Starting Date: 08-17-2012
Ending Date: 08-19-2012
Hilton Hotel
Charlotte, North Carolina 28201
United StatesWhy TransFaith In Color?
Illuminating A History of Invisibility
Within the broad LGBT Movement, there have been problematic disconnects with the Transgender Community. These were particularly noticeable in the 2009 Employment Non-Discrimination Act’s political and social organizing efforts. Allies and members within the LGBT community struggled with whether the Transgender population could be included in this first wave of those being given access to employment protection under the law. This disconnect is compounded by the challenges members of the transgender community face within communities of faith – even those who profess to be progressive and inclusive. To have the strongest communities of faith and social justice movement, we must have one that not only affirms but actively includes those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and yes, transgender. One of the ways to fill this gap is to empower members of the transgender community to engage with broader segments of the LGBT movement and beyond.
The Solution:
Grassroots Education + Empowerment
To address this, the Freedom Center for Social Justice (FCSJ) invited a group of transgender people of color to the table to shape and frame a summit to train a cohort of transgender people of faith to work as grassroots activists and opinion leaders around issues of sexuality within their respective faith and general communities. Ultimately, the Summit provided resources and technical support to educate, develop appropriate strategies, and increase networking opportunities for transgender men and women as they build, grow, and mobilize around ‘personal’ and policy relevant issues.
The Summit has now led to a TransFaith In Color Conference. The Conference will be an annual event for transgender people and allies. For 2011 and 2012, this event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina.Geographical Scope: National Conference |
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