http://www.transfaithincolor.org/

July 29th- 31st 2011

Within the broad LGBT Movement, there have been problematic disconnects

with the

Transgender Community. These were particularly noticeable in the 2009

Employment

Non-Discrimination Act’s political and social organizing efforts.

Allies and members within the LGBT community struggled with whether the

Transgender

population could be included in this first wave of those being given

access

to employment protection under the law.

This disconnect is compounded by the challenges members of the transgender

community

face within communities of faith — even those who profess to be progressive

and

inclusive. To have the strongest communities of faith and social justice

movement,

we must have one that not only affirms but actively includes those who are

lesbian,

gay, bisexual and yes, transgender. One of the ways to fill this gap is to

empower

members of the transgender community to engage with broader segments of

the LGBT

movement and beyond.

The Solution:

Grassroots Education + Empowerment To address this,

the Freedom Center for Social Justice (FCSJ) invited a group of

transgender people of color to the table to shape and frame a

summit to train

a cohort of transgender people of faith to work as grassroots activists

and opinion

leaders around issues of sexuality within their respective faith and

general

communities. Ultimately, the Summit provided resources and technical

support to

educate, develop appropriate strategies, and increase networking

opportunities for

transgender men and women as they build, grow, and mobilize around

‘personal’ and

policy relevant issues.

The Summit has now led to a TransFaith In Color Conference. The Conference

will be an annual event for transgender people and allies.

For 2011 and 2012,this event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina.