Across the country, we are witnessing a renewed and coordinated effort to restrict and criminalize gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-expansive young people. Just yesterday the U.S. House passed legislation that would make it a federal crime for doctors—and in some cases parents—to support gender-affirming medical care for minors, despite the consensus of major medical organizations that such care can be appropriate and lifesaving when provided responsibly, as reported by
The Guardian and CNN.  

As NPR reports, efforts to restrict gender-affirming care increasingly rely on misinformation and alarmist language, sidelining medical expertise and the lived realities of transgender youth and their families.  

These attacks rely on misleading language about “protecting children,” while disregarding the voices of parents, medical professionals, and faith leaders who know that denying care causes real harm. Reporting from Out Magazine highlights how these proposals would criminalize doctors, terrify families, and further isolate transgender youth rather than protect them.  

Research consistently shows that affirming care reduces anxiety, depression, and suicide risk among gender-diverse youth, while forced denial increases distress and danger—realities that are too often absent from political debate. (Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care)

In this moment, Open and Affirming churches are being called to something deeper than politeness or symbolic inclusion. Open and affirming churches can and should provide hope—not merely through welcome (WELCOME IS NOT ENOUGH), but through affirmation, protection, education, and sustained commitment. This means clearly naming gender-expansive people as beloved by God, offering concrete pastoral care to families navigating fear and uncertainty, and grounding our communities in theology that resists shame and exclusion.

Across the country, Open and Affirming congregations are doing this work every day. They are accompanying families who are frightened. They are educating their members in the midst of misinformation. They are showing—through action—that faith can be a source of life rather than harm. But this work requires support. Churches need resources, coaching, training, and theological tools to respond faithfully and courageously—especially in places where political pressure makes affirmation costly.

That is why the work of the Open and Affirming Coalition matters now more than ever.

At the heart of this movement is a simple truth: every person is BELOVED.

From now through December 31, 2025, your generosity can help that truth shine even brighter. The Coalition has received a 2-for-1 matching grant from a generous supporter. When our community raises $10,000, the donor will add $20,000—bringing $30,000 of support, strength, and hope to this movement.

Because this is a true 2-for-1 match, every contribution is tripled:
• A gift of $25 becomes $75
• A gift of $100 becomes $300
• A gift of $1,000 becomes $3,000

Your support directly fuels the coaching, education, advocacy, and resources churches rely on to affirm gender-expansive people and their families with clarity and courage—especially in a time when care is being politicized and compassion is being criminalized.

Every contribution—large or small—strengthens the ministry that strengthens all of us.

Will you join us? Will you help grow The Beloved Fund and triple your impact today?

Give here:
https://openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/265515-the-beloved-fund-2-for-1matching-grant

With gratitude and resolve,

Rev. Derek Terry
Acting Executive Director
Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is a moral failure and a heartbreaking injustice. This ruling abandons vulnerable children and their families to the political whims of state governments, disregarding the lived realities, medical consensus, and human dignity of transgender youth.

As people of faith committed to justice and radical inclusion, the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ grieves this ruling and the harm it inflicts. We reject the idea that any government has the right to deny life-saving, evidence-based healthcare because of a young person’s gender identity. We reject a theology that would permit such cruelty. And we reject the misuse of power that seeks to control, erase, and endanger trans lives.

This decision is not just a legal setback—it is a spiritual wound. Trans and nonbinary youth are beloved children of God, created in the divine image, worthy of care, protection, and the fullness of life. Every attack on their rights is an attack on the sacredness of creation itself.

We are clear: Our trans and nonbinary siblings are not alone. We will not abandon you. The church, when it is truly living into the Gospel, must stand with the marginalized, defend the oppressed, and speak boldly against unjust laws. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating sanctuaries of love, safety, and affirmation—especially in states where this care is now banned.

This ruling does not end the fight. It intensifies our call to action.

We call on every Open and Affirming congregation to:

• Preach and teach boldly that trans lives are sacred.
• Create concrete safety plans for supporting trans youth and families.
• Partner with local advocacy groups working on legal, medical, and emotional support.
• Proclaim without apology that our faith compels us to resist hatred in all its forms.

To our transgender and nonbinary youth: You are not a political issue. You are not a debate. You are loved, needed, and holy. We see you. We fight for you. We will never stop.

