On April 12th, Chris Mosier, a Team USA athlete and the founder of Transathlete.com, conducted a two-hour seminar at the Spurlock Museum Auditorium. This event was sponsored by the Carden-Temple LGBTQ Impact Fund in collaboration with the UUCUC’s Queer UU’s and Allies Coalition (QUUAC).

The seminar drew nearly 80 participants, including approximately 30 individuals from UUCUC. The program was introduced by Jerry Carden and Roxie Howard, who acknowledged the contributions of various collaborating organizations, such as Uniting Pride, the Greater Community AIDS Project, the Illinois Planned Parenthood Action Team, and the Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Justice group. Roxie provided a historical overview of transgender experiences, emphasizing the increasingly perilous landscape for trans and nonbinary individuals amidst the current political climate. It is our intention to incorporate this crucial narrative into an upcoming worship service.

Chris Mosier commenced his segment by delineating the biology of the gender diversity spectrum, followed by a discussion on social, medical, and legal transitions, in addition to the principles of effective allyship. He offered strategies for addressing negative messaging and suggested effective approaches to initiating dialogue, such as inquiring, “What do you mean by that?” or “Can you elaborate on why you hold that view?” Additionally, he proposed methods for clarifying statements without alienating individuals, including phrasing like, “I am hearing you say (fill in the blank)—is that correct?” or responding incredulously with “WHAT did you just say?”

A significant portion of the seminar was devoted to discussing talking points and dispelling myths, providing concrete strategies for addressing common negative and uninformed remarks regarding trans and nonbinary individuals. The presentation concluded with a series of actionable steps: 1) the use of inclusive visual symbols and pronouns; 2) engaging in petitions and communicating with lawmakers; 3) participating in rallies, protests, and marches; 4) amplifying trans stories and voices; 5) intervening against derogatory comments and fostering positive dialogues; and 6) demonstrating solidarity with trans individuals.

Jerry Carden distributed a handout detailing specific local opportunities for active engagement through volunteerism with the participating organizations. This document is available for reviewChris Mosier, Team USA Athlete and founder of Transathete.com provided a two hour seminar on April 12th at the Spurlock Museum Auditorium, sponsored by the Carden-Temple LGBTQ Impact Fund and UUCUC’s Queer UU’s and Allies Coalition (QUUAC). 

Attendance was nearly 80 persons with around 30 from UUCUC.

Jerry Carden & Roxie Howard introduced the program, recognizing all the other collaborating organizations- Uniting Pride, Greater Community AIDS Project, Illinois Planned Parenthood Action Team, and the Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Justice group. Roxie shared the historical perspective of being transgender and how the landscape for trans and nonbinary persons is becoming more treacherous with every passing day of the current administration. We hope to include this persuasive piece in a worship service. 

Chris Mosier led his portion off with the biology of the gender diversity spectrum, then discussion of social vs. medical vs. legal transition, and what general allyship looks like. There was guidance on how to react if negative messaging comes up and methods on how to respond. Some effective ways to start a conversation, “What do you mean by that?” Or “Can you tell me more about why you think that?” Another way to engage is to clarify without minimizing or alienating- “I’m hearing you say (fill in the blank)- is that correct?” or “WHAT did you just say,” in an incredulous manner. 

A lengthy section on Talking Points and Myth busting provided concrete ways to respond to the typical negative and uninformed comments said about trans and nonbinary persons. The presentation ended with specific actions we can take: 1) include visual symbols and pronouns; 2) Petitions / comments / calls to lawmakers and other power holders; 3) Arrange for and attend rallies, protests and marches; 4) Amplify trans stories and voices; 5) interrupt jokes, comments, and start positive conversations; 6) Stand with trans folks! 

Jerry included a handout with concrete suggestions of actions we can take locally by volunteering with the participating organizations- find this document here.