The Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation (UUWF) stands firmly with those who are tirelessly working to defend gender-affirming care and the rights of trans and gender expansive people to live fully as their authentic selves both publicly and privately. Our faith calls us, through our principles and sources, to love and care for one another. We are bound by our covenantal relationships to uphold these ideas to guide us on the path of beloved community and collective liberation.

The UUWF firmly believes that each of us has the right to bodily autonomy, the sacred right to define our own identities, and the right to health care–including gender-affirming health care. We loudly oppose the work of those who would deprive parents and patients of the right to make the medical decisions that best fit their needs. All healthcare providers have a right and duty to provide life-saving care, including gender-affirming care, without interference from the state.

We, the UUWF Board and Staff, are outraged and loudly oppose the hate-based violence against LGBTQIA+ people, including state and state-sanctioned violence. We demand a stop to the wave of attacks on the lives and liberty of trans and gender-expansive peoples. We recognize that due to the intersectionality of systemic oppression, People of Color are affected in different and more harmful ways than others. Our work to center women and femmes calls us to speak up and take action, and uplift marginalized voices, so that we move closer to justice.

Our priorities, Women’s Health, Women & Work, Women’s Poverty, and Stopping Violence Against Women, all support our work to protect the rights and bodies of women, femmes, non-binary, and gender-expansive people. We side with you because this is our fight too.

We are in this fight with communities affected by hate, violence, misinformation, and harm. We send love and care to all those directly affected in these states, and we see you. We side with you, your families, and your communities.

Although we know it may be difficult, we encourage those in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana and other states where anti-trans activities are escalating, to take time to move mindfully through these tough moments. Schedule time for personal care, and to care for those around you. Reach out for help from those of us with more to offer.

We ask that our UU community outside of the battleground areas spend time reaching out to those affected, connecting with your local justice ministries, and Side With Love. You can also learn more through The ACLU, The Human Rights Campaign, and The Trevor Project.