Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices

A compelling collection of the many voices and experiences of trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary Buddhists

Transcending brings together more than thirty contributors from both the Mahayana and Theravada traditions to present a vision for a truly inclusive trans Buddhist sangha in the twenty-first century. Shining a light on a new generation of Buddhist role models, this book gives voice to those who have long been marginalized within the Buddhist world and society at large. While trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary practitioners have experienced empowerment and healing through their commitment to the Buddha, dharma, and sangha, they also share their experiences of isolation, transphobia, and aggression. In this diverse collection we hear the firsthand accounts, thoughts, and reflections of trans Buddhists from a variety of different lineages in an open invitation for all Buddhists to bring the issue of gender identity into the sangha, into the discourse, and onto the cushion. Only by doing so can we develop insight into our circumstances and grasp our true, essential nature.

Kevin Manders is a queer trans Buddhist living in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. He has been on the dharma path for the last twelve years in the Theravāda tradition. He is an addictions and mental health worker who is passionate about the dharma, social-justice issues, anti-racist work, feminism, queer and trans issues, disability issues, intersectionality, veganism, cycling, and music. He calls the Queer and Trans sangha, BC Insight Med-itation Society, and Birken Forest Monastery home.

Elizabeth Marston is a trans writer, hacker, anarcho-communist, and Buddhist. She holds a master’s degree in philosophy (with study concentrated on ethics and political philosophy).