Here’s How First U Can Support Your Trans Family

About Us: First Universalist Church has served the Twin Cities area for more than 160 years. Our care for the folks in the community is not contingent on membership or attendance at our church, nor do we have any expectation or requirement of religious alignment in order for folks to access our programs or services. As a religious community of Unitarian Universalists, our fundamental commitment is to journey together through life’s joys and struggles, co-creating a world of love and justice. You are welcome on that journey, to whatever degree is right for you. There is a place for you here.

The best way to stay connected with what’s going on at First U is to sign up for our weekly church newsletter(s). We send out a newsletter every Thursday that covers news and programming for all ages, and a family-specific newsletter on Fridays that has details about programs for children, youth, and families. You can sign up for either or both of our newsletters here.

Connect directly with staff:
Allison Connelly-Vetter: allison [at] firstuniv.org)
Claire Tralle: claire [at] firstuniv.org
Rev. Jen Crow: jen [at] firstuniv.org

You are always welcome to join us on a Sunday morning. Most Sundays, we have services at 9 and 11 a.m.—our livestream takes place during the 11 a.m. service, and you can join us then from anywhere. Children and youth are always welcome in the sanctuary during services, or they may join their peers in Religious Education classes. Our worship includes community care, reflection, stories, and lots of singing. We draw from many religious traditions while keeping Love at the Center. 

A few fun, easy, and trans-affirming access points for children, youth, and families:

• Our Whole Lives (OWL) lifespan human sexuality classes: Throughout the year, we offer OWL classes for 1st/2nd graders, 6th graders, 8th/9th graders, Senior High youth, and adults. The OWL curriculum is trustworthy, affirming, and inclusive, and our facilitators have all been trained. Our OWL staff lead, Claire, can be reached at claire [at] firstuniv.org if you have questions.
• Youth Groups for Jr. High and Senior High: Led by trustworthy adults, our youth groups are a place for young folks to grow and deepen in friendships, play games, learn life skills, and explore life’s big questions in a non-dogmatic space.
• Summer Day Camps: In August, we offer an affordable, inclusive, weeklong day camp for kids and youth emphasizing play, creativity, being outdoors, building friendships, and exploring our UU values and traditions.

Places for grown-ups to connect, and support we offer:

• Sex Ed Sunday – February 23, 9 and 11 a.m.: This year, our annual Sex Ed Sunday worship services will be led by our OWL youth and adult participants. We’ll explore trans affirmation, ethical consumption, and economic justice as interwoven struggles. Justice is not only what we demand—it is what we create in how we love, support, and build.
• Pink Haven Coalition: Pink Haven Coalition is “a collective of organizations and individuals who are committed to trans liberation and joy and to growing community defense, mutual-aid, and alternative systems of care for gender diverse people.” First Universalist is in relationship with Pink Haven.
• Plan B: First Universalist can provide free Plan B if needed. Please connect with Allison (allison [at] firstuniv.org) or any First U staff member.
• Authentic Selves Book Group – April/May (dates TBD): People of all gender identities are invited to read the book Authentic Selves with a group at First Universalist led by parents and caregivers of trans and gender-expansive kids. Authentic Selves, this year’s UU Common Read, is a sweeping compilation of life stories and portraits of trans and nonbinary people, as well as their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen family members.