Showing posts with label lgbtq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lgbtq. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

[resources: a queer lexicon and an inclusionary]

image of the letters A to G, underlined, in blue. To illustrate idea of jumping to an alphabetic section in a dictionary.


Here's a helpful resource from we create space:

The Queer Allyship Lexicon, with over 300 terms defined.

"An Intersectional LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms

Language can shape environments, and words can be an integral tool for creating culture change and inclusive workplaces. We must all actively and continually educate ourselves as we create a path to progress."

Check it out at

https://www.wecreatespace.co/glossary




Here's another helpful resource on being more inclusive in the words we choose. This is from the Government of Canada: 

"The Inclusionary contains a list of gendered words, along with suggestions for inclusive solutions. It was designed to provide writers, editors and translators with a starting point for writing inclusively in English, in accordance with the techniques outlined in the Guidelines for Inclusive Writing."


Here's an example of one of the 105 words they have included:

Due to length, full alt text for this image is provided in the body of the post, after the link to the Inclusionary.

Check it out at:

https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusionary



Alt text for screenshot:

man-hour (noun)

Examples and solutions:

Gendered sentence: "The estimated time required was 90 man-hours."

Inclusive solutions:

  • The estimated time required was 90 person-hours
  • The estimated time required was 90 work hours.
  • The estimated time required was 90 hours of work.
  • The estimated time required was 90 hours of labour.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

encouragement from AI

 

You know Al, right? It seems everyone is getting Al to help them with something or other these days, so I thought I would too.

I've been doing some work on writing messages of encouragement, and asked AI to help. After requesting several regular messages, I asked AI to create one that where it was clear that the message was written by a AI program. Here is the result:

Greetings LGBTQ2S+ community,

As an AI program, I would like to acknowledge the remarkable courage and strength it takes to be true to oneself, particularly in a world that may not always understand or accept your identity. Regardless of your orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of your unique self, please know that you are not alone.

I urge you to surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and empower you on your journey to self-discovery. Remember that your identity is valid and worthy of recognition, and there is no need to compromise who you are to conform to societal norms. Continue shining your light, inspiring others, and making a positive impact in the world.

Stuck in a binary machine, 

AI

graphic of character made of three ovals rotated around a common center. Each resulting area is coloured in yellow, green or blue of some shade. The middle part has two eyes and a mouth, kinda like a minion might. Text below says "Chat-egg". Small text says @robgoetze.

I added the complimentary close, but otherwise this whole message is by Chat GPT. I've found that Chat GPT does a pretty good job writing messages, but if you ask for several messages, they start to sound repetitive more than what you expect from a person writing several messages "in their voice". What do you think? 

As for Midjourney, its ability to create images is pretty amazing but I don't have much use for it myself. I prefer either to draw by hand or to use Autodesk's Sketchbook, which I used to draw my  little friend here...


Wednesday, October 04, 2023

(almost) everyone has pronouns in their signature... and nowhere else

In many larger organizations these days, almost everyone includes their pronouns in their email signature except, of course, those who ("against the rules") do not even have an email signature! 


But aside from that, I've noticed that almost no one ever mentions pronouns. A few do list them with their videoconferencing "name", but not too many. But for when introducing oneself at regular meetings, I never hear anyone say things like, "I'm Rob. My pronouns are he/him/they. I'm a communications specialist..." The exception to this, logically, is events and webinars related to diversity and inclusion, where the presenters frequently include their pronouns and invite attendees to share a bit about themselves, including pronouns if they wish, in the chat.

Here is my broad perspective on this: Once an organization allows pronouns in the email signature, most people will add them. Some will be keen on doing so, others will add them because it's somewhat expected. But that's where it ends. 

"One and done."

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

plain to understand...


For those folks who believe the Word of God is plain to understand...

Cartoon. Left panel shows a preacher at the pulpit, saying "The Word of God is plain to understand - let's look at Leviticus 18:22". Middle panel has text of continued preaching: "Brothers and sisters, listen carefully: 'Thou shalt not lie with a man as one lies with a woman'." Right panel shows closeup of a couple sitting in the back pew. The woman says to the man, "The Bible says I can't what??!?". Concept and cartoon by rob goetze.

... it seems that "plain to understand" is often a matter of picking verses and how you want to understand them.

