Gender Identity and our Faith Communities

The curriculum is divided into three parts:

• "The Stories" explores the varied experiences of transgender people, probes the complexity of gender identity, and helps participants develop a vocabulary around transgender concepts;
• "Gender Identity and Faith" gives participants a choice of three different exercises that will encourage them to have deeper conversation about religion and transgender people; and
• "A Call for Justice" provides a step-by-step training to move people of faith from acceptance to public advocacy.

In addition to the leader's guide, the 124 page PDF is packed with intersting content, including a series of dramatic readings, a readings related to the gifts transgender people bring, and twelve essays from the HRC contributors.

HRC has provided dramatic readings that can be used as part of the educational experience, either with participants reading the provided text or listening to the provided MP3. Each dramatic reading includes comments from several contributors, compiled around a particular theme.

• Dramatic Reading A - Our Stories (mp3 of reading) (pdf of text)
• Dramatic Reading B - The Blessing of Being Inclusive (mp3 of reading) (pdf of text)
• Dramatic Reading C - Gender Identity and Jewish Tradition (mp3 of reading) (pdf of text)

In addition, one option in the curriculum encourages participants to explore through discussion the gifts that transgender people bring. The discussion is launched by listening to the quotes, either with participants reading the provided text or listening to the provided MP3.

• The Gifts of Transgender People, Gift 1 - Freedom from Gender Expectations (mp3 of reading)
• The Gifts of Transgender People, Gift 2 - A Broader View of God (mp3 of reading)
• The Gifts of Transgender People, Gift 3 - Openness to Ambiguity (mp3 of reading)
• The Gifts of Transgender People, Gift 4 - Empathy for Others (mp3 of reading)
• The Gifts of Transgender People, Gifts 1-4 (pdf of text)

Finally, the curriculum includes twelve essays by contributing authors.

• Do We Really Need that T? Trans-inclusion in Communities of Faith – Jakob Hero
• What Is Meant by Gender Identity? – Rev. Sarah Carpenter-Vascik
• My Father Jessica – Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay
• Coming Out Twice – Margaret Blankers
• How I Met the Tumtum: Toward a Jewish Liberation Theology for All Genders – Rabbi Elliot Rose Kukla
• I Chose Life: Reading Torah as Myself – Dana Beyer, M.D.
• Reconnecting with Allah – Rayees Shah
• Seven Reasons Why Congregations Should Embrace Their Transgender Members – Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott
• Easter Transformation – Rev. Drew Phoenix
• Providing Pastoral Care for the Transgender Community – Rev. Phyllis V. Pennese
• Transitioning While Ordained – Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson
• Who Do I Say That I Am? – Jakob Hero