On January 1st, 1962, Illinois became the first state to decriminalize sexual activity between adult partners of the same physiological anatomy after repealing sodomy laws. Read more about this and other milestones on the road to LGBTQIA+ equal rights here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/stonewall-milestones-american-gay-rights-movement/
Twenty-seven years ago today, Brandon Teena (December 12, 1972 – December 31, 1993) was attacked and murdered in a small town in Nebraska. Teena was murdered because he was transgender, and his two friends – Phillip DeVine and Lisa Lambert – were killed to cover…
In 1993, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” went into effect for all U.S. Armed Forces personnel. The policy said that LGBT people needed to keep their gender and sexuality secret to serve the nation, After years of effort from activists, the policy was revoked on September…
On December 29th, 1914, jazz musician Billy Tipton (December 29, 1914 – January 21, 1989) was born. Tipton was a well-known musician from 1930 – 1950 when he had to retire due to worsening arthritis. An upcoming documentary explores Tipton’s life, including the misgendering that…
Lili Ilse Elvenes (28 December 1882 – 13 September 1931) is born in Vejle, Denmark. After seeing herself as a woman in her wife’s paintings, the Danish artist and writer began living as a woman and in 1923, underwent gender affirmation surgery. Learn more at:…
Joe Beam (December 30, 1954– December 27, 1988) dies from complications of AIDS. He was the editor of “In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology,” and was an African-American gay rights activist and author Beam was working on a sequel to “In the Life” at…
Art- Icon of black Madonna from side altar of Altlerchenfelder church from 19th century. July 27, 2013. Vienna. By Kimi Floyd Reisch December 1, 2020 #ONAPictureAdvent 2020 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to…
by Kimi Floyd Reisch #ONAPictureAdvent 2020 Matthew 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham. From Abraham to King David, the following ancestors are listed: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah…
We are thrilled to announce that our Leadership Team member, Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, will be honored Creating Change 2021. Creating Change is the annual conference sponsored by the National LGBT Task Force, a long-time partner to the Coalition through the Welcoming Church Program Leaders group…
by the Rev. Christina Fidanza Mark 6:1-6 (The Inclusive Bible) After leaving there, Jesus came into his own town, followed by the disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and the many listeners were astonished and said, “Where did he…
The Open and Affirming Coalition advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the United Church of Christ and beyond, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ’s extravagant welcome. Read more