Social Justice/Buddhism/Queerness words by Tiffany Webster.
Growing up in a family that attended a Northern Irish presbyterian church, terrifying and very boring at the same time, with a sister who was a member of a religious cult for over 15 years and as a gay person I am deeply suspicious of organised religion, however I do occasionally visit the London Buddhist centre to meditate. I have always found the people there to be very friendly and have never felt any pressure to become a Buddhist. I am now beginning to reflect that yes as a white man visiting a religious centre in central London I am very privileged and it is an welcoming friendly experience for me. I wonder if a queer person of colour visited my old presbyterian church would they be made to feel welcome?
The article in the Shades of Noir journal is recording the work and opinions of three Buddhist authors all of whom are black, queer and or transgender intellectuals. What I understand from this article is that the authors are demanding honesty and realness when talking about the intersections of identity, religious belief, race and sexual orientation. The authors are activists for social justice, but they are also spiritual people advocating for compassion, self-liberation and reconciliation in America to-day. Radical dharma or radical honesty explores the intersections of race, racism, gender identity and sexual preference and how they relate to Buddhist beliefs. I know that when I am uncomfortable with a situation or a topic being discussed my response is often silence. I think Radical Dharma is challenging that response and saying yes, it is uncomfortable but we must address it or as lama Rod Ownes is advocating meditate about it.