Why Interweave?

The Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Task Force of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City was formed in 1995 in response to the oppression of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. With the support of our UUSIC Board of Directors, we took our congregation through the process of becoming a “Welcoming Congregation.” Then, on May 18, 1997, we voted unanimously to become an official Welcoming Congregation. At that time, Interweave was formed.

Some people wondered why we wanted to become an official Welcoming Congregation when we already had a history of welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For example, in 1972, when as a co-founder of Iowa City’s Lesbian Alliance I went to the minister of the UU and asked if his congregation would allow us to hold dances there, the answer was “yes.” In addition to dances, the UU hosted lesbian talent shows, poetry readings, concerts, and a lesbian version of the “Taming of the Shrew.”

After the Stonewall Riots of 1996, police continued to raid lesbian and gay bars. When lesbians rented space for dances, the police threatened to arrest us for unlawful assembly. The UUSIC offered us a safe place to meet. As a result, many of us became members.

Because justification for the oppression of LGBTQ (queer and/or questioning) people is often “religiously” motivated and justified, the UUSIC felt that it was necessary to formally welcome LGBTQ people.

So why is Interweave still important to our congregation?

The heteronormative hierarchy in our culture continues to oppress LGBTQ people. For example, prejudice and discrimination exist in our schools and workplaces.

LGBTQ youth are bullied two to three times more than heterosexual youth. LGBTQ youth attempt suicide four times more than their heterosexual peers. However, the exact suicide rate is probably higher since sexuality and gender among LGBTQ youth is often hidden from others.

While lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members have a policy to protect them from discrimination, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell does not protect transgender service members. Because the military has a binary view of gender, transgender service members are classified as mentally and medically unfit for duty.

Same-sex marriages do not exist in most states. Where they have been legalized, there are groups trying to ban them.

Sadly, Interweave’s work is not finished. We meet monthly to discuss issues and concerns of LGBTQ people. With our heterosexual allies, we work to end oppression. In addition, we sponsor and support LGBTQ events.

People have come to Interweave activities and then decided to join the UU. An eighty-nine year old man called us because he wanted to “come out” before he died.

Interweave has a significant role in our congregation and in our city. We present a challenge to our community to expand the acceptance and celebration of what it means to be human.

Tova Vitiello

Interweave Co-chair