness leadership to discuss issues of importance to our community at this monthly meeting. Supporters are welcome.
      Fairness Campaign

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  • MARRIAGE EQUALITY
    •

    1. Indiana Restrictions
      The Indiana House passed a "marriage amendment" restricting marriage to one man and one woman and prohibiting civil unions or recognition of unions from other states. If passed in the Senate, the measure will have to pass a second legislature and come before voters before becoming law.

    2. New Hampshire Marriage Battle Continues
      The New Hampshire legislature has threatened to repeal the state's marriage equality law.

    3. Maryland Moves Toward Marriage Equality
      Approval of same-sex marriage by Maryland's legislature is expected in the next few weeks. A citizens' petition to place it on the ballot is possible, placing the law on hold pending a 2012 vote. Five states and the District of Columbia have adopted marriage equality.

    4. Civil Unions Advance
      On June 1 of this year, Illinois will begin recognizing same-sex civil unions. The Hawaii legislature has passed a civil unions bill with an effective date in 2012; the governor has set a signing date. Colorado and Delaware are considering civil union bills with strong support by state residents.

    5. Proposition 8
      The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals requested the California Supreme Court to consider whether supporters of Proposition 8 have the right under state law to appeal the August 2010 federal district court ruling striking it down. A hearing is expected this September, followed by a decision within 90 days.

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February 2011

  • BULLYING
    Sunday, February 6, 1:15-3:00pm, library
    Middle and high school students who are bisexual, gay, intersex, lesbian, questioning, and/or transgender, suffer a great deal of verbal and physical bullying in schools, disrespecting their inherent worth and dignity. This bullying is not limited to youth or to BGILQT people. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Discussion will follow the All-Church Luncheon.

  • POLYGAMY IN COURT
    Sunday, February 13, 12:30-2:30pm
    A Canadian court is considering whether Canada's anti-polygamy law violates their Charter of Freedoms. How does this case relate to polyamorists and to religion? All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase a light prepared lunch. Please note change of date! 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 #6 states:

    • “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.”

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Statewide Fairness Rally & Lobby Day!
      Wednesday, February 23
      702 Capital Ave
      Frankfort, Kentucky
      Rally with hundreds of supporters from across the state and meet with your legislators for anti-discrimination Fairness laws to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Kentuckians! Contact Laura@Fairness.org, 502.893.0788, to schedule an appointment with your legislators and for more info!
      •  8am Carpool, Fairness Office, 2263 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville
      •  9am Lobby Training in Capitol Annex Room 125
      •  10am-1pm Meet with Legislators
      •  1pm Rally in the Capitol Rotunda

    2. Phone Lobbing
      Call your Kentucky legislators any Monday - Friday
      1-800-372-7181
      Ask them to support House Bill 106!

    3. Ongoing Lobbying
      Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from February 1 to March 17
      Kentucky State Capitol Building
      702 Capital Ave
      Frankfort, Kentucky
      •  10am - Meet at the Capitol Building to lobby directly for a statewide Fairness law.
      •  9am  - Carpools from the Fairness office are available at 9am.

    4. Legislative Strategy Meetings
      Every Thursday through March 31
      7:30pm
      At the Fairness Campaign office, 2263 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville
      Join the meeting without making the trip by emailing Chris@fairness.org for the call-in number!

    5. Fairness Campaign Coordinating Committee Meeting
      Third Sunday of every month
      5-7pm
      Join Fairness leadership to discuss issues of importance to our community at this monthly meeting. Supporters are welcome.
      Fairness Campaign

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January 2011

  • BGLT VIDEO
    Sunday, January 2, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    The group will select a video to watch on a bisexual, gay, lesbian, or transgender theme, and talk about it afterward. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Video will follow the Black-Eyed Pea Luncheon Solar Array Fund Raiser. sponsored by the youth groups.
    Sun., Jan 2, 1:00-4:30pm, library.

  • POLYAMORY AND COMMITMENT
    How is commitment understood and honored in a multi-partner relationship? All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase a prepared lunch. Co-sponsored meeting.
    Sun., Jan 23, 12:30-2:30pm.

  • COMMITMENTS
    By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed to the “Commitments” listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook. Commitment #11 states:

    • “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.”

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Get Your Lobby On!
      It's that time of year, when the Fairness Campaign NEEDS you in Frankfort! A number of Fairness issues will be on the state legislative docket in 2011 - including the much-needed statewide anti-discrimination Fairness law. Legislators must hear from you to vote for Fairness! Join Fairness Campaign staff any Tues. - Thurs., Jan. - March by calling 502.893.0788!

    2. Bye-Bye Don't Ask, Don't Tell
      To the surprise of many, Congress passed the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in late December with overwhelming and bipartisan support. The next step is an implementation period that is expected to last six months to a year, during which Don't Ask Don't Tell remains in effect and BGLT military personnel are advised to remain closeted. The Department of Defense has made available the report of its study group, the accompanying implementation plan, and extensive coverage of the issue.

