suggestions

Hold study circles and workshops on inclusivity

Learn about the lgbtqia+ community and take time to challenge the systems and biases in place that create uncomfortable situations for lgbtqia+ members of your center. Holding workshops and study circles at officer and center member levels will help increase awareness of how to be respectful and practice inclusivity. 

Normalize the lgbtqia+ community

Use examples of lgbtqia+ characters in study circle examples, workshop scenarios, plays, etc. And remember, lgbtqia+ characters can still have facets of themselves or struggles that are completely unrelated to being lgbtqia+. 

Use inclusive language

When addressing groups of people, include those who may not identify as man or woman by saying “all,” “everyone,” “Sai siblings,” “Sai family,” “embodiments of love,” rather than saying “brothers and sisters.” When asking about someone’s partner or family, be inclusive of different family structures (e.g. single, divorced, same-sex relationships). 

Encourage sharing pronouns

Give space for people to optionally add pronouns to name tags. Share your own pronouns in introductions if you are comfortable. This signals to others that you understand that pronouns cannot be assumed based on physical appearance and could make someone else who may be less comfortable sharing their pronouns feel more comfortable. 

Ask about gender thoughtfully

When asking about gender identity on a form, use an open-ended text box rather than checkboxes for man/woman to acknowledge that not everyone may identify as either man or woman. But first, ask yourself why you are asking for gender. Will it give you any information needed for logistical purposes or are you only asking because it is custom? Then, only ask for gender if it is needed.

Clearly communicate seating arrangements

In every situation in which a center imposes gender separation, it should be made clear so each member can make an informed decision. An inclusivity statement (e.g. “any person should be able to sit where they are most comfortable in the hall without question, as seat selection is a choice between each individual and god”) should be posted. There should be no tolerance for any member making someone uncomfortable about which side of a hall they choose to sit on regardless of how they present. 

Communicate the locations of gender-neutral restrooms

If there are gender-neutral restrooms available at your venue, clearly communicate where they are to all members including in any newcomer packets. If there are no gender-neutral restrooms available in your venue, the same inclusivity statement used for seating arrangements should be communicated. 

Use a gender-neutral dress code

Write dress codes in a way that aligns with Swami’s teachings of modesty and still allows individuals freedom to dress without gender-based and/or cultural expectations (i.e. do not separate dress codes by gender). For example, “all SSE students must cover their knees and shoulders,” rather than “boys must wear a white shirt and pants and girls must wear long tops and shawls.”

Training for officers and teachers

Every officer and teacher should know that being lgbtqia+ is a natural and immutable characteristic in a person and know how to respectfully discuss members of the lgbtqia+ community. Additionally, teachers should understand the unique challenges that lgbtqia+ youth face growing up in a community where there are nearly no out lgbtqia+ adults. 

Inclusive language

Inclusive language (sharing pronouns, avoiding assumptions, etc) should be encouraged in centers and SSE classes and exemplified by officers and SSE teachers. Historical examples of lgbtqia+ leaders as role models can be brought up in classes. 

Be aware of resources for lgbtqia+ members

Educate yourself about the lgbtqia+ community and be able to connect members to resources both locally and globally (such as Sai Voices of Belonging!) for their own wellbeing. 

Awareness

If someone identifies as queer in a Sai meeting (YA or otherwise), there can be a lack of response or an inappropriate response from folks (Person A below) due to complete lack of awareness of these topics, even with folks who live in cosmopolitan/queer-rich regions of the country.

>> Lack of awareness can lead to interactions with queer folks that make them feel defensive or uncomfortable about their own identity. Unless a baseline awareness is established, productive conversations are difficult.

Representation

If someone is queer and wants to interact more with the organization, officers and “active workers” of the organization who identify as queer and are out are few and far between. Without increased awareness and representation, queer people will have challenges establishing their queer identity and still feel like they can be engaged members of the organization.

>> Lack of representation can lead to lgbtqia+ kids feeling lonely and not able to bring this topic up in safe, loving forums (e.g. with parents and SSE teachers) in our organization. It also increases the Awareness challenge as these topics could be viewed as “non-relevant” (“It’s not like there are queer people coming to the center meetings, so why should we address this?”) to centers.

Gender Identity

This is probably the most nuanced impact theme as we are an organization that is staunchly supportive of gender separation rules, as Swami Himself has given that directive to senior leaders and devotees in the west in a number of interviews. The impact of this in a time where gender constructs are increasingly challenged warrants discussion.

If a person (Person B) identifies as transgender or non-binary, here are some of the experiences they will encounter within the organization.

>> This makes members who come to our meetings reckon with their gender in a way that is not easy or direct for them, especially if they are not open about their gender identity.

Summary of challenges

There is an absence of a forum to discuss and normalize queer identities in spiritual settings. Silence and lack of careful interaction may turn off folks from the organization and deprive them of the loving care that we know the Sai organization provides. These factors alienate the lgbtqia+ community, making us feel lonely and sometimes rudderless.