GLBT Openly Out SGI Group

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Comment by Kare on October 9, 2008 at 5:37am

No response to Gayla's question? I am curious are there any members in this group who are GLBT and from the Suffolk Long Island New York Region? If you are not comfortable responding I understand, just hoping I could maybe meet some of you

Comment by Haydn Forde on October 5, 2008 at 4:42pm

You're welcome, Kare

H :o)

Comment by Kare on September 23, 2008 at 1:36pm

Thanks Haydn, I just saw your response and I needed to read that.

Judy, I am curious about that also. Even though I don't know of any "Out" LGBT folks in my district (South Eastern Long Island New York - Suffolk) but I would really like to know how one goes about doing that!!!!

Comment by Gayla, from Columbus Ohio on September 23, 2008 at 11:10am

Judy,
I am from Ohio and would love to talk w/ you about starting a glbt group. It should be very easy, if there is no opposition from the leadership in your area.
We have a very active group here in Columbus, since 1998, and still going strong.
Maybe we can chat on the phone, 614-499-5097cell? It would just be easier. Maybe you can let me know when you might be calling, so that I do not miss your call. Or if you like, I can always call you?
Just let me kno what works best,
Gayla

Comment by judy on September 23, 2008 at 8:59am

In our little district, our WD Vice is gay. we just appointed her... no question about her being gay or not. The daishonin says to not discriminate. I have been a member of SGI for 39 years and have watched this wonderful transformation.... there really should be no question about leadership, if they are capable and willing, then there ya go. As I see the GLBT group, it is like the Fife * Drum Corp, or any other supportive group for the members of SGI. In the Lotus Sutra it describes all different types of people who promised to support and spread this buddhism everywhere, so it stands to reason that anyone can be and are leaders, no matter what.....
Judy

Comment by Haydn Forde on September 8, 2008 at 9:22pm

Hello everyone,

Hope you're well.

Please find below some guidance from Sensei, which he sent to the annual SGI LGBTQ conference at the FNCC this year. Sensei is completely supportive of diversity -

President Ikeda’s message to the
SGI-USA Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Group
(LGBT) Training Course
held at the Florida Nature and Culture Center
To my cherished comrades of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Group of the SGI-USA who are promoting our great movement of kosen-rufu and living golden lives every day!
My sincere congratulations on holding your annual conference, overflowing with strong faith. Each of your painstaking efforts for kosen-rufu is the source of great benefit, remaining within your lives forever, throughout the three existences of past, present and future. Please make this conference enjoyable and meaningful, convinced of your ultimate victory in light of the strict causality of Buddhism.
Nichiren Daishonin cried out, "My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1, p.1003). He also taught, "The 'great vow' refers to the propagation of the Lotus Sutra" (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p.82). Ultimately, the "great vow" means to devote ourselves to kosen-rufu.
President Makiguchi and Toda, without succumbing to any form of persecution by those in power, forged along the path of fulfilling their great vow. I, too stood alone as a disciple for the great objective of kosen-rufu. Inheriting my mentor's great vow, I have been living my life, resolutely fulfilling my pledge every day. We are fearless because of the strong and solid bond of mentor and disciple, advancing dauntlessly.
We have now ushered in the second act of global kosen-rufu. This is the time when the circle of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth who share the same great vow will expand and "capable people of the essential teaching" will blossom brilliantly and magnificently everywhere. Taking pride in the fact that you are living in such a wonderful era, please create a harmonious world of "great impartial wisdom" and the "unity of many in body but one in mind".
You are all so important to me. I am earnestly praying for your good health, great fortune and wonderful victory.
Let's live strongly and cheerfully no matter what may happen!

Daisaku Ikeda
April 5, 2008

Comment by Kare on September 8, 2008 at 7:13am

I received a message this AM from a new memeber Arles Hernandez in which he asked "What