    3. Monster Ball After-Party
      Go gaga for Fairness in celebration of their 20th anniversary! The Fairness Campaign's "Monster Ball After-Party," in the Ballroom of the Kentucky International Convention Center, will directly follow the Lady Gaga/Scissor Sisters concert on March 12, 2011. Call 502.893.0788 for your tickets, or visit fairness.org for information about the party.

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December 2010

  • HETEROSEXUAL PRIVILEGE CHECKLIST
    Sunday, December 5, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    “On a daily basis as a straight person….” How would you finish this sentence? All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase take-out from a nearby restaurant. Sun., Nov 7, 12:30-4:30pm, library.

  • 4TH SUNDAY – NO MEETING
    The regular 4th Sunday polyamory discussion will not meet in December due to the holidays. Please join the discussion on January 23.

  • 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.”

  • ADVOCACY

    1. Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Legislative
      Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullim advised a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that repeal of the ban on military service by gay and lesbian individuals would cause limited or no negative impact on combat readiness. They urged that Congress repeal the ban in order to provide for an orderly transition period, before further court rulings force an immediate repeal, allowing no transition provisions. Their recommendation is based on the nearly 300-page report of the Don't Ask Don't Tell working group, which was provided to Congress and released to the public on November 30. The purpose of the nine-month study was to understand the implications of repeal of the policy and needed internal preparations. An extensive implementation plan accompanied the report.

    2. Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Courts
      A federal judge issued a world-wide injunction on Oct. 12 prohibiting enforcement of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy governing military service by BGLT persons. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay pending appeal. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ordered that all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell discharges be handled by the civilian secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force, without delegation to lower ranking authorities. For five days prior to the Ninth Circuit’s stay, recruiting centers accepted openly gay and lesbian recruits, leaving the military uncertain what to do with those enlistments.

    3. United Nations Setback
      A committee of the United Nations deleted the words "sexual orientation" from the renewal of a resolution and replaced them with "discriminatory reasons on any basis." The UN General Assembly passes a resolution condemning extrajudicial and arbitrary executions every two years. The previous resolution included an explicit reference to killings because of sexual orientation, as well as racial, national, ethnic, religious or linguistic reasons and killings of refugees, indigenous people and other groups. The U.S. delegation voted against the deletion and expressed disappointment at the removal; they abstained from the vote on the final resolution. The full General Assembly of the U.N. is expected to adopt the resolution in December.

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November 2010

  • VIDEO
    Sunday, November 7, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    Watch a movie on a transgender theme, and talk about the movie afterward. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase take-out from a nearby restaurant.

  • POLY LIVING
    Sunday, November 28, 12:30-2:30pm
    An update on the Poly Living conference in Seattle. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase take-out from a nearby restaurant. 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 #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

    1. BGLT Suicides
      The suicide of a gay student at Rutgers University gained national attention recently. Advocacy groups and experts quickly brought attention to the high rates of suicides across the country among bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender youth and young adults and to the direct link between bullying and these suicides. Calls for anti-bullying education and laws continue, with new visibility. The Louisville Youth Group, a GLBT support group, hosted an Anti-Bullying forum in October here in Louisville.

    2. AIDS Quilt in Bloomington, IN Nov. 13
      Fairness plans a trip to view the AIDS quilt. Bus tickets are only $15! Call 502.893.0788

    3. Transgender Day of Remembrance Nov. 20

    4. Constance McMillen update
      The school system that canceled the prom rather than allow Constance McMillen to bring her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo agreed to a settlement of $35,000 damages plus attorneys fees and the adoption of a non-discrimination policy. They refused to admit to wrongdoing. Now a TV movie about this story is in the works for ABC Family.

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October 2010

  • COMING OUT STORIES
    Sunday, October 3, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    What is it like to come out as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or transgender outside the welcoming shelter of First Unitarian? Guests from the University of Louisville will share their personal stories about coming out. All members and friends of First Unitarian are welcome. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase take-out from a nearby restaurant.

  • POLYAMORY AND RELIGION
    Sunday, October 24
    After Coming of Age until 2:30pm
    Prior to this meeting, please join with the church family for the Coming of Age program in support of our youth, and remember to RSVP for the dinner no later than Oct 17. A short discussion will follow the program. All members, friends, and visitors are welcome. 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 #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."

  • GOVERNMENTAL UPDATES -- FEDERAL
     
    "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Struck Down.     On Sept. 9, 2010. a Federal District Judge declared that the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Act violates the First and Fifth Amendments and plaintiffs are entitled to a permanent injunction that is yet to be released. As of Sept 24, no appeal has been filed. On Sept. 21, the U.S. Senate failed to pass legislative action to end the policy that could have rendered appeals of the judgment moot.

