Interfaith and Faith-Based Support and Understanding
HELPFUL LINKS
Below you will find resources related to Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, interfaith, Jewish and Muslim spirituality.
Buddhist
Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is the most diverse Buddhist community in the US with more than 500 chapters and some 100 centers throughout the country.
TransBuddhists.org – a site developed by a small collective of Buddhist practitioners from different traditions. Includes a blog and Developing Trans* Competence: A Short Guide to Improving Transgender Experiences at Meditation and Retreat Centers.
Christian
Linda’s book, “The Bible and the Transgender Experience: How Scripture Supports Gender Variance.” Includes a group discussion guide and suggestions for creating trans welcoming Christian communities.
A Christian Conversation Guide – provides a step-by-step conversation guide for small group discussions on welcoming LGBTQ people, and a list of actions Christian communities can immediately take in their congregation to build inclusive communities.
Transgender Latina makes history as Evangelical Lutheran pastor – The story of Rev. Nicole Garcia, as reported by NBC News.
Voices of Witness: Out of the Box – A 27-minute video created by the Episcopal Church featuring several of their transgender priests and lay leaders sharing their personal stories and spiritual journeys.
Hindu
Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the Third Sex. An essay referencing Hindu perspectives on transgender people found at the Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association’s site. GALVA provides information and support for LGBTI Vaishnavas and Hindus.
A brief overview of Hindu views on LGBTQ issues, including links to several progressive Hindu organizations. Compiled by HRC.
Interfaith
Gender Identity and Our Faith Communities: A Congregational Guide for Transgender Advocacy – offers unique resources, mainly for Jewish and Christian congregations, including a curriculum, liturgies and moving stories of various transgender people of faith, their friends, families and allies.
Transgender Faithful Incorporate Theology, Ritual in Their Transitions. Article from the Chicago Tribune highlighting the spiritual journeys of transgender individuals from Judeo-Christian traditions.
TransFaith Online offers resources for various spiritual traditions and opportunities to connect online and in-person with persons of different faiths.
“Transitioning to Inclusion: A Guide to Welcoming Transgender Children and Their Families in Your Community of Faith.” From the Pacific School of Religion’s Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion.
Jewish
Making Your Jewish Community Trans-Friendly. A practical guide from Rabbi Elliot Kukla and Reuben Zellman.
TransTorah – Features rituals, prayers, essays, sermons, videos and art from rabbis and Jewish scholars that celebrate and affirm the experiences of trans and genderqueer people.
Keshet is a national organization that works for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life. Their site gives viewers the capability to search specifically for excellent trans-related news and content, especially under the Resources tab, on the links to Torah Queeries, TransTexts and LGBTQ Jewish Education Resources.
How This Hasidic Rabbi Became A Trans Activist. Amazing story told in a 7-minute video clip.
Muslim
A brief overview of Muslim views on LGBTQ issues, including links to several progressive Muslim organizations in the US. From HRC.
Thorns Among The Roses : A Look into the Life of a Transgender. A 10-minute video on the challenges and successes of Hazreen Shaik Daud, a Muslim trans woman, working in the Malaysian political system.
