by Saphira Ferriera
Inspired by a series of conversations started at the 2014 World Congress, Rosana Schutte and I (Saphira Ferreira) led two workshops at the 2015 National Congress centered on Subud’s LGBTQ+ individuals. To our delight, both were widely attended, indicative that these types of conversations are much needed and desired.
The first workshop targeted those interested in becoming better allies, covering basics of each identity, plus some related concepts such as the repercussions of presuming everyone is straight and not transgender. The second workshop focused more on people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community (LGBTQ+ individuals, their close friends, family, and allies) inviting them to share their experiences of Subud. As with the Puebla discussion, people spoke of prevalent issues within Subud that made them feel like they and/or their LGBTQ+ loved ones were unwelcome in Subud – not through active discrimination but through subtle things such as being omitted or ignored in discussions, policies, and the language in Subud texts.
This upcoming congress in May, I hope to further these discussions, centering on an observation that being accepting – not rejecting someone when they step forward to out themselves – isn’t enough. It’s a great place to start, yes, but waiting until someone comes out to express support, and ignoring the fears and issues unique to LGBTQ+ identities and relationships, can leave our siblings feeling like Subud isn’t intended as a space for them.
Focusing on this issue in another conversational presentation, I’ll be speaking to Subud allies about a few of the ways that accepting environments can still feel exclusionary and unsupportive, with a focus on how we can make Subud a more welcoming space for people of all genders and sexualities.
Information about the timing for this workshop will be available as part of the online Congress schedule soon.