Category: Social Justice
Lama Rod Owens on “having the conversation” at the Third Buddhism and Race Conference at Harvard
We spoke with Lama Rod Owens, one of the organizers and presenters at the Third Buddhism and Race Conference at Harvard, about this year's conference.
Facing My White Privilege
When Tara Brach came to recognize her own white privilege, it revealed blind spots. That changed her as a dharma teacher and leader.
How does Buddhism view LGBTQ people?
As a gay man, I’d like to know how Buddhism views LGBTQ people. I’m not interested in joining any religion that disapproves of who I am.
Commentary: Why this gay Buddhist teacher is dubious about Buddhist refuge in the Trump era
I love you, Western Buddhism, but as a gay man, I find your privileged lack of urgency in the wake of the election of Donald trump disturbing.
The Meaning of Barack Obama
Even before he was president, Obama was a 21st global citizen, helping us to transcend parochialism, tribalism, and that most pernicious of fictions — race.
Watch the heartwarming “Love Has No Labels” — the first PSA to win an Emmy
In this beautiful PSA about implicit bias, we're reminded of love's power to cross any perceived boundaries.
Coming Home: A Buddhist transitions genders
In 2010, at fifty-three, I surgically transitioned from male to female. It happened after years of therapy, soul-searching, and grudging self-acceptance.
Beyond Privilege: a Q&A with angel Kyodo williams
To make diversity real, says Zen teacher angel Kyodo williams, Buddhists must look deep into their own hearts.
The False Comfort of the Familiar
Being with people like us feels comfortable and secure—and it’s a big reason why communities aren’t more diverse, says Zen teacher Jules Shuzen Harris.
In this mic-dropping poetry slam, George Yamazawa out-logics slurs with Buddhism
In rhythmic verse, George Yamazawa talks about the power of words as insults and poetry, and the love that Buddhism inspires.
Waking Up to Patriarchy
Gloria Steinem and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo talk about personal challenges they’ve faced, progress they’ve seen, and why there’s still more to be done.
Buddhist teacher and feminist Rita Gross dies following stroke
Rita Gross, a prominent scholar on Buddhism and gender and a senior Buddhist teacher, has died.
Rainbow Dharma: Teachings and articles for, about, and by LGBTIQ Buddhists
Everyone struggles with questions about identity. For LGBTIQ people, those questions can be more pressing. We look at how Buddhist wisdom can help.
Study finds Buddhism is the least homonegative religion
Research in the Journal of Homosexuality says that, of all major religions, Buddhists are the least averse to LGBT lifestyles.
Buddhist Churches of America to host discussion on Shin & LGBTQ
On Saturday, June 27, Buddhist Churches of America is presenting a half-day seminar on LGBTQ in Shin Buddhism.
George Takei on ‘Being Gay, Being Buddhist’
The actor, author, and undisputed King of Social Media George Takei reflects on his fascinating personal history
On Awakening Through Race, Sexuality, and Gender
I was hungry when I attended my first Nichiren Buddhist meeting in 1988. I mean that literally.
Watch: Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche urges respect for LGBTQ people
In this video, Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche enjoins the audience to foster respect for LGBTQ people. “Your sexual orientation has got nothing to do with understanding or not understanding the truth,” says Rinpoche, adding with a smirk, “We never know which one would get enlightened first. Probably lesbians.” This isn’t the first time that…
George Takei’s six best Buddhist posts
George Takei is famous as an actor, gay rights activist, and Facebook superstar; but have you noticed his occasional Buddhist shout-outs?