Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Non-Binary People and their Families invites people of all genders and orientations to explore concepts of gender, transgender history, identity formation, telling our stories, communal identities and more. The sessions are grounded in the Unitarian Universalist principle of justice, equity, and compassion in all relations and the belief that authenticity and acceptance of self are critical to human thriving. 

Most news stories about transgender and non-binary people center the views of people who are cisgender—that is, who are not trans or non-binary—and who have no close relationships with transgender or non-binary people. This Adult Enrichment Program centers transgender and non-binary stories while offering an opportunity to deepen in your own story.

The 4 sessions use a covenant group model of deep sharing and deep listening. A fifth session is for parents and caregivers of transgender and non-binary children and any parents and caregivers who want more resources and understanding should a child come out as transgender or non-binary. 

Our primary resource is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Non-Binary People and their Families, from Editor Peggy Gillespie. The book can be purchased at In Spirit, the UUA bookstore. If the cost of purchasing the book is prohibitive, please reach out directly to Rev. Krista (ktaves@eliotchapel.org) who will make arrangements for a copy. You are encouraged to read at least the first 5 stories before classes begin. 

• September 29/Session 1: We’ll introduce you to concepts of gender, transgender history, and life outside of the gender binary. It also guides us through the process of establishing a covenant that will be used throughout the curriculum.
• October 6/Session 2: We’ll discuss how identity is formed and how we learn to tell our own stories of who we are.
• October 20/Session 3: We’ll explore the diversity of families and experiences in life and love, and how we form communal identities as members of families and of friendship circles.
• October 27/Session 4: We’ll explore why authenticity and acceptance of self are critical to human thriving, and what it feels like to stand with full authenticity in your body and mind.
• November 3/Session 5: This special session is for parents and caregivers who are caring for and loving transgender and non-binary children and parents and caregivers who want to prepare themselves should one of their children come out as transgender or non-binary. All families are welcome. Registration Limit: 12.

CONTACT: ktaves@eliotchapel.org