Thread by @EngagedPureLand

In honour of #Pride, here is a thread of resources and discussion for trans+ folx and their sanghas. (The first tweet references another thread, found here, for reference:

https://twitter.com/EngagedPureLand/status/1383548932374945803

).

https://twitter.com/EngagedPureLand/status/1383817268031672326

This thread references the Kangaku expressing inclusion of transfolx. The specific Jodo Shinshu member whose situation provoked the query and affirmation was American Michelle Kammerer, a pioneer in multiple ways: andrejkoymasky.com/liv/fam/biok1/…

That was over 20 years ago. Back then Ms. Kammerer's same-sex marriage was already common in Jodo Shinshu temples. But this was the first time one of the partners was known to be transgender. This too proved to be no big deal, but there wasn't a track record establishing that yet

The officiating minister, Rev. Mas Kodani, had a long history of progressive religio-political involvement. He was part of the original Asian-American movement when it emerged in 1968. His temple hosted anti-Vietnam War teach-ins and worked with the local Black community.

But it would be incorrect to see this ceremony as a consciously political act. Rather, all of these activities (trans support, same-sex marriage, temple teach-ins, etc) flow from a religious viewpoint of valuing all lives and opposing suffering in the light of Amida's compassion.

That is to say, these acts are politically-entangled, absolutely. But they arise from religious commitments, not partisan or ideologically political ones. Rooted in the vow, Rev. Kodani and others move through the world in ways that have political effects or connections.

Given the wrangling over "bringing politics into Buddhism/keeping politics out of Buddhism," this may be helpful to note. Jodo Shinshu ministers were first and foremost Buddhist ministers.

But because the people and temples they serve are politically impacted, religious actions inevitably intersect with politics. How could they not? What part of interdependent co-origination makes it possible to avoid political matters at the temple?

Thus simply by living as Buddhists in a world that includes politics and where people's lives are subject to political considerations, Buddhist actions by Buddhist ministers had political intersections.

Avoidance of political matters would also be a political choice in such conditions, with specific political effects (mainly, maintenance of the political status quo and those who benefit and lose from it). Politics aren't everything but also aren't escapable in samsara.

Given that fact, it is useful for Jodo Shinshu Buddhists to clarify their fundamental commitments and values. These then can serve as enduring touchstones as we navigate a confusing and roiling era of political and social turmoil.

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