September 10, at 10:00 am, 3845 North Swan Street – "Pride Not Prejudice”
What is the history of Pride celebrations? What is the current climate and legal status of rights
for LGBTQIA+ persons in the United States?
George Carr, a retired civil rights attorney and member of the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union SW New Mexico Chapter, will discuss how rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and those who express their gender and sexuality otherwise have developed in the United States over the past 50 years—and how some rights are being threatened today.
Before retiring from practice in Florida, Carr represented farm workers, classes of African Americans in civil rights actions, and advocated for gay couples seeking to adopt children. While landmark Supreme Court cases have recognized the rights to marriage equality and for people to be free from discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Human Rights Campaign declared a “State of Emergency” for LGBTQIA+ persons in the U.S. in June 2023 after more than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills were introduced in 41 states during the 2023 state legislative year.
Carr will explain the current legal landscape and how efforts are also being made to enhance anti-discrimination protections at both the state and federal levels.
Sunday’s program will also include a presentation by Dave Becker, co-chair of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s Welcoming Congregation Committee, on the history of Pride—how it began as a reaction and protest to the LGBTQIA+ community’s invisibility and legal oppression, and how it has evolved to a celebration of individual and community identity and joint commitment to non-discrimination and equal rights.
The Fellowship is also celebrating its formal recognition as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association.
There are speakers on the patio if you wish to listen to the service outside.
Childcare is available on second and fourth Sundays. Parents are invited to bring children 3-12 years old to play and participate in activities led by 10th grader Ivy Stephens-Etheridge.
UUFSC Safety Protocol as pursuant to our most recent UUA Guidelines:
Masks are now optional, but their use is encouraged. We will continue to serve refreshments on the patio and in the building. Visitors are always welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City is a diverse group of religious independents seeking knowledge, spiritual sustenance, fellowship and opportunities for service to others. Our programs encompass Humanism, liberal Christianity, earth-based spirituality, Buddhism and many other traditions. If you’d like to find out more, email uufellowshipofsilvercity@gmail.com , visit our website at www.uufsc.com or visit us on Facebook at Unitarian-Universalist-Fellowship-of-Silver-City.