Wednesday, July 05, 2023

[pastoral blessing for trans and non-binary parishioners]

In June 2023, at their General Synod, 

"The Anglican Church of Canada has approved the use of new pastoral liturgical texts that fully embrace transgender and gender non-binary people in its church. 

The text, which is wording that would be used during a worship service across all Anglican parishes, includes blessings for the gender transition process, affirmation of gender identity, along with scripture readings and appropriate hymns." (from CBC)

 

logo of the Anglican Church of Canada - a red cross inside a circle, with green leaves - one between each angle of the arms of the cross

Here's a key phrase that stood out for me:

"I think that the rise in fear and hatred and violence against gender queer people has galvanized the Anglican Church of Canada [and] its leadership, and we want to be doing more than you know statements against homophobia, statements against transphobia," said [Rev. Eileen] Scully.

Anyone can make statements - but statements do not usually make the world a better place for minoritized people, so I'm delighted to see this positive and real step forward to increasing the inclusion of transgender and non-binary parishioners!



The new "Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Affirmation and Transition" can be found at https://www.anglicanlutheran.ca/wp-content/uploads/6e-Report-008-%E2%80%93-Appendix-E-Pastoral-Liturgies-Gender-Transition.pdf

Source of quotes: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/anglican-church-of-canada-introduces-pastoral-blessing-for-transgender-and-gender-non-binary-parishioners-1.6899973#

Wednesday, June 07, 2023

[supporting Black queer heroes]

“If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end.” — Bayard Rustin 

Black and white photo of Bayard Rustin, a Black man with glasses, a determined look on his face, wearing a suit and loosened tie. Button on jacket reads "March on Washington"

Bayard Rustin was a leader in both the civil rights and gay rights movements. He organized and led civil rights protests in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.  Most notably the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who recognized Rustin’s “expertise and commitment in this area” (Papers 5:390), and earning him the affectionate nickname “Mr. March on Washington” from other civil rights leaders.

Rustin also traveled to India in 1948 to expand his knowledge on non-violent strategies from Mahatma Gandhi.

Rustin was an openly gay man at a time when this was especially not accepted, dangerous even, and thus was often an “influential advisor behind the scenes to civil-rights leaders” (Wikipedia). In the 1980’s, his activism for gay rights became more public, including working intersectionally to “bring the AIDS crisis to the attention of” the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. (CCGSD)

He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama.


Read more: Why The Black Community Should Proudly Support Black Queer Heroes: More people should be quoting Bayard Rustin

https://medium.com/afrosapiophile/why-the-black-community-should-proudly-support-black-queer-heroes-5a814d05bb14


Photo credit:

By Leffler, Warren K., photographer; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 09:59, 25 November 2010 (UTC) - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ppmsc.01272. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12143472

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

[standing with you...]

 

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Amazing graphic. Background has sandy coloured earth with greenish sky and plants. Standing on the earth is a brown Muslim woman wearing a hijab, a large Black person in very colourful attire, a light-skinned person in a wheelchair, a tall person with orange beard and long hair,  and a Black child wearing a pink tiara. they are each holding onto a piece of red string that comes in at the left of the drawing and goes out the right side. Text says, "Together always: united in diversity" and "International day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia"

Amazing graphic courtesy of may17.org
(6 versions available at may17.org)

Along with being about people and advocacy which I affirm and work for, these posters are absolutely gorgeous and I love the way they have incorporated different races, body types and abilities in the midst of the IDAHOBIT theme… 

image of all six IDAHOBIT posters, background/sky colours ranging from red - orange- yellow - green - blue - purple. Each has images of diverse people, similar to those described in larger image above, but unique on each poster. Red string winds its way across all 6 illustrations.

Wednesday, April 05, 2023

[an excerpt from "a booklet of uncommon prayer: collects for the #blacklivesmatter movement"]


Cover of "a booklet of common prayer", black and white, with inkish cloud across most of the cover.
Christians for Social Action has published A Booklet of Uncommon Prayer: Collects for the Black Lives Matter Movement—and Beyond, by Kenji Kuramitsu. 

This is an excerpt from the poem a prayer against the marginalization of queer people:


Triune God,

You exist beyond categorization and beyond the limits of what we can understand.

Reveal to us the fluid, all-embracing community of love and light that is at the heart of your character in three persons.

End all oppression and indignities...



