Witnessing Each Other

Oct 6, 2023 | Weekly Message

Have you ever had that moment? The one where, with someone you deeply care about, you suddenly catch your breath and think – they don’t get me. They aren’t hearing me. They’re just not seeing the real me right now. That is an awful moment; one of the most painful we feel as human beings.

Since January of this year, over 496 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. Many of them, as you may know, target our kids – trans youth. But by no means are trans kids the only targets in a reinvigorated and cynical (not to mention cruel) culture war; all our LGBTQIA+ beloveds are being targeted, and the attacks are designed to hit other targets, too – how we teach our kids, what we can read, how we can dress. The worst kinds of religious bigotry are back out in force. (Not that they ever really went away.)

But back here at home, we have things to tend to. Some of our LGBTQIA+ beloveds right here in our congregation are telling us they feel invisible, or as though the issues that affect lives so deeply are not ones we’re paying attention to. As I joined you for our family’s first Blue Ridge Pride, it looked to me like this congregation cares. I was so touched and grateful to see the strength of our Yellow Shirt Brigade, marching with, yes, Pride in the parade. From the energy, enthusiasm, and presence of members and friends, it seems to me that even if it’s imperfect at times, the UU Congregation of Asheville, NC does “get it,” and are willing to show up to make the world a little bit better for all of us.

So please: stay with us in this learning, loving journey. If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our Everything You Wanted to Know about Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex and Gender Expansive Folx – but Were Afraid to Ask webinar on Oct. 11. I can promise you you will learn something new – and hopefully, you’ll feel a little better equipped to navigate in a world where we strive to treat everyone with respect for their inherent worth. A world where none of our beloveds ever feels unseen.

Register HERE for the webinar! For more information, see this CALENDAR LINK

– Rev. Audette