LGBTQ Pride Group

Welcome!

The First Unitarian Church of Portland extends a warm welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, families, and communities. Our community provides an inclusive environment for all who seek to explore their spirituality, build community, and work for social justice.

First Unitarian Church of Portland has a long and eventful history of providing a safe and welcoming home to the LGBTQ community. Including the 1992 response to Ballot Measure 9 to criminalize homosexuality, wherein the church was declared a “hate-free zone.” In March, 2004, dozens of same-gender couples were married in the sanctuary when Multnomah County legalized gay marriage. As stated in its first guiding principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association, “We covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.”

For further information, contact:

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Helena Hessle, co-chair

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UUA Welcoming Congregation

The Unitarian Universalist Association Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely volunteer program for Unitarian Universalist congregations that want to take intentional steps to become more welcoming and inclusive of people with marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities. As a member of the Welcoming Congregation program, our commitment includes the following:

--We are inclusive and expressive of the concerns of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender at every level of congregational life—in worship, in program, and in social occasions—welcoming not only their presence but the unique gifts and particularities of their lives as well.

--We do not assume anyone’s affectional/sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Vocabulary of worship reflects this perception; worship celebrates diversity by inclusivity of language and content.

Our bylaws and other official documents include an affirmation and nondiscrimination clause affecting all dimensions of congregational life, including membership, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals.

--We offer congregational and ministerial support for services of union and memorial services for persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender, and celebrations of evolving definitions of family.

--We seek to nurture ongoing dialogue between people of different affectional/sexual orientations and gender identifications, and to create deeper trust and sharing.

--As an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, we attend to legislative developments and work to promote justice, freedom, and equality in the larger society. We speak out when the rights and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are at stake.

--We celebrate the lives of all people and their ways of expressing their love for each other.

Standing on the Side of Love

Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy campaign, initiated by the Unitarian Universalist Association that is harnessing love’s power to stop oppression. We stand with all who believe that no person should be dehumanized through acts of exclusion, oppression, or violence because of their identities.

In public debates over immigration, LGBTQ rights, and more, religious people stand on the side of love and call for respect, inclusion, and compassion.

The Standing on the Side of Love campaign elevates compassionate religious voices to influence public attitudes and public policy. Through community activism, social networking, and media outreach, people across the nation are equipped to counter fear and make love real in the world.

Affiliations

We are an affiliate member of the Community of Welcoming Congregations for Oregon and Southwest Washington and work with several community non-profit organizations including Basic Rights Oregon.

Unitarian Universalist Association statement on LGBTQ equality

http://www.uua.org/lgbt/index.shtml

Standing on the Side of Love

http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/

Getting Involved

There are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s hosting the Pride table at coffee hour, hosting or assisting with social events, walking in the Portland Pride Parade, or working on new ballot initiatives for equality, you’re efforts are welcome.

Upcoming Events

Social events are held monthly and are hosted by members of the LGBTQ Pride Group. Watch for announcements on this page, e-news, and printed church material.

Pride Potluck and Game Night
Saturday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m.
We’re excited to announce that Sandy Hart and Florence Jessup, long-time members of our group, will be hosting our May Pride gathering at their home in Southwest Portland.

We will enjoy our food together and then play some fun board games. We ask folks to bring a favorite dish to share, and if you have a fun group game or two, please share with us! Look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP to Sandy for address ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or (503) 840-5727

Portland Pride Parade
Sunday, June 16, 11:30 a.m.
Join First Unitarian Church as we march together with the all local UU congregations in this year's Portland Pride Parade. Our theme will be Standing on the Side of Love. We are encouraging folks to wear Standing on the Side of Love t-shirts or complimentary colors of yellow, black, grey, or white. To buy a shirt, please visit the Pride Table in Fuller Hall. For questions please contact Scott Winters ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).