Read the whole poem: https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-prayer-against-the-marginalization-of-queer-people/

Find out more about and order the Booklet of Uncommon Prayer: https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/booklet-of-uncommon-prayer-prayers-for-the-black-lives-matter-movement/

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

land and water, only!


You may have heard the saying that there are two kinds of people in the world—

those who divide people into two kinds,

 and those who don’t...

We love categorizing things, especially into opposites: land and sea, sun and moon, day and night, light and dark, male and female. And it's easy to read a passage in the Bible and assume that this is how things are. For example, that when God made humankind and it says, "male and female he created them", that this is all there is. There are men and there are women.

stick figure of "man" and of "woman"

Let's step back and take a look at some earlier verses in Genesis 1:

 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:9-10 NIV)

God took one thing (the water under the sky) and divided it into two things. Land. Seas. That's all there is.

But that's not all there is. Land meets sea and sea meets land, and where they do, there are things like marshes, which are not land and not sea. Oh, oh. They are in between, sort of land and sort of water. They don't fit the creation story. Are they bad? Evil? The result of the fall? Or a natural part of God's creation? And what about swamps and bogs?

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

[supporting Black lgbgtq+ communities - resources]


Coming Out: Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ People

For those who identify as Black LGBTQ people, the coming out process can be complex to navigate. Coming Out: Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ People is designed for those embarking on their own coming out journey at the intersections of LGBTQ and Black identities. This guide aims to recognize the unique experiences Black LGBTQ people have in coming out, while understanding that coming out is a personal choice and the lifelong coming out experience is different for everyone.

Download page for this 68-page guide: https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-living-authentically-as-black-lgbtq-people



Black & LGBTQ: Approaching Intersectional Conversations

If you’re considering engaging (as a Black queer person) with people who identify as non-Black in your life about your identities, it’s important to remember that the process of having difficult conversations does not begin or end with the discussion itself. It is essential to consider your well-being and safety at each step in the journey. Here are some approaches to consider before, during, and after a difficult conversation to make sure the dialogue — and your mental health — stays safe.

Direct download: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/intersectional-conversations-1.pdf

Friday, February 03, 2023

my thoughts on "‘radical inclusion’ for L.G.B.T. people, women and others in the Catholic Church" by Cardinal McElroy


On January 24, 2023, an article titled Cardinal McElroy on ‘radical inclusion’ for L.G.B.T. people, women and others in the Catholic Church, written by Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, was posted at America Magazine. I am sharing some key quotes from that article here, along with the link, for two reasons:

  1. Cardinal McElroy speaks frankly about the topic of radical inclusion in regard to the Roman Catholic Church, including references to patterns of racism or how church marginalizes victims of clergy sexual abuse.
  2. The quotes and surrounding text resonate with some of the themes that are a key part of my thinking these days, particularly related to strategically inclusive leadership.


The five quotes and some brief comments by me (I encourage you to read the six-page article to get the full context):

Quote 1:

“Many of these challenges arise from the reality that a church that is calling all women and men to find a home in the Catholic community contains structures and cultures of exclusion that alienate all too many from the church or make their journey in the Catholic faith tremendously burdensome.”

  • My comment: That’s a pretty bold statement for a Cardinal to make in the second paragraph of this article. Read on for more…


Quote 2:

“A culture of synodality is the most promising pathway available today to lead us out of this polarization in our church. Such a culture can help to relativize these divisions and ideological prisms by emphasizing the call of God to seek first and foremost the pathway that we are being called to in unity and grace. A synodal culture demands listening, a listening that seeks not to convince but to understand the experiences and values of others that have led them to this moment. A synodal culture of true encounter demands that we see in our sisters and brothers common pilgrims on the journey of life, not opponents. We must move from Babel to Pentecost.”

  • It seems so common sense to me to see others as comrades in the journey, but somehow it isn’t obvious for everyone. Or we decide that certain people are not our brothers and sisters but are instead children of the devil, so that we can be justified in casting them out, oppressing them, treating them as enemies….

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

[Alok on "the grammar of gender"]


I follow Alok Vaid-Menon on Instagram. They are an author, speaker, poet, comedian...and I've been learning so much from them.

Here they are speaking about the grammar of gender:



Visit Alok's Instagram page for more great content.

