LGBT* Task Force

(*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender)

The civil rights issue of our time: LGBT rights! This year we will engage our faith, hands, and voices to help repeal DOMA(the Defense of Marriage Act) and learn how to protect marriage equality in New York. We will keep abreast of current LGBT issues and support the passage of GENDA (Gender Expression Non-discrimination Act). Finally, we will celebrate by marching in the Pride Parade in July 2012. Join us and put your belief in equality into action!

Rachel Muto, LGBT Task Force chair | email

Standing on the Side of Love
Our work for LGBT rights is rooted in the simple belief that love and commitment in any form should be celebrated, protected and encouraged. We also believe that diversity of self and sexual expression is something that is natural and enriches us all.

For decades, our congregation and our wider Unitarian Universalist movement have been outspoken about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, most notably by affirming homosexual clergy and marriage for gay and lesbian couples. We understand that cultures and religions need time to adjust to new understandings of sexuality and marriage, but we also believe firmly that it is now time to change, not "go slowly." People are diminished and even dying because of homophobia and religious bias against LGBT individuals. Thus, we strive at First Unitarian to be both "a welcoming church" and a source of cultural change, a community that sides with and even fights for love.

We are thrilled to now live in a state that recognizes equal marriage. If you are planning to get married or have a ceremony so your existing marriage can receive legal standing in New York, we'd love to officiate and celebrate with you. Check out the "Getting Married?!" link in the top corner of this page for more details.

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November 7 2011