    Log Cabin Republicans v. USA
    Additional info
    NPR article

    Cited within the ruling:

    1. Medics:
      The "…2005 GAO Report on the "Financial Costs and Loss of Critical Skills Due to [the] DOD's Homosexual Conduct Policy [shows that] several hundred medical professionals had been discharged pursuant to the Act, yet a 2003 Senate report described a lack of medical care for wounded troops returning from the Arabian Gulf…. "

    2. Translators:
      "And at the same time that more than one-hundred thousand U.S. troops were deployed to serve in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, several hundred servicemembers with "critical" language skills, including many qualified as Farsi and Arabic speakers and interpreters, were discharged under the Act."

    3. Qualifications:
      "At the same time that the Act has caused the discharge of over 13,000 members of the military, including hundreds in critical occupations, the shortage of troops has caused the military to permit enlistment of those who earlier would have been denied entry because of their criminal records, their lack of education, or their lack of physical fitness."

    4. Selective discharge: "The abrupt and marked decline - 50% from 2001 to 2002 and steadily thereafter - in Defendants' enforcement of the Act following the onset of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Defendants' practice of delaying investigation and discharge until after combat deployment, demonstrate that the Act is not necessary to further the Government's interest in military readiness."

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September 2010

  • WHY INTERWEAVE?
    Sunday, September 5, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    "Haven't we done all this BGLT work already? What else is there to do? Is the Interweave chapter still relevant at First Unitarian?" If you've even wondered about these questions, add your voice to the conversation. Participants may purchase take-out lunch from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch. All members, friends, and visitors of First Unitarian are welcome.

  • POLYAMORY UPDATE
    Sunday, September 26, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    Discuss new developments at the UUA concerning polyamory, related organizations, and ministry. Participants may purchase take-out lunch from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch. All members and friends of First Unitarian are welcome at the 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.."

  • ADVOCACY

    1. A-Z's of Prejudice, Community Conversation: Discuss Arizona's immigration law and the LGBT community. Wed., Sept 8, 6:30pm, Louisville Free Public Library, 301 York St.

    2. Statewide Fairness Coalition Fall Summit 2010: Supporters from across the state are invited to strategize for Statewide Fairness with Coalition staff and leaders. Register today by e-mailing Laura@Fairness.org. Sat., Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. University of Louisville

    3. Louisville AIDS Walk: Sept. 26th, 1pm registration. The Belvedere, 5th & Main St. www.LouisvilleAIDSWalk.org

    4. Proposition 8: A federal judge struck down California's ban on same sex marriage as a violation of equal protection under the U.S. Constitution, and then ruled that marriages could begin without awaiting the appeals process. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals then issued a stay pending appeals. No same-sex marriages will be allowed before the Ninth Circuit rules.

    5. Attitude Shifts: In one August CNN poll, 52% of Americans polled supported same-sex marriage. This is the first poll to find majority support. In 1996, when the Defense of Marriage Act was passed, only 25% of Americans supported same-sex marriage. In 2004, no state had majority support for same-sex marriage, according to New York Times research. Today, 50% or more of Americans support same-sex marriage in at least 17 states.

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August 2010

  • PLANNING MEETING
    Sunday, August 8, 12:30-2:30pm, library
    Interweave will meet to plan programming and events for the coming year. The tentative meeting location is the church library; check the website for confirmation. Participants may purchase take-out lunch from a nearby restaurant, or bring a sack lunch. All members and friends of First Unitarian are welcome at the meeting.

  • COMMITMENTS
    By voting to become a Welcoming Congregation, First Unitarian Church agreed to the "Commitments" listed in The Welcoming Congregation Handbook. Commitment #9 states:

    "A Welcoming Congregation encourages the presence of a chapter of Interweave (Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender concerns)."

  • ADVOCACY

    1. DOMA Struck Down: U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro issued summary judgments in two cases on July 8, striking down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage for federal purposes. Judge Tauro stated that DOMA violates the Fifth and Tenth Amendments, due process and rights reserved to states. In one of his two rulings, Judge Tauro stated, "Indeed, Congress undertook this classification for the one purpose that lies entirely outside of legislative bounds, to disadvantage a group of which it disapproves. And such a classification, the Constitution clearly will not permit…. this court may conclude that it is only irrational prejudice that motivates the challenged classification."

    2. UN Grants Status to LGBT Rights Group: On July 19, the full United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted consultative status to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC). "Today's decision is an affirmation that the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have a place at the United Nations as part of a vital civil society community," said Cary Alan Johnson, IGLHRC Executive Director." The resolution passed with 23 in favor, 13 against, 13 abstentions and 5 absences. The government of the United States stood strongly behind IGLHRC's application.

      The mission of The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. A non-profit, non-governmental organization, IGLHRC is based in New York, with offices in Cape Town and Buenos Aires. Visit http://www.iglhrc.org for more information.

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July 2010

  • PLANNING MEETING
    Interweave will reschedule its planning meeting for August. Please watch for updates.

  • 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.”

  • ADVOCACY

    1. 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

    2. 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.

    3. 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."

  • MORE INFORMATION
    For more information or questions about Interweave, please contact Interweave Chair Jasmine Walston at interweave@firstulou.org or 944-7517.

Last year's Interweave activities

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.

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