Texas UUs,
Why did I stay @ the Capitol 17 hours Tuesday/Wednesday to testify @ 3:30 am OPPOSING the Bathroom bill? It is not because I am so virtuous! In all candor if I was doing this only as an individual I would have left 8 hours earlier. My decision was compounded knowing that the committee vote in favor was a done deal and our testimony was a charade in terms of the immediate outcome.
So, why did I stay?
I was sustained by my commitment to our 34 member congregations and 5,000 UUs in Texas.
I was sustained by fellow UUs present earlier in the day from Northwoods/Woodlands, Community UU/Plano, 1st UU/Austin, Wildflower/Austin, & two transgender women from Live Oak/Austin & Hidalgo Co. UU /McAllen who testified moments before me.
I was sustained by the hundreds of transgender persons overwhelmingly in their 20’s who thanked me as clergy for being there.
I was sustained by the conversations and looks of relief by the transgender community & allies that a person of faith would make this commitment in solidarity with them.
I was sustained knowing we are building intersectional networks and relationships for justice.
I was sustained by my fellow clergy who stayed and embarked on 3-4 hour drives home @ midnight.
I was sustained because we still have the opportunity to stop this calloused bill in the House.
TXUUJM is ministry of dedication and integrity. You can feel good investing your energy and money with us.
Below is a pic of myself & Rev. Donna Renfro (dressed in purple) from Northwoods UU in the Woodlands at the rally we attended.
“We are asking 1,000 UU’s to make an automatic monthly bank/card donation to TXUUJM. Will you become a Courageous, Sustaining UU for Justice?Soulfully,Chuck