This Transgender Day of Remembrance..

It’s a misconception that all religious community members and faith leaders oppose LGBTQ+ rights because of their deeply held beliefs. This blanket statement simply doesn’t reflect the diversity of faith traditions or places of worship.

You need look no further than the statement signed by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and nine other faith leaders in support of trans, intersex, and nonbinary people. (Read about it here.) The UUA has issued similar statements before, including a press release calling on its members to honor and defend people of all gender identities in 2024.

Importantly, the joint statement frames religious belief not as an impediment but as a reason to support transgender and nonbinary people. As it reads: “As heads of diverse religious traditions in the United States, our faiths call on us to proclaim that transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people deserve respect, love, and equal rights.”

We are heartened by this public and heartfelt display of support from leaders within the faith community.

Today, as we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance and honor those who lost their lives to anti-trans violence and discrimination, let us renew our commitment to building a more just, safe, and inclusive society where trans and nonbinary people are free to thrive and live their full, beautiful lives.