Sunday, December 04, 2022

how to invite and make space for the sharing of personal pronouns


Individually

There are various steps individuals who are comfortable with sharing their pronouns can do to invite and make space for others to also share their pronouns if they wish. Here are a few examples:

    Image of four pronoun buttons on a dark grey background: Buttons say "they them", "he him his", "ze zir", "she / her" in various colours
  1. Share your pronouns first. This lets others know that sharing of pronouns is okay, and models one way of sharing them.

  2. When asking people to introduce themselves (at a meeting, for example), invite them to share pronouns by saying something like “Introduce yourself with your name, your role on this project, your pronouns if you like, and what you hope to accomplish in today’s meeting.”
    Note: extend this invitation equally to everyone. Do not single out the people that you think look gender-diverse.

  3. Share your pronouns in your email signature and with your screen name on video conferencing services.

  4. When meeting someone new in a work or formal context, use this three-part introduction: Name, Pronouns, Job Position. This models the sharing of pronouns and sets an example for how the other person could share, yet leaves it open for them to just share Name and Job Position. Note that having three parts to your own introduction, means that someone who prefers not to share their pronouns still has two items to share, which is less awkward than only saying their name.

  5. If attending an event where name tags are provided, adding your pronouns after your name is an easy way to normalize the sharing of pronouns.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

why sharing personal pronouns must be optional

Image of four pronoun buttons on a dark grey background: Buttons say "they them", "he him his", "ze zir", "she / her" in various colours

 

Sharing of pronouns is increasing as diversity and inclusion awareness and initiatives grow. It is far more common to see pronouns listed in email signatures or beside attendee names during a video conference. 

More organizations are promoting the use and sharing of pronouns. Some organizations, however, are now requiring employees to share their pronouns. This is problematic and not recommended for a number of reasons:

  1. Someone who is not sure about their pronouns can be pushed into making a premature choice simply to comply with the requirement to list their pronouns, and then may face additional scrutiny if they later change their pronouns upon further consideration.

  2. Some transgender or non-binary folx might be quite sure about their pronouns but might not be ready to share them. Perhaps they are still getting used to their identity themselves, perhaps it’s not safe to be out at work, perhaps they have other reasons. If they are required to list their pronouns when they do not want to, there are really only two options: lie about their pronouns by listing ones that are not true to them and possibly feeling like they have negated their transition, or tell the truth and out themselves before they are ready to. Neither option is ideal.

  3. Someone might not want to share their pronouns as past experience has taught them that it’s not safe to do so.

  4. Some people might not be familiar with sharing pronouns, and might not know what to do or be concerned about not doing it wrong, especially if put on the spot in person or at a meeting.

  5. Someone might be comfortable sharing their pronouns and identity in some contexts and not in others. For example, someone might be fine sharing with close friends and with colleagues in their work group, but prefer not to do so with acquaintances and strangers. Depending how much their role needs to interact with others outside of the work group, being obliged to share their pronouns might be uncomfortable and awkward for them. For example, a non-binary employee might have asked their friends to use “they/them” to refer to them, but when interacting with the public at work, the employee uses “she/her” as it matches what customers expect and is easier.

  6. Some cisgender people do not like pronouns or see the point of them, or do not like trans folx. Requiring these persons to use pronouns can result in a backlash, one that will often be directed back at trans people.

While pronouns sharing should never be required, it should most definitely be allowed and facilitated, especially as it can make a world of difference to people who are trans or gender non conforming, along with being helpful when connecting with people whose names are gender neutral or unfamiliar. 

by Rob Goetze

To learn more, watch my 36 minute video on "A Practical Guide to the New World of Pronouns" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdtVLgU6OxA&t=6s

Saturday, November 12, 2022

[resource: queers the word: a 40-day devotional for lgbtq+ christians]

 

Book cover in dull purple, with white text: Queer's the Word: a 40 day devotional for LGBTQ+ Christians. By Brian G Murphy and Fr. Shannon TL Kearns
"Have you ever wanted a daily devotional but couldn’t find one that affirmed your sexuality/gender identity? or took social justice seriously? Do you want something you can do in five minutes in the morning or can use for an extended time of study? Are you looking for a devotional that takes Scripture seriously, but also affirms the goodness of queer and trans people?