Let justice roll down. Let love rise up. And let the church be known not for silence, but for sacred resistance.

Rev. Derek Terry
Acting Executive Director
Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ

A Sacred Text for Trans Visibility
Written for the National Trans Visibility March Empowerment Service
By Rev. Derek A. Terry, Acting Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ

In the beginning, there was breath—holy and expansive—carried in every body, every voice, every form. And God said: You are enough. You are whole. You are mine.

To be visible is not a concession. It is a calling.
To be trans is not a burden. It is a blessing.
To live boldly in your truth is a sacred act of resistance, a mirror of the Divine who transcends all binaries and boundaries.

We gather today as people of faith, allies, and beloveds, to say:
Trans people are not an afterthought. You are not a side note in the story of liberation.
You are the movement. You are the miracle.

Your bodies are not up for debate. Your identities are not problems to be solved.
Your leadership is not optional—it is essential.

And in a world that legislates hate and erases truth,
we speak back with love, with fire, and with faith:
We see you.
We need you.
We honor you.
We follow you.

For the Spirit is moving through your courage.
Justice is marching in your name.
And the church, if it is to be the church at all, must stand with you—visible, loud, and unafraid.

Amen. Ashe. And so it is. 

Join us July 9-10, 2025, at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott in Kansas City, MO!

This gathering, held just before the United Church of Christ General Synod, is an opportunity to worship, connect, and organize for justice. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities continue to face challenges, we come together in faith, resilience, and joy to affirm that God’s love is for all.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! Stay tuned for updates on speakers, workshops, and more.

As a Black Queer person, I celebrate Black History Month with intention. It is a time to honor our ancestors, recognize our resilience, and reflect on the struggles that Black communities continue to face. But let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight—Black Joy. In a world that constantly tries to wear us down, joy is not an escape; it’s a tool, a declaration that we are still here, still thriving, and still worthy of love, laughter, and rest. And this isn’t just a Black thing—this is a lesson for anyone who has ever been marginalized, for anyone who has ever felt like the world was trying to erase them. Joy is resistance.

Why Black Joy Matters

Black joy is about more than just happiness—it’s about survival. In the face of racism, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, economic struggles, and the criminalization of our very existence, our ability to love, laugh, and rest is an act of defiance. This isn’t about pretending oppression doesn’t exist. It’s about refusing to let oppression define us.

Our ancestors sang through their pain, found laughter in the midst of struggle, and built communities where love thrived despite everything working against them. That spirit lives on today in the way we create music, gather in community, dance, and tell our stories.

What This Means for the LGBTQ+ Community and Other Marginalized Groups

If you’ve ever had your rights threatened, your identity challenged, or your safety compromised, you know that just existing can be exhausting. But joy—queer joy, immigrant joy, working-class joy, disabled joy—is fuel. It keeps us going when the world says we should give up.

When we consider the current realities facing our trans siblings—who are being targeted in ways that are deeply insidious and harmful—we know that their joy is under attack. From laws designed to erase their existence to barriers preventing access to gender-affirming care, the assault on trans people is relentless. That is why their joy is sacred. When trans folks find laughter, love, and celebration in the face of oppression, they send a powerful message: they will not be erased. We stand with them in that truth.

Building Communities of Joy and Resistance

Resistance isn’t just about marches and petitions—it’s also about creating spaces where joy can thrive. That means supporting Black and queer artists, uplifting trans voices, and ensuring that all marginalized communities have room to breathe, rest, and flourish. It means showing up for one another, protecting spaces where we can exist freely and fully, and making sure that our movements include not just justice, but also celebration.

Immigrants, people of color, disabled individuals, the poor, the unhoused, and those living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities continue to face systemic oppression, racial profiling, deportation threats, and targeted hate. Many are denied basic human rights and dignity. Their struggles are deeply connected to our own, and their joy is just as powerful a form of resistance. We must stand in solidarity with them, ensuring that our collective movements amplify their voices, honor their stories, and uplift their fight for liberation. Joy unites us, reminding us that we are not alone and that our survival is a testament to our strength.

A Call to Joy

This Black History Month—and beyond—let’s make joy a priority. Let’s reclaim it, protect it, and share it. Let’s dance, laugh, and rest—not because we’re ignoring the struggle, but because we refuse to be consumed by it. The executive orders, the attempts to erase us from history, the attacks on our trans siblings—these are all designed to hinder, stifle, or even steal our joy. Don’t let them! We used to sing a song in church growing up:
“This Joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me! The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away!”

