What will the new generation of Unitarian Universalist (UU) Feminists look like? What will their struggles be? And how can we best ensure that they are able to draw upon what we have already learned? Currently women outnumber men in liberal religious seminaries across the country. I have been told that in the next few years, Generation X will outnumber every other generation in ministerial leadership of UU churches across the nation. What will our role be in this changing religious landscape? Women’s voices may speak more loudly than they ever have before in this context, what will our message be?

Many of you may know that my partner Jill and I have just had our first child, a daughter, Beckett Elizabeth (named after Samuel, not Thomas.) This was made possible not only by having a loving and supportive religious community into which we are humbled to bring her, but also through a partnership with two very dear male friends of ours who will be active in her life. Throughout her life, we will be struggling against conventional definitions of family, gender, marriage, and parenthood. As we work together, I have already encountered some of my own non-negotiables that may in fact surprise you. The four of us are in constant conversation about our own wants, needs, and power, as well as each of our desires for Beckett’s future.

How can we be more effective at modeling our values and affecting change today? -- Rev. Tamara Lebak

My generation of feminists tends to be conscious of their own power and more and more frequently take on labels and categories only to expand their definitions and serve as bridge builders. We are influenced by the world of which we are a part that was shaped by those who have come before us. I want to be mindful of engaging the next generation of women leaders so that our legacy will be one that is built upon. How can we best serve as the bridge between our past and our future? How can we be more effective at modeling our values and affecting change today? Join me for this 25th Anniversary celebration of Unitarian Universalist Women, as I explore the changing face of liberal religious feminism and what it means to be a part of and to engage with Generation Nexxt.

Tamara Lebak