2022 Gender Spectrum Professionals' Symposium

This workshop will focus on traditional texts from a variety of faith sources that express values of gender diversity and inclusivity, as well as interpretive processes and theological innovation. Participants will engage in various learning modalities to examine how faith-based study can be liberating and gender expansive rather than restricting and/or hostile to gender diversity. Attendees will have opportunities for self-reflection, group interaction, and practice in creating safe space for religious education for adolescents and teens.

The workshop will also provide conversation points and specific texts for addressing the repressive claims of religious bigots. Participants will be empowered to claim the positive aspects of religious faith and identity, while rejecting devaluing messages. This combination of lifting up the positive and setting boundaries on oppression will provide a good foundation for further work in religious settings.