• To our Black siblings: Our joy has always been a revolutionary force.
• To our LGBTQ+ siblings: Our love and laughter are acts of defiance.
• To our trans siblings: Your joy is sacred and essential, and we will work to help you secure and protect it.
• To our immigrant siblings: Your joy is powerful, necessary, and worthy of celebration. We stand with you, support you, and uplift your right to thrive.
• To all people of color facing oppression: Your joy is resistance. It is vital, it is sacred, and it cannot be erased. We see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you.

To everyone trying to exist in a world that tells them they shouldn’t—claim your joy. Celebrate yourself, your identity, and one another in the struggle. Because joy is not just resistance—it is the foundation of our liberation! 

Let that sink in.

The national monument that honors the Stonewall Uprising—the very birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement—has been rewritten to exclude the trans and queer people who led the fight. This is not just an oversight. This is a deliberate and cruel attempt to whitewash history, to push trans people back into the shadows, and to fuel the culture wars of an administration that thrives on hate.

But history is not up for debate.

Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, and so many other trans and gender-expansive people were the ones who put their bodies on the line at Stonewall. Their courage ignited a movement that has shaped LGBTQ+ rights in this country for over five decades. And yet, this administration wants to pretend they never existed. Without them, there is no Pride, no LGBTQ+ rights, no Stonewall history to honor at all.

And now, the government wants to pretend they never existed.

Erasing letters from a government website doesn’t change the truth. It does, however, send a dangerous message to trans youth, to our communities, and to the world: that our lives, our stories, and our contributions don’t matter. But we know better.

As people of faith, we have a moral obligation to resist.

If the government will not tell the truth, then our churches must. If the government will not protect trans and queer people, then we must go out of our way to create safe and brave spaces for all of God’s people. If the government will try to erase us, then we must show up louder, prouder, and more determined than ever.

Here’s what you can do:

• Call it out. Tell your community what’s happening. Speak truth in the face of lies.
• Take action. Show up to protests, sign petitions, and demand that the full history of Stonewall is restored.
• Make your church a true refuge. Advocate for trans inclusion, fight for justice, and be a beacon of love.

Stonewall was a rebellion. Stonewall was a fight. And we are still fighting.

#NoLGBWithoutTheT
#TransPeopleBelong
#StonewallWasATransRiot

The past several weeks have laid bare the dangerous and escalating attacks on LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender individuals, as well as broader efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In Congress, Representative Nancy Mace unapologetically spewed anti-trans slurs, further dehumanizing an already vulnerable community. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has doubled down on executive orders aimed at erasing transgender rights and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the federal government and military. These actions are not merely political maneuvers; they are calculated assaults on human dignity.

USAID and the Politics of Hatred

Perhaps one of the most insidious moves by the administration has been the attempt to cut off USAID funding—resources that provide critical health services, HIV/AIDS prevention, and humanitarian assistance around the world. Emails recently revealed that Treasury officials, under pressure from Elon Musk’s associates and Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sought to block USAID payments, effectively endangering lives in marginalized communities both in the U.S. and abroad. This is not just an administrative change—it is an act of violence against the most vulnerable.

The Disappearance of Critical Health Data

In another alarming development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun purging health data related to LGBTQ+ health, racial disparities, and reproductive health. A recent memo ordered the removal of content linked to so-called “gender ideology,” leading to the disappearance of key datasets like the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and the Social Vulnerability Index. Journalists and health professionals report that even the National Center for Health Statistics files on mortality causes are now inaccessible or corrupted.

The implications of this data erasure are profound. Health data is not just numbers; it is a critical tool for understanding systemic disparities and advocating for policies that protect marginalized communities. The erasure of LGBTQ+ health and racial disparity data makes it easier for those in power to deny the realities of oppression and craft policies based on ideology rather than evidence. Without this information, it becomes nearly impossible to track health inequities, making communities of color and LGBTQ+ individuals even more vulnerable.

The U.S. has long been a global leader in collecting granular health data that exposes disparities in medical access and outcomes. The removal of such information aligns with the administration’s broader strategy of silencing marginalized voices and rolling back civil rights protections. This is an dangeous tactic: erase the evidence, then deny the problem exists.

