“Storytelling for LGBTQIA+ Justice not only gave me the tools I needed to understand the nuances of LGBTQIA+ identities, but it also showed me how to take action for my trans and non-binary brothers, sisters, and siblings.”
Storytelling for LGBTQIA+ Justice
How can our congregations be places of welcome for transgender and gender non-binary folks? What does trans inclusion look like? What good is a light hidden under a bushel when people in your community live in darkness?
The starting point for this journey is learning how to discuss the nuances of gender identity and sexual orientation in order to provide a strong foundation of welcome. This workshop will give participants a vocabulary of welcome and offer fresh ways to discuss gender identity and sexual orientation that look for commonalities, rather than categories. In this training, we will also dive into the rich biblical foundation for trans inclusion and explore how churches have successfully made worship more welcoming for LGBTQIA+ folks. Participants will walk away with tools and tactics to make their church spaces more intentionally inclusive of trans identities.
Participants will complete the training with a greater understanding of opportunities for action in the current legislative landscape available for faith-led advocates. Beyond national and state-level action, participants will also leave knowing how to implement pro-active policies and programs in their congregations. Like those who have come before us, through our public storytelling we not only communicate our most cherished values but also inspire others to act through our tales of challenge and growth. Our stories can be used: to build relationships with members of your congregation and community and to take action by writing for your local newspaper in response to urgent social justice issues, to build a deeper relationship with one’s elected officials, or in committee meetings/hearings.
Outline (3 hours)
- 0-10 m Introductions and Setting the Space
- 10- 35 m Connecting the Dots on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
- 35 – 60 m Theology of Trans Inclusion
- 60 – 65 m Q & A
- 65 – 85 m Crafting your Story of Self
- 85 – 95 m Break
- 95 – 110 m Practicing your Story of Self
- 110 – 130 m Crafting your Story of Us & Story of Now
- 130 – 155 m Practicing your Story of Self, Us, Now
- 155 – 170 m How to Use Your Story
- 170 – 180 m Closing reflections & Send Off