Interweave: Brief History

• In the early 1970s, Unitarian Universalists for Gay Concerns (UUGC) formed as a support network for sexual minority lay people and clergy in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

• In 1973, UUGC advocated successfully for a UUA "Office of Gay Affairs," now the UUA Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns. In 1975, UUGC advocated successfully for the Office's continued funding.

• In 1983, UUGC held their first Convocation, with workshops and speakers designed to raise awareness of gay and lesbian issues.

• In 1990, the UU Bisexual Network (UUBN) was formed to create a safe place for bi people in the UUA.

• In 1993, UUGC and UUBN merged to become Interweave Continental: Unitarian Universalists for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, emphasizing our commitment to inclusion for all identity groups and encouraging individual and chapter membership.

• In 1994, we resolved to address institutional racism by outreach to people of color, and in 1999 we became the first UUA affiliate organization to begin the Journey Toward Wholeness program.

• In 2004, we began re-examining our services to chapters, and in 2006 we officially changed our bylaws to give chapters voting delegates to our business meeting and the right to nominate members of chapters to the Interweave board.

• In 2005, we became a stakeholder in the Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth, and we continnue to work with youth and young adults to improve our services to and connection with younger generations.

Last Modified: 13 July 2011 - Admin