Beyond 2 Sexes, Beyond Outrage to Action: On renewing KUUF’s commitment as a Welcoming Congregation to the full spectrum of the LGTBQ+ community
Vicky Bergvall and the Justice Ministry will lead a service that honors and extends our commitment as a Welcoming Congregation open to the full LGTBQ+ community as allies in the ongoing fight for full recognition of their personhood and their rights to spiritual and bodily autonomy and self-determination.
At a long and contentious meeting on Dec. 9, the Houghton County Commissioners voted 4-to-1 against a local resolution to only recognize two sexes. At least 23 KUUF members attended the rally beforehand or the commissioners’ meeting in person or on Zoom, with several speaking out forcefully against the resolution. Yet what does that local vote mean in light of the U.S. executive order issued on the last inauguration day, Jan. 20, 2025, which made the same 2-sexes claim?
As a linguist researching sex, gender, and sexuality, and the language we use to talk about these, Vicky asks: What does it mean to “recognize” two sexes? What is the power of language here? What does the science say? (How) can we reclaim “empathy” from the “toxic” label given to it by Christian nationalists? And how can we, as Unitarian Universalists, move beyond outrage to action in responding with empathy and compassion to enact our commitment to welcoming everyone in recognition, celebration, and support of their full selves?