Update:

In November of last year, longtime UUC member Allison Jansen spoke from the pulpit and the heart about the plight of transgender people across the country. She talked about a national coalition called Pink Haven aimed at helping trans folks with limited means escape red states. How did the congregation respond to Allison’s financial appeal? By filling up the collection plate.

As Allison promised, UUC’s Pink Haven chapter sent half the donated funds to the national organization. We can now report that the rest of the money is going toward the upkeep of a house in Seattle that will soon be home to a number of transgender refugees.

We’re thrilled to be joining other local groups to make this house happen. But more people need our help.

And that’s where you come in. Do you have an extra bedroom? Are you an empty nester? Do you know someone with a spare . . . mansion? We need congregants, and friends of congregants, willing to host individuals and families fleeing repressive regions.

We’re also looking for pet hosts, since pets aren’t welcome in all housing arrangements. If you can foster an animal whose owner has gotten housing, that would be so helpful.

Like to drive? We need people who can make Sea-Tac runs, move belongings, or drive distances. There are also opportunities to advocate for a newly arrived person, and to help support hosts.

Please know you don’t have to be perfect, just willing. To find out more about the gigs that interest you, contact Sage McDaniel at smseattle@proton.me.

Also, you’re cordially invited to attend the Pink Haven meetings, which take place on the second Sunday of each month at 1:00. (See above.)

Things have only gotten worse for transgender folks in the time we’ve been doing this work. UUC continues to stand against these abuses. Accordingly, the October, 2025, Second Sunday Plate will be dedicated to Pink Haven.

Your caring and support mean the world.



The Pink Haven Coalition is a national coalition responding to the baseless and severe discrimination against trans and non-binary individuals in red states who need assistance in moving to blue states. Our UUC group is part of this effort, in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, to create a welcome network for trans/non-binary individuals and their families who are fleeing their homes in order to live freer lives and, if needed, to obtain gender affirming care.