The Church Must Not Be Silent

As Christians, we cannot look away. The same Christ who overturned tables in the temple in righteous anger calls us to resist systems of oppression. Liberation theology teaches us that God is on the side of the oppressed, and our faith demands action. We must:

• Speak Out: Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. Churches and faith leaders must publicly condemn these policies and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice.
• Organize: Now is the time to mobilize our communities. Call your representatives. Demand protections for LGBTQ+ people. Support organizations that fight for equality.
• Provide Sanctuary: As laws become more hostile, churches must serve as sanctuaries for those under attack. This is what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.
• Resist with Love: Hate cannot drive out hate. We must embody radical love, refusing to mirror the cruelty of our oppressors but instead demonstrating the transformative power of justice-rooted faith.

God’s Love is for Everyone

Jesus did not come to uphold the status quo—he came to turn the world upside down, to lift up the marginalized, to break chains, and to proclaim good news to the poor. The Open and Affirming movement is not just about welcoming LGBTQ+ people into the church; it is about tearing down the systems that seek to erase them. It is about declaring, with unwavering conviction, that all of God’s people are beloved, and none will be left behind.

This is our call. This is our fight. And in the words of Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up.” Amen.

In a world where policies and rhetoric are increasingly aimed at erasing the existence of transgender and nonbinary people, the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ stands resolute in its commitment to affirming the dignity, worth, and sacredness of every individual. The recent executive order denying the existence of trans and nonbinary Americans is not only a legal and political assault but a moral and spiritual one. It challenges the very fabric of what it means to love our neighbors as ourselves.

As Christians, we are called to stand against systems of oppression and to live out the radical, inclusive love of Christ. Our faith teaches us that all people are created in the image of God—beautiful, diverse, and worthy of love. Denying someone’s identity is denying the divine imprint on their lives.

To Our Trans and Nonbinary Siblings:

We see you. We love you. We affirm you.

You are not alone in this fight. Your existence is holy, and your truth is powerful. The attacks on your identity are unjust and cruel, but we are here to stand with you. You belong in our churches, in our communities, and in every space where love and justice are proclaimed. You are essential, and your lives are sacred. We will continue to fight alongside you for a world where you are not merely tolerated but celebrated.

To Our Churches:

Now is the time to live out our faith boldly. The Gospel compels us to act in the face of injustice and to create spaces where love and inclusion reign. As Open and Affirming churches, we are called to be sanctuaries for all people, especially those who are marginalized.

Let us recommit ourselves to being both safe and brave spaces for trans and nonbinary people. Safe spaces are where individuals are free from harm, and brave spaces are where their truths can be spoken, affirmed, and celebrated. This is the work of the Church—to embody Christ’s love in ways that are transformative and liberating.

Why This Matters:

The recent actions of the federal government are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader strategy to strip away the rights and humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary people. These policies not only endanger lives but also undermine the core values of justice, equality, and compassion that should guide our nation.

We must speak truth to power and stand in solidarity with those who are being targeted. Trans and nonbinary people have always existed and will always exist. Their lives are a testament to resilience and the boundless diversity of God’s creation.

A Call to Action:

To our allies and church communities: this is your moment to act. Use your platforms, your voices, and your resources to make it known that trans and nonbinary people are loved and affirmed. Share messages of solidarity. Challenge harmful narratives. Advocate for policies that protect and uplift trans lives.

We invite you to share this message and the graphic accompanying it on your social media platforms. Let the world know that your faith compels you to stand for justice, inclusion, and love.

Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, is embraced as a beloved child of God. Let us rise to this moment with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Repost this graphic to show your solidarity and remind the world that our faith compels us to affirm that trans and nonbinary people are sacred, loved, and here to stay.

This week, Speaker Mike Johnson announced a policy banning transgender women from using bathrooms in the Capitol that match their gender identity. Let’s be honest—this isn’t about bathrooms. It’s about control. It’s about declaring that trans people don’t belong. And it’s part of a much larger, coordinated wave of anti-LGBTQ+ policies aimed at dehumanizing, erasing, and harming people.

For transgender and gender-expansive people, these policies don’t just send a political message—they send a deeply personal one. They say: You’re not welcome here. You’re not safe. And the harm goes far beyond exclusion from public spaces. These attacks fuel stigma, depression, and hopelessness, especially for those who are already vulnerable.

