Interweave
The name “Interweave” can leave a person scratching their heads! “Just what do you do?” is a question that has been asked on a number of occasions as people read my name badge which identifies me as chair of this group. Here is a brief history on Interweave.
Officially, we are part of a larger group known as Interweave Continental: Unitarian Universalists for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Concerns. This is a nationwide, non-profit charitable organization, affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association of congregations (UUA). Interweave grew out of a support network (UU’s for Gay Concerns) that formed in the early 1970’s, whose specific concern was to advocate on behalf of what was known then as sexual minority lay people and provide information and support for clergy in the UUA who wanted to develop skills for ministering to and with BGLT individuals and groups.
1983 saw the first of our convocations, in which invited speakers and workshops helped to raise the awareness of gay and lesbian issues. These annual convocations continue up to this day, with this year’s convocation being held in February in Atlanta, GA.
In 1993, Interweave Continental adopted its current name and merged with the UU Bisexual Network to make a deep commitment to inclusion for all identity groups and to encourage individual and chapter memberships. In 1994, Interweave became the first affiliated organization to begin the Journey Toward Wholeness program – which addresses issues on institution racism by planned outreach to people of color. It also led the way towards better understanding how BLGT persons of color experience their own culture and work with them to develop specific responses to culturally rooted perspectives regarding sexual orientation and gender expression.
Interweave promotes interfaith dialogue through participation in the National Religious Leadership Roundtable, Equal Partners in Faith and other multi-faith organizations. TUUC Interweave is proud to sponsor this work on a local level by being a member of the Interfaith Coalition of Maryland, which is a local organization comprised of various faith traditions. Its aim is to foster more positive perspectives of BLGT persons.
TUUC is one of several UU congregations that participate in the annual GLBT Pride Weekend festivities held at Druid Hill Park in June of each year. We set up a table with information pertinent to TUUC as well as the larger GLBT community. Through conversations with those who stop by our table, as well as our participation in an interfaith service with other local churches, we are able to make TUUC more visible in the community. We are always looking for extra hands to help out at Gay Pride so if you would like to help us staff the booth, just let us know.
If you are interested in participating in any of our Interweave activities or attending our monthly committee meetings, you are welcome to contact any of our committee members who will either wear an Interweave Pin or their name badges which will include “Interweave” on them.