As most are undoubtedly aware, June is Pride month, which is a time to affirm and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Festivals, parades, and a variety of events remind us of the courageous struggle so many make day in and day out to be welcomed and loved for who they are. Pride was even recently celebrated at the White House with a Progress Pride flag flying next to the American flag. A truly beautiful sight!

Progress Pride Flag

But, for all the progress that has been made, there is still so much work to be done.  Hate and intolerance of the LGBTQ+ community seem to be increasing on an almost daily basis. Extremist politicians are trying to score political points by rolling back gender-affirming health care and banning drag shows. To make things worse, many faith communities are causing additional harm as they provide religious cover and rationalization for actions and policies that violate the rights of so many, and especially our trans and gender fluid siblings.

Unitarian Universalism has a long and distinguished record when it comes to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. But now is not the time to pat ourselves on the back or celebrate the work we have done. Congregations like the UU Congregation of Charlottesville must speak and act boldly both within and beyond our walls. As our new mission says, we must “cultivate a safe and welcoming space for all,” and especially for those who are being made to feel unwelcome and unsafe. In addition, we’ve got make our voices heard in the public square, making it clear that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and that our religion demands that we love unconditionally, not marginalize or exclude.

With that in mind, UUCville will be establishing a wide-ranging LGBTQ+ ministry in the coming months. The specifics of that ministry are still to be determined and I want to invite all who are interested in being part of organizing it to be in touch with me at tim@uucharlottesville.org. A Pride-themed worship service is scheduled for early fall and there will be opportunities to share ideas and set goals. We also hope to have a film series and discussion as well as offer a class on Trans inclusivity for UUs. And there is no doubt that LGTBTQ+ ministry will play an important part in our strategic planning process.

I hope many of you will take part in Pride month activities and plan to be part of the process of getting a new LGBTQ+ ministry established here at UUCville. We have so much to offer, and the world needs our love, our courage, and our commitment. Together, we can put our faith into action and do our part to build a world that is truly a safe and welcoming space for all.
-Rev. Tim

Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag
The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag adds the intersex community to the Progress Pride Flag.
With this update coming in 2021, this serves as the most up-to-date LGBTQ+ flag.