Category: Social Justice
InsightLA to hold first residential meditation retreat for transgender community
Creating Joy In Community, the first residential retreat for transgender people, welcomes members of the transgender, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, and non-binary community to join together and cultivate "trans joy."
Review: “Cinderella Liberator” by Rebecca Solnit
In 1892, a book was compiled of 345 versions of the Cinderella story and related tales. Now, from Rebecca Solnit—Zen Buddhist and acclaimed author of Men Explain Things to Me—comes the enlightened, feminist version for our time.
Where I Make Sense
Buddhism teaches us that the buddhas can appear in different bodies. Finn Enke chronicles a lifelong journey to find the identity that makes them feel, finally, “I am here.”
The Undefended Heart
The way to helpful communication in difficult situations, says Ray Buckner, is by pausing, creating space, and listening to your body and mind.
The First Women’s March
More than two-and-a-half centuries ago, Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's aunt, set a precedent for the women's rights.
Watch: Black & Buddhist in America
Fourteen leading Buddhist teachers of black African descent gathered on Sunday for a conversation about dharma and what it means to be a black Buddhist in America today.
Black & Buddhist in America
15 leading African American Buddhist teachers will hold public dialogue in New York City.
Our Opportunity to Include All Genders in Buddhist Communities
As a trans practitioner, Ray Buckner has struggled to find a sense of belonging in Buddhist spaces. They offer suggestions for how we can better support sangha members of all genders.
Do You Know Your True Face?
Lama Rod Owens says we need to look honestly at who we are, in all our complexity. This is especially vital for those who teach the dharma.
Advice From a Queer Sangha Leader
“We are all spokes on a wheel. Can you have respect for another spoke?” Hal Atwood talks to Against the Stream's queer sangha leader, Steve Levitt.
Where Everyone Can Thrive
Lindsay Kyte explores East Bay Meditation Center’s focus on respect, safety, and the joy of being seen for who you are.
Our Moment of Possibility and Joy
Who am I, really? Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara shares three teachings that have given her solace and strength as she’s asked that question.
How the Three Jewels Healed My Heart After Abuse
In the midst of an abusive relationship, Buddhist practitioner Ray Buckner says the three jewels were painfully absent from their life.
What “radical dharma” means to Rev. angel Kyodo williams
I'm dedicated to promoting what the Buddha was dedicated to promoting, which is liberation, says Rev. angel Kyodo williams.
The Fleeting Feeling of Joy
A few months ago, I went out for a night of dancing in the Castro district of San Francisco. Gay men danced amongst queer women, who danced amongst gender-queers. Dancing in a circle, we sang along to the music of Adele, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga — music filled with words that encouraged us to love…
Enlightenment Has No Gender
Sara Lewis reviews "Buddhism beyond Gender: Liberation from Attachment to Identity" by Rita Gross. From the Spring 2018 issue of Buddhadharma.
angel Kyodo williams’ New Year’s reflection
rev. angel Kyodo williams shares how we can set the intention to show up for ourselves and the world in 2018.
Buddhism & Diversity: Profiles, Teachings, and Conversations
LionsRoar.com presents a collection of our best teachings, profiles, and conversations on diversity, race, and identity in Buddhism.
Where Will You Stand?
In a piece first published in 2017 — but just as relevant today — Rev. angel Kyodo williams says we must stand up to racism and expose its institutionalized forms to uphold the dharma — even in Buddhist communities.
Waking Up to Whiteness
For our practice to have meaning in today's world, says Greg Snyder, it must include a thorough understanding of our racial identities and their impact.