Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices

by Kevin Manders (Editor), Elizabeth Marston (Editor), Cooper Lee Bombardier

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.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Queer, LGBT, Nonfiction, Religion

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Flossy Roxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opens up queer and trans experiences in Buddhism with honest, and community focused perspectives. I felt inspired to return to my own practice after reading this book, encouraged by the stories of those who contributed to this book and the way they see Buddhism through a clear queer trans centering lense. It highlighted many ways in which this spiritual practice has been so closed and hetronormative - the voices in this book have worked through their own practice to see where their experience as trans people is valid and a crucial part of their buddhist practices. I recommend this book as a wonderful and eye opening resource.

[splash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very glad this book exists and there were some really great pieces. I appreciated the array of different perspectives on Buddhism and buddhist teachings. Some things got a bit repetitive due to the numerous contributions, so it's one to read over the course of a few months for a bit of inspiration at a time rather than in one go. Overall some pieces did a great job of highlighting just how much intersection there is between buddhist teachings of impermanence and non-self and transness.

[laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important collection of insight, journeys, reflections, and stories. As a white, queer, cis Buddhist, I am particularly grateful for each writer who chose to offer their wisdom and story to this collection so that I could bear direct witness, learn, grow, and deepen my practice of a more radical, inclusive, disruptive Dharma.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handful of really beautiful essays on the experience of being trans and Buddhist. I found a lot of value in discussion of what it means to say that the physical body is meaningless while also needing to change it. I ruminate on this a lot, partly because when Victoria was going through her big Stoicism phase she and I would talk about the conflict between stoic goals and needing to transition. One author argued that in order to let go of the corporal it was necessary for him to make his body something he could identify with. Previously, rejecting it had no meaning because he already felt so dissociated from it.

I also loved one author's understanding her teacher's transphobia as a sign of his struggle to accept pain. She was able to see that he was caught up in material suffering and still find value in the other gifts of wisdom he had given her.

Not all of the essays were good, some were self-righteous jerking off about how radical is is to be an angry trans/queer Buddhist convert. Honestly a lot of them, and I started skipping, but the gems made this anthology worth it and I think about their teachings most days that I make time to focus on divinity.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful perspective to add to the modern Buddhist dialogue. I’m glad to have read it, but I think I would have gotten more out of it had there been fewer contributors, instead favoring longer and more in depth essays.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing source of wisdom and inspiration for all Buddhist. You do not need to be queer to gain immense benefit from the book. However, if you are also queer, you may find this book to be deeply supportive and powerful in your life. Overall, an incredible read!!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad this book exists

[K.S.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of dharma voices. Certain essays had me feeling like These Are My Sangha!!! Grateful to the editors for compiling this timely anthology. May it be of benefit.

[Ro boat · Rating 5 out of 5]

necessary, wise, foundational; buddhism without trans voices is not whole

[Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept is interesting, but the writing itself is not particularly good.

[Seph Chris King · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[Drake Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic group of essays that explore the relationship of trans individuals and Buddhism. Really showed me the deep connections between the trans experience and core Buddhist ideas of anatta, dukkha, and samsara that I hadn't considered before.

Some essays are hit and miss though, and I didn't find the poetry all that interesting in the book. Also the font for essay titles was illegible it knocks a star off.

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and much needed anthology! I resonated with so many of the pieces within in ways I didn't even know to expect.