The “Celebrating Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals and Their Supportive Communities” program in September 2024 is part of broader efforts to celebrate, acknowledge, and empower transgender and nonbinary people throughout the year. Various organizations and institutions focus on advocacy, awareness, and support for transgender individuals, addressing issues like violence, discrimination, and inclusion.

The September 15th program celebrates trans and nonbinary people and discusses a recent acclaimed book about their experiences. The book Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families is a sweeping celebration of the life stories of 35 trans and nonbinary people, as well as their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen family members, providing a glimpse into their real lives, challenges, and triumphs. One of the people portrayed in Authentic Selves is Robert Williams, a young nonbinary person who grew up in Mississippi and South Carolina and was fortunate to enjoy the love and support of their parents and their liberal Episcopal church. Robert is also related to a UUFSC member, who recently interviewed Robert and their parents for this program. We will be watching the video of that interview and reading a short passage from the foreword to the book in celebration of trans and nonbinary people and in anticipation of the Silver City Pride Festival on September 21st.

For more information on events and how you can participate or support, you can visit resources like the National Center for Transgender Equality or the LGBTQ Resource Center at the University of Missouri.