To understand the full impact, we must take an intersectional approach. Trans people hold diverse identities—they may be Black, immigrants, unhoused, living in poverty, navigating physical disabilities, or experiencing neurodivergence or mental health challenges. These intersecting identities can intensify the harm caused by anti-trans rhetoric and policies.

For example, a trans person who is also a person of color or who is unhoused already faces systemic discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare. Anti-trans policies add another layer of stigma, making it even harder to find safety, support, or a sense of belonging. These policies don’t just create barriers—they multiply existing ones, pushing people further to the margins.

This is why Open and Affirming (ONA) churches must step up. When a church adopts an ONA covenant, it’s more than a statement—it’s a commitment to affirm, celebrate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ people in all their identities. It’s a call to be a brave space where people are not just welcomed but affirmed to live fully and authentically.

But what if your church is the only LGBTQ+ affirming space in your community? That’s a sacred responsibility. You might be the only voice saying, “God sees you, loves you, and calls you beloved.” If we, as ONA churches, don’t show up for our trans siblings—especially those living at the intersections of race, poverty, disability, and more—who will?

For too long, Christianity has been weaponized to tell LGBTQ+ people that they are rejected by God. Let’s be clear: that is a lie. God does not reject LGBTQ+ people. God does not dismiss, hate, or exclude them. God is love. Period. Every time. For everyone.

As ONA churches, we are called to challenge that lie, not just with our words but with our actions. Advocacy isn’t optional—it’s essential. It means showing up at protests, speaking against harmful laws, and partnering with organizations fighting for justice. It means creating connections in the community, especially for those who face compounding barriers to care, safety, and belonging.

We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, standing with the most vulnerable, amplifying their voices, and fighting for their dignity. This isn’t just about bathrooms. It’s about dismantling systems of oppression that dehumanize people and building a world where all can thrive.

Let’s be bold. Let’s honor the fullness of every identity carried by our trans siblings. Let’s live out our ONA covenants in ways that heal, empower, and transform. Let’s show that God’s love is for everyone—always, without exception.

Rev. Derek Terry is an artist, writer, and Program Director for the Open and Affirming Coalition, as well as the pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he passionately advocates for social justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and creative expression. Connect with him online at DerekTerry.com

by: Rev. Derek Terry, Program Director- Open and Affirming Coalition

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the at least 30 transgender and gender-expansive individuals whose lives were stolen by violence this year. We remember their names, their dreams, and the love they carried. Yet, in the face of mounting threats and fear following the recent election, remembrance alone is not enough. We must actively affirm and protect trans lives.

The origins of this day in 1999, when Gwendolyn Ann Smith held a vigil for Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, remind us of the long history of struggle against hate. Today, that struggle feels even more urgent. Trans and non-binary Americans face renewed attacks on their rights, their safety, and even their basic dignity. The Trevor Project has reported a staggering 700% increase in crisis calls since the election, with trans youth and adults alike expressing fears for their futures.

As people of faith, we must have the courage to stand with and advocate for our trans siblings. The difference between welcoming and affirming is vast: welcoming merely offers a seat, while affirming embraces, protects, and celebrates. In this current social and political climate, affirming spaces are life-saving and life-giving. Open and Affirming churches must be brave and safe communities, actively fighting for the right of trans and non-binary individuals to live freely and joyfully without fear of erasure.

The threats are real. Trans people across the country are scrambling to secure basic protections, from rushing legal name changes to bracing for potential rollbacks in healthcare and marriage equality. The fear is palpable, yet so is the resilience. Trans and gender-expansive individuals are finding ways to prepare and fight back, holding on to hope even as they brace for what may come.

Our call as Christians is clear: to love courageously and stand boldly against injustice. We must be voices of affirmation, lifting up trans lives in the fullness of their beauty and humanity. As poet, activist, and performer Alok Vaid-Menon reminds us, “You shouldn’t need to understand us to believe we are worthy of dignity and safety.” Let us be communities that affirm without hesitation, that act with compassion, and that work tirelessly for a world where trans people are not just remembered but celebrated and defended.

Rev. Derek Terry is an artist, writer, and Program Director for the Open and Affirming Coalition, as well as the pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he passionately advocates for social justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and creative expression. Connect with him online at DerekTerry.com