Bodhisattvas' in the Margins: Optimizing Queer & Trans Health to Liberate Our Suffering World

I'm delighted that at the end of October, I'll be presenting at the International Queer Buddhist Conference (IQBC) for the third year in a row! This conference is held annually online for queer, trans, and ally folks that find benefit in Eastern approaches to healing and transformation.

These conferences hosted by IQBC founder Dr. Jampa Wurst, PhD (they/them), a Buddhist Scholar recognized a need to, "Create inclusive spaces for queer Buddhists and allies to explore the intersections of mindfulness, intersectionality, art, and activism."

This year as always, I would encourage you to check-out IQBCs line-up of inspiring speakers by clicking the link above. Topics this year span human rights, breaking shame and silence associated with trauma, self-care practices, destigmatizing mental health, and even some queer & trans friendly stand-up comedy.

IQBC is open and available to everyone regardless of financial status; however, I do encourage you to gift a donation to IQBC for all of the work it takes to plan these annual events.

I will personally be speaking Sunday, November 2nd, the third day of the conference at 12:30 EST/9:30am PST, 5:30pm CET, 1:30am Japan, and 10pm IST.

For those that would like to attend my talk live, I would be grateful to have you join us, you can see a description of my talk here, entitled Bodhisattvas' in the Margins: Optimizing Queer & Trans Health to Liberate Our Suffering World.

Description: 

Bodhisattvas' walk the path of compassion, vowing to alleviate the suffering of all beings; yet, queer and trans Bodhisattvas' experience disproportionate harm, systemic marginalization, healthcare disparities, and the chronic stress of oppression- all of which manifests as tangible threats to our health & well-being.

How can we as queer & trans Dharmic practitioners respond to our individual and collective suffering with wisdom in action? 

This talk will explore the deep connections between queer and trans health and the  broader liberation of our world.

Drawing from Buddhist ethics, human rights, and holistic health perspectives, we'll examine the structural forces that shape queer & trans health disparities.

Through the lens of the Bodhisattva path, we will consider how collective healing and social justice align with Dharma and how optimizing queer & trans well-being is integral to a more just and compassionate society.

By recognizing suffering and responding with engaged care, we can move toward achieving a liberation that embraces all beings. 

To get there, we must not recognize queer & trans health as a niche concern but one that is vitally a part of transforming suffering into collective freedom.

If you're unable to attend the talk live, there will be a recording of which I will be sure to share here on my website once it becomes available.

Here's to creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate world together. May it be so!