Faithful Resistance to Attacks on Healthcare and Trans Rights: September Update from UPLIFT Action
Across the U.S., we’re witnessing mounting threats to healthcare, reproductive rights, and trans communities. The recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” in Congress slashes access to care—cutting Medicaid, defunding Planned Parenthood, and funneling benefits to the wealthiest—deepening inequity at the very moment our communities need more support, not less.
At the state and judicial levels, trans rights are under intensified attack. Laws like those in Texas restrict restroom and changing-facility access based on sex assigned at birth and invite civilian enforcement, while recent court rulings have opened the door for states to ban gender-affirming care for minors. The impact is chilling and immediate.
As people of faith, we remember: every body is sacred. We affirm that trans people are divine, that abortion is a blessing, and that no one is disposable. These attacks are designed to divide and distract us; our response is steadfast solidarity—moral, strategic, and grounded in love.
Bookmark our Action Center and check each Tuesday for updates. You’ll find clear assessments of the political and movement landscape, timely resources and trainings, and concrete opportunities to take faithful action with us.
In solidarity,
Side With Love
UUA Joins Amicus Brief to Protect LGBTQ+ Children from Conversion Therapy
The UUA has joined an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s ban on the harmful and discredited practice of conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy is abuse—not care.
Our faith compels us to affirm the worth and dignity of all people. We want LGBTQ+ youth to know: you are whole, and you are loved—just as you are.
We’re Hiring: Clara Barton Reproductive Justice Organizing Intern
This is a part-time (19 hours) position for someone currently enrolled in a seminary or graduate program, preparing for a career in Unitarian Universalist (UU) social justice ministry or other professional faith-based justice leadership. This position is funded by the UU Women's Federation, and will work with the UUA's Organizing Strategy Team on the Side With Love and UPLIFT Action campaign in the creation and implementation of an intersectional organizing strategy that engages Unitarian Universalists in advocating and acting for Reproductive Justice in partnership with frontline and faith organizations and coalitions.
Webinar Series: Faithful Futures: Empowering Action for Reproductive Justice
So many of us are called (by faith, by our values, by Spirit) to join in the collaborative building of justice, but sometimes we don’t know where to start.
Tues, Sept 16: SACReD Congregations for Reproductive Justice
Are you ready to take action in your community to support Reproductive Justice? Join SACReD for a conversation about building a strong religious movement supporting abortion access and Reproductive Justice. We will discuss who SACReD is, what we do, and the frameworks of reproductive health, rights, justice, freedom, and dignity. After learning about A SACReD Journey curriculum for communities and congregations, you will have the opportunity to build your own personal, local, and societal action plans to support Reproductive Justice right where you are.
Tues, Sept 30: Grounded, Resilient, Responsible: Risk Discernment for Repro Justice Action
In a time when reproductive justice organizing carries both profound moral clarity and real political risk, how do we move forward with courage, care, and collective strength? This training is designed to help individuals and communities assess and navigate risk in today’s climate. Together, we’ll explore spiritual, embodied, and practical tools to support wise action; deepen our ability to discern what’s needed and what’s possible; and share resources for communicating clearly and showing up responsibly with others in shared struggle. Come ready to root in your values, reflect on your context, and rise in community. Register to join.
The Woodlands
A new all-ages virtual pastoral care program for trans people and their families
The Woodlands is a monthly online gathering hosted on the first Sunday of each month, designed for trans children, youth, and adults—as well as the parents and caregivers of trans people. Each session will begin with a shared message and grounding ritual, followed by breakout rooms tailored to different communities within our circle, and we come back together for a release. Sessions will be about an hour and a half.
Each breakout room—co-facilitated by two chaplains—will offer space for meaningful check-ins where we can honor our grief, celebrate our joy, and support one another. The spirit of each room will reflect the people within it.
For example:
The Sequoias Room: for parents and caregivers of trans people
The Saplings Room: for trans children and youth
The Sycamores Room: for trans adults
The Woodlands meets the first Sunday of each month at 10am HT / 12pm AT / 1pm PT / 4pm ET
Upcoming dates:
October 5
November 2
December 7
January 4
February 1
March 1
April 5
May 3
