Current Efforts & Getting Involved

One of our most dynamic and passionate task forces, the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) Equality Task Force works on many fronts: educational, public protest, political advocacy and emotional support and solidarity. We've spoken out as a congregation to the Batavia School District in support of a transgender teacher. We've placed an "Equal Marriage Banner" on the front of our church and when it was ripped down by vandals we were overwhelmed the community support we received. We annually participate in the "Streets of Pride" LGBT parade and also marched this spring in protest of the abuse of local gay individuals at the hands of Rochester police.

We are proud hosts of public events like the Greater Rochester Community Forum on Marriage and we've also, along with our ministers, presented talks at local universities and faith communities about topics that range from the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) to our ministers decision not to marriage licenses for heterosexuals until it is legal for homosexual couples to marry. Several of our church members and task force members have participated in marriage ambassador training, equipping individuals for public efforts to better engage the community in ethical debates and general conversation about equal marriage and LGBT issues in general. We regularly host Sunday morning letter writing drives on behalf of pro-LGBT legislation and we annually travel as a group to Albany to lobby our political representatives.

To organize all these efforts, our task force meets once a month on Thursday evenings from 6 - 7 PM. To learn more or get involved, contact the LGBT Equality Task Force Chairperson, Christine Voigt at christine1063@frontiernet.net.

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September 15 2008