Why is LGBTQ History important?

The way that history is taught and remembered creates or reinforces “in” groups and “out” groups in a society. While many have heard about some events in LGBTQ history (such as the Stonewall Riots or the activism, political career, and assassination of Harvey Milk in San Francisco), many significant people and events in the history of the LGBTQ rights movement are often underrepresented (especially in schools, in textbooks and K-12 curricula). All young people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students and other marginalized populations, should have access to a safe and affirming school environment where they can learn and grow.

Each of us has worth and dignity, and that worth includes our gender and our sexuality. As Unitarian Universalists (UUs), we not only open our doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we value diversity of sexuality and gender and see it as a spiritual gift. We create inclusive religious communities and work for LGBTQ justice and equity as a core part of who we are. All of who you are is sacred. All of who you are is welcome.

What We Are Doing

Welcoming CongregationsOur congregations engage in intentional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) welcoming ministry. Find a Welcoming Congregation near you or learn more about the Welcoming Congregation Program and how we are constantly deepening our practice of welcome.

UPLIFT: LGBTQ Ministries and Welcoming Congregations Blog and Newsletter
This is the quarterly newsletter from the UUA’s LGBTQ Ministries, sharing LGBTQ voices in Unitarian Universalism and beyond. UPLIFT is a platform for the UUA to highlight LGBTQ+ issues and concerns by featuring related programming, reflections, and content circulated in our quarterly blog and email newsletter.

Worship & Education

Pride: A collection of resources, including readings, meditations, and stories you can use for LGBTQ-focused

worship services.

Identity 101: Learn more about sexual orientations and gender identities.

Print resources: LGBTQ-related pamphlets, flyers, guides, and other print resources.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) : A sexuality education program for the entire lifespan, inclusive of sexuality and gender diversity.

For more information: lgbtq@uua.org.

Www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history

Www.facinghistory.org/educator-resources/current-events/lgbtq-history-and-why-it-matters