Trans Summit IV, 2010

On November 5--6, 2010, Transgender Religious Leaders Summit IV convened on the campus of Pacific School of Religion (PSR) in Berkeley, California. The summit was hosted by CLGS and supported by Light in the Closet (LITC) ministry and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Education was at the core of this summit’s objectives. It is more important today than ever to develop and utilize workable education models for transgender inclusion. For too long, inclusion has taken a backseat to tolerance. Our faith communities must be transformed in their understanding, so they see their transgender congregants as full persons and valuable resources. Although our faith traditions vary, we can come together around the following goals:

  1. The full inclusion of transgendered people in our faith communities
  2. The creation of educational models for understanding trans issues.
  3. The identification and overcoming of cultural and religious obstacles
  4. The development of a common language around trans issues

Educational materials from a variety of organizations constituted the bulk of the material we considered during each session of this summit. Click on the links below for summaries, biographical data on presenters, and helpful educational materials for your own congregation!

Summit Keynote Address

Justin Tanis, Community Education and Outreach Manager of The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
Topic: “Transgender Equality and the Work of Faith: The Role of Religious Leadership in a Transphobic World"
Click here for the Keynote Address

Human Rights Campaign: Transgender Advocacy Program

Megan Rohrer
Click here for Session 1A

More Light Presbyterians: Welcoming Church Movement

Rev. Will McGarvey, Community Presbyterian Church
Click here for Session 1B

Transgender in the Mainstream Church: Gender identity and Gender Fluidity

  • Sandra Stewart, Founder of Gender Tree Online Ministry
  • Randi Klein, Founder, Light in the Closet Ministry

Click here for Session 1C

Institute for Welcoming Resources: IWR Transgender Education Program

Barbara Satin, IWR Faith Work Associate
Click here for Session 2A

TransEpiscopal: Helping to make the Episcopal Church Welcoming

Rev. Vicki Gray, TransEpiscopal
Click here for Session 2B

Our Whole Lives (OWL): Gender, Sexuality Education Program

Rev. Bonnie Dlott, Minister of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of North Bay
Click here for Session 2C

Unitarian Universalist Association: Welcoming Congregation Program

Rev. Sean Parker Dennison, Unitarian Universalist Congregations
Click here for Session 3A

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Lutherans Concerned, LGBT Program

Megan Rohrer
Click here for Session 3B

TransTorah: Helping Jewish communities Become Welcoming Sanctuaries for People of All Genders

  • Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Bay Area Jewish Healing Center
  • Rabbi Reuben Zellman, Assistant Rabbi and Music Director Congregation Beth El

Click here for Session 3C
Click on the following links for additional materials from this session:

Transgender Community Outreach Programs

Transgender Ministry
Megan Rohrer
TranSpirituality: Trans Inclusion in Religion
Rabbi Levi Alter, President, Female-To-Male International
Many Voices: Transgender Resources
Cedric Harmon, "Many Voices"
Click here for Session 4

Click here for Many Voices

Faith Leaders Panel Discussion

  • Rev. Vicki Gray
  • Rev. Sky Anderson
  • Rabbi Levi Alter
  • Mark McKenzie
  • Justin Tanis
  • Barbara Satin

Click here for Faith Leaders Panel

Light in the Closet Ministry

Click here for the website
Contact Randi Klein
PO BOX 1208, Oakley CA 94561