Our UUC congregation is committing to assisting transgender individuals and families who are fleeing oppressive laws in other states. We are connected to the Pink Haven Coalition through our relationships with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), and other area UU churches.

There is currently a need for housing, as short as a few days for out-of-state health care appointments and such, to longer stays which would allow someone to get a new life organized while finding a more permanent place to live. The Pink Haven coalition very carefully vets and matches travelers to homes, and all hosts will have a support team, a "welcoming village." If you have an extra room, an apartment, a home, or even a good spot for an RV, and are interested in potentially hosting, please email Rev. Beth Chronister for more information.

At least 26 US states have enacted and are pursuing legislation making it difficult and dangerous to be transgender or non-binary. In some states it is already a crime for doctors and others to provide gender-affirming care to minors and young adults. As a result, growing numbers of people need to move to safer places and restart their lives.

Pink Haven Coalition is a transgender-led collective of organizations and individuals supporting the relocation of individuals and families to safer states along with connections to mutual aid and access to gender affirming care. The most recent issue of UU World discusses this coalition and its important work. “Pink Haven helped my family of five move from one state that is increasingly becoming more anti-trans to a site where we have legal measures set in place to protect us as a trans/LGBTQ family," says a family the Pink Haven Coalition assisted in relocating in 2023. “Had we not received the support necessary to do this move, my family would still be fighting to move somewhere safer. My family is truly grateful for the support we received…”

If you would like to learn more about the Pink Haven Coalition and join UUC's efforts, please join our upcoming meeting on Sunday, May 19, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Knatvold.

There is now a UUC Connect group Pink Haven Coalition at UUC. Take a look. Use the "Join" button there to let the group leaders know you are interested in being in the loop. UUC Connect is our password-protected resource for UUC members and friends. If you do not already have an account, please contact the church office for assistance.