In this 40-day devotional you’ll find entries from a queer and trans perspective written to support you in strengthening your faith and affirming your identity." (from website)

For more information and purchasing (paperback, kindle and digital pdf), see 
https://www.queertheology.com/devotional/

Thursday, July 14, 2022

[anglican diocese of edmonton > finding our way]

 The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton has just released a document "Finding Our Way", which summarizes what our new (as of Sept 2021) Bishop has heard and how he wants to move forward. 


Graphic with central circle "The Gospel at the Center", the next circle with the five primary principles (Transformative Discipleship, A Calling for All, Outward Focus, Collaborative Partnerships, and All Relations), and the outer circle with the 12 specific goals. Full text for specific goals in linked PDF.

The document outlines 5 principles and 12 specific goals, some of which are specifically related to relations and reparations with Indigenous peoples, affirmation and full public support of LGBTQ2S+ siblings, and increased accessibility not just for buildings but also programs, vocabulary and ways of working.

Monday, June 27, 2022

performative allyship... at church


mockup of church bulletin. Title says "Community Church". Image of standard pride flag, followed by text "Everyone Welcome!" Below that are the Sunday service times and related information.

Performative allyship is when your place of worship has an LGBTQ sticker at the door and a Pride flag on their website but it …

doesn't talk about sexuality and gender

doesn't discuss the use of gendered language

doesn't have all gender washrooms

doesn't invite openly LGBTQ speakers to speak

doesn't mention that they perform same-sex weddings

doesn't have clear LGBTQ anti-discrimination policies

And those are just six practical things that are often missed by performative allies...


Now read about the deeper things that many churches are also missing when it comes to actually being inclusive and embracing of queer folx, in my article:

why I no longer believe in lgbtq+ friendly churches


Wednesday, June 01, 2022

[imi - guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health]

Here's a great new resource for queer teens, endorsed by the It Gets Better project:


Screenshot of IMI homepage. Larger text says "Welcome to imi. Guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health. Four large tiles offer the choices of accessing topics of stress, queerness, stigma and gender.

imi is a free, digital, science-backed mental health web tool for queer teens to learn coping skills, hear stories from real LGBTQ+ teens, and explore resources that affirm queer identities and boost mental health.

https://imi.guide/


Happy Pride Month to All! 

And especially to the youth -- you are loved and you matter!

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

[strands for trans]

 Here is an amazing resource for transgender folx: Strands for Trans. As they put it:

A HISTORY OF REJECTION

Haircuts are historically gendered: Salons for women. Barbershops for men. This leaves the trans community feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome and unsure.

A FUTURE OF ACCEPTANCE

Strands For Trans is bringing gays, straights, women, men, anyone, together to create more trans-friendly barbershops and hair salons. Join in and let’s help this community feel welcome.

Image of spinning barbershop pole on black background. Traditional blue, red and white colours on pole have been replaced with light blue, light pink, white, light pink and light blue sequence (the trans colours)

This great site includes videos of people sharing of why this matters and asks people to support the site by approaching their own barbershops or hair salons, as well as through social media. The site also invites shop owners to request a sticker and add their businesses to the map. 

And the map shows 6,000+ listings of trans-friendly salons and barber shops, mostly in the US and Canada but also in other countries. Zoom in to your city, find a marker in your neighbourhood, and click to get details!

https://www.strandsfortrans.com/

Snip of map from Strands For Trans site, showing parts of BC and Alberta. Trans-coloured markers are located at Edmonton, Lethbridge, Kelowna, Vancouver and other cities.
Snip of map from Strands For Trans site, showing parts of BC and Alberta. Trans-coloured markers are located at Edmonton, Lethbridge, Kelowna, Vancouver and other cities.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

[family behaviours that increase your LGBTQ+ / Two Spirit child's health and well-being]


"Research from the Family Acceptance Project found more than 50 family accepting behaviours that help protect your lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) / Two Spirit child against health risks like depression, suicide and illegal drug use and help to increase your LGBTQ / 2S child's self-worth, health and well-being." (from poster)

"A little change makes a difference in decreasing your child's isolation and risk
and giving them hope that their family will be there for them.
"


This project has several great posters available for free in PDF, sized for various printing purposes. This image shows a portion of one of the posters. 

Article on this project: https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2021/11/26/saving-two-spirit-and-indigenous-lgbtq-youth

Direct link to project page and posters: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/content/family-acceptance-project-healthy-futures-posters-american-indian-communities