NEWS
Unity Fellowship Church Movement
Declares a State of Emergency for Transgender Rights
Earlier this year, on April 20, 2023, Unity Fellowship Church Movement’s (UFCM) Prelate, The Rt. Beatitude-Bishop Zachary G. Jones (M.Th, B.Msc.)– before its national officers, Pastors, Elder boards, and international constituents–declared a State of Emergency for our Siblings who are of Trans-Human, Living Experience (Trans-Experience, Trans-siblings, Transgender, Non-binary, Intersex, and gender non-conforming people) around the world. The State of Emergency will remain in effect for the rest of 2023. The State of Emergency will be subject to evaluation of implementation, and outcome efforts, every six months forward by the House of Bishops.
This Emergency declaration is the first of its kind since the inception of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement’s 40-year history. The ‘State of Emergency is the result of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), highlights of:
- An Escalating Crisis for LGBTQ+ People Across the Country
- Extremist politicians and their allies have ushered in an unprecedented climate of fear, hostility, and discrimination that’s already rippling consequences across the LGBTQ+ community.
As detailed in HRC’s legislative impact report, there has been a steady increase in anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures over the last several years —from 115 bills introduced in 2015 to more than 500 in 2023. This year, more than 75 bills have been signed into law — more than doubling last year’s number.
The 2023 state legislative session was the worst year on record for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation:
- More than 525 bills were introduced in 41 states;
- Over 220 of these bills explicitly targeted transgender people.
- Over 76 bills have been signed into law as of June 5, 2023 — more than any year on record,and more than double over last year.
Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth in particular have been directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, losing access to life-saving medical care, comprehensive and inclusive education, and activities, spaces, and facilities.
The UFCM organization will assemble key people who are leaders and members of UFCM to advise the Prelate and the House of Bishops on ways to change and introduce policy, culture, and practices within the organization. The organization will include mandatory education for all its ordained leaders and pastors. UFCM will ensure that educational presentations, which include, but are not limited to appropriate use of inclusive language and are available to the entire international membership body. Externally, we will network with organizations that have a track record of high-impact performance in addressing and demonstrating social justice work with the Trans community around the country and the world at large. UFCM plans to connect to the leaders of these organizations as allies to ensure the Movement’s presence and voice are felt and heard in the collective activities for social change, safety, and sustainability for the human rights of all LGBTQIA+ people.
_________________
Fabian Nelson Makes History as Mississippi’s First Openly Gay Lawmaker
Fabian Nelson, a 38-year old realtor is set to be the first openly gay lawmaker to serve in the state of Mississippi. Nelson recently won the Democratic primary run-off to represent Mississippi’s 66th state House District which includes the South Jackson Metro area. The Republicans have not fielded a candidate for this position, thus Mr. Nelson’s primary victory places him in the seat. This historical victory leaves Louisiana as the only state to have never elected an out, LGBTQ legislator.
