UUA Common Read
Each year, the Unitarian Universalist Association chooses one or more books as a Common Read, asking congregations across the denomination to consider
reading and discussing the same book in a given period of time. A Common Read can build community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared experience, shared language, and a basis for deep, meaningful conversations.
The 2024-25 UU Common Read is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families (Skinner House, 2023).
Through interviews and photo portraits, the subjects of this book invite readers into their real lives–their revelations, challenges, joys, and networks of support. From the foreword by transgender activist Jazz Jennings and her mom and fellow activist, Jeanette Jennings, through the resources offered at the book’s end, this Common Read invites UU groups to explore the nature of living authentically and the ways connections among us help us thrive.
As the book ends, Peggy Gillespie, who conducted the interviews, writes, “…the journey of self-discovery continues for the participants and for you, the readers. Whether you are trans and/or nonbinary, questioning your identity, have trans and nonbinary loved ones, or perhaps all of the above, please remember always that you are not alone. In every moment of your lives there are opportunities to strengthen your pride and acceptance of all people, including yourselves.”
Discussion group will meet in Winter/Spring 2025, date and time TBD.