First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin: A Home for LGBTQ+ Support and Social Justice
BY DASH HARRIS, LGBTQ+ HERITAGE INTERN
Unitarian Universalists have long been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, embracing a philosophy rooted in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. This commitment to inclusivity and equality extends to the LGBTQIA+ community, with First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin (First UU) serving as a beacon of support and activism for over 50 years. As a historian reflecting on the rich history of First UU’s welcome for our LGBTQIA+ community, it becomes evident that this congregation's journey is deeply intertwined with the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Austin and beyond.
A Long-standing Progressive Community
Courtesy of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
Situated at 4700 Grover Avenue, this original church building was dedicated on January 24, 1961. But the church has held a presence in Austin since 1892, when the Unitarian Society of Austin was established by the Reverend Edwin Miller Wheelock, a Harvard educated Union Civil War chaplain who settled in Austin after the war. The Unitarian presence had been meeting informally in private homes from this time until 1951, when the Unitarian Fellowship of Austin was formalized, and soon outgrew the members’ homes. From here, the congregation rented space from the YMCA at 914 Brazos Street. In 1953, the fellowship moved to the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs at 2312 San Gabriel Street.
Emily Wheelock Howson, the daughter of Austin's Unitarianism founder, died in 1957, leaving a generous bequest of $100,000 to the Unitarian Church, with no specific conditions attached. This significant donation facilitated the purchase of the land at 4700 Grover Ave, and the construction of the initial church building was made possible by Mrs. Howson's generosity. The original sanctuary, now known as Howson Hall, was officially dedicated on January 24, 1961, coinciding with the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. Subsequently, in 1967, an additional Religious Education wing was added to the church premises.
A Home for Queer Liberation
In the early 1970s, amidst the backdrop of the Stonewall Rebellion and the burgeoning gay liberation movement, First UU took a significant step by hosting the National Conference on Gay Liberation from 1971 to 1977. This groundbreaking event, sponsored by the Austin Gay Liberation Front, brought together around 400 delegates and established First UU as a strong ally and advocate for Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community. Notably, the 1977 conference featured Bob Kunst, a prominent gay rights activist, engaging in a national debate with Anita Bryant, highlighting First UU's role in amplifying queer voices and fostering dialogue on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Gay Magazine 1971 Attendees grappled with intersectionality, with some feeling that the “Gay Struggle” should be attended to as a singular cause, while many protested that “None of us are free until all of us are free.”}
Song, Dance, and Social Justice
The 1970s-1990s marked a period of active engagement and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals at First UU. Monthly Lesbian Dance Nights provided a safe and welcoming space for women to socialize, filling a crucial void in Austin's LGBTQIA+ social scene, which was largely geared toward gay men. This initiative, spearheaded by congregant Margaret Nunley, not only fostered friendships but also contributed to First UU's recognition as a "Welcoming Congregation'' by the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1994. This designation solidified First UU's commitment to affirming and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals within its community and beyond.
In 1989, amidst the challenges of the AIDS epidemic and societal stigma, First UU extended a supportive hand to the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus (AGMC), providing them with their first performance venue. This act of solidarity and inclusivity was a testament to First UU's commitment to standing with the LGBTQIA+ community during times of hardship and adversity. The collaboration with AGMC not only showcased the congregation's support for artistic expression but also reflected its role as a spiritual home for LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking acceptance and affirmation.
Throughout the 1990s, First UU continued to demonstrate its dedication to LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion through initiatives like the "Gay Proms” organized for queer teenagers excluded from traditional school proms due to prejudice and discrimination. These events, held in partnership with OutYouth, provided an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth to celebrate their identities and build community. Additionally, First UU offered space for Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) to worship in central Austin, supporting the spiritual needs of LGBTQIA+ Christians and fostering interdenominational solidarity.
From 1989 to 2004, the Mostly Music Marathon, Austin's first recurring music festival, raised funds for AIDS Services of Austin and the David Powell Health Clinic, vital organizations serving those affected by HIV and AIDS. This festival, founded by congregants Danielle Martin and Ann McCutchan, exemplified First UU's commitment to leveraging its resources and platform for the betterment of marginalized communities.
Mostly Music Marathon Flier (Courtesy of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin)
Ongoing Commitment to Intersectional Liberation
The impact of First UU's efforts extend beyond individual events and initiatives, encompassing broader movements for social justice and equality.In the realm of social justice advocacy, First UU's Social Justice Council has been a stalwart champion for LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, reproductive rights, and environmental justice. This ongoing commitment is reflected in the congregation's participation in initiatives like the Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry's advocacy efforts for LGBTQIA+ rights during the 2023 Texas Legislative session. Today, First UU's Religious Education includes the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum, providing age-appropriate and gender-affirming sexuality education that promotes healthy relationships, self-esteem, and informed decision-making.
Reflecting on First UU’s welcome for our LGBTQIA+ community, it is evident that this congregation's journey has been marked by milestones of inclusivity, activism, and unwavering commitment to social justice. From hosting national conferences and providing safe spaces for socialization to supporting artistic expression and advocating for legislative change, First UU's legacy in the LGBTQIA+ community of Austin is one of joy, solidarity, and progress. This ongoing commitment to social justice and inclusion serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of community, compassion, and collective action in creating a more equitable and affirming world for all.
Funding for Preservation Austin’s LGBTQ+ Heritage Internship is provided by the City of Austin Planning Department, Historic Preservation Office.