INTERWEAVE UUCA

Interweave UUCA is the local chapter of the national organization of UUs actively working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity. All Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals and allies are invited to attend Interweave UUCA monthly meetings. During our monthly meetings. we discuss various projects we have underway and continue our conversation about ways we can help LGBTQ newcomers to UUCA feel not only "accepted" but also "connected" -- with Interweave and the congregation. Some of our projects have included representing UU at Atlanta Pride events, hosting the 2007 Interweave Continental Convo, providing Diversity Soup Night for UUCA Community Dinners, and participating in various social events.

Interweave UUCA monthly meetings are announced in the UUCA Newsletter and Sunday morning Cliffhanger. Everyone is invited to participate! For more information, contact Co-Chair Joetta Prost (joettapro@mindspring.com), Co-Chair Valerie West (vwest66@yahoo.com) or Treasurer/Secretary Laura Reagin (lgrcpa@gmail.com)

History of Interweave UUCA

Unitarian Universalism is supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) people and their families, and has officially welcomed this community since 1970. The first principle, respecting “the inherent worth and dignity of every person,” applies equally to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

UUCA became a Welcoming Congregation in the 1990’s and for several years a social justice/support group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) UUs continued under the name of Welcoming Congregation. Over time, this group became inactive at UUCA.

Beginning in fall 2006, LGBTQ individuals and allies began meeting at UUCA. The impetus for the group grew from UUCA Appreciative Inquiry conversations during the previous year, wherein LGBTQ members of UUCA talked of feeling accepted at UUCA but expressed concerns about not having a visible presence in the congregation.

In March 2007, the group agreed by consensus to affiliate with Interweave Continental and named itself “Interweave UUCA.” The group felt that affiliation with Interweave Continental would strengthen our opportunities to:

• Affect positive change within the UUA and UUCA with increased visibility and involvement
• Be part of a larger organization that represents a welcoming religious voice within local, regional and continental LGBTQ communities
• Contribute to a transformative grassroots movement that celebrates BGLTQ culture and people, and works to end all forms of oppression.

History of Interweave Continental and LGBTQ Concerns within Unitarian Universalism

Interweave was founded in Washington, DC, at the 1971 UUA General Assembly. A membership organization affiliated with the UUA, Interweave is comprised of bisexual, gay, heterosexual, lesbian, transgender and questioning people allied to confront oppression and to celebrate the lives of its members. The organization is committed to work in areas of internalized homophobia, anti-racism, and ministry concerning bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender issues.

Interweave Continental, Inc. actively works to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, recognizing that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past. By providing and supporting leadership, and working in collaboration with other organizations of similar vision, Interweave strives to connect and nurture LGBTQ individuals, communities, groups, and their allies.

To learn more about Interweave Continental go to www.interweavecontinental.org

Why should you support Interweave UUCA?

Interweave matters because we have made important strides within UUCA and other UU congregations in the welcoming of LGBTQ people, and it matters because we have a lot further to go. We need one another -- in networking, in support, in inspiration -- to get there. Interweave helps push our congregation, our association, and indeed, our culture in directions favorable to equality.

To learn more about our denomination's support of LGBTQ community, go to the UUA website.

Sponsored Organizations and Events

MEGA Family Project  is a nonpartisan, statewide organization dedicated  to providing support, education, and advocacy work on behalf of LGBT families.  Interweave sponsores the use of UUCA facilities for MEGA educational and social activities, such as an adoption seminar held in February 2008.

Atlanta PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Support Meetings will begin at UUCA June 2nd, 2008.  These "1st Monday" meetings are co-sponsored by Interweave and facilitated by PFLAG members, and will be held the first Monday of each month (7:00-8:30) in the Chapel.