You Belong Here: Faithful Compassion for Trans Thriving

Attacks against transgender and non-binary people are on the rise, from our city streets to the halls of our legislatures. Thankfully, religious communities can make a world of difference through the love and grace we extend to our transgender and non-binary neighbors, and the intentional welcome we create in our places of worship. You are invited to join with an interfaith group of leaders to deepen your understanding of transgender identities, explore your theological foundations to bolster your support for trans people, and identify ways your community can live out your values of inclusion to proclaim trans people belong here.

Come to one or all of these workshops to meet other people discerning how to live into their values of trans inclusion in faith communities. Each event is a different conversation but they all connect with building Faithful Compassion for Trans Thriving. Make sure you select tickets for each session you want to attend. Zoom information will be provided after you have registered.

The lead trainer for this workshop is Rev. Alex Patchin McNeill, Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians, a national non-profit working for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Presbyterian Church, USA and in the world. Alex is an openly transgender man with a wealth of experience helping religious communities navigate conversations on abundant inclusion, and is a sought-after trainer and facilitator of workshops on gender identity and sexual orientation. In this workshop you’ll have a chance to learn, ask questions, and build relationships with local leaders on a journey to expanding inclusion.

Just Texas: Faith Voices for Justice is building a grassroots movement of progressive people of faith and faith leaders from diverse religious traditions to speak publicly and politically in support of reproductive freedom and LGBTQ equality for all Texans.

1. Connecting the Dots: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Tuesday, October 13 11am -1pm ET; 10am -12pm CT

In this session, we will build a foundation for trans inclusion through understanding of terminology and our own lived experience. What is the difference between gender identity and expression? How do those relate to sexuality? You will explore these concepts, how you embody them, and how to speak about all of this with compassion. This is a great introduction for people who are starting to learn more about trans inclusion in faith spaces.

2. Theology of Trans Inclusion

Thursday, October 15 11am - 1pm ET; 10am - 12pm CT

We will spend time thinking theologically about trans inclusion and learning how to embody trans inclusion in our faith communities. Why do you believe in trans inclusion? What do our texts say about trans inclusion? How do you start conversations in your faith communities about trans inclusion? You will learn how to hold space for courageous conversations in your context. This session is a great entry point for people who have done some of the internal work around trans inclusion and are ready to have conversations with other people of faith around trans thriving.

3. Faith in Action for Trans Lives

Tuesday, October 20 11am - 1pm ET; 10am - 12pm CT

After setting the foundation in our own hearts, minds, and bodies, let's take a look at how our faith communities embody trans inclusion. Do our worship spaces, liturgy, or leadership model support for trans people? How do we use our voting and political power to increase support for trans thriving? After this session, you will be ready for conversations about supporting trans thriving in your faith community and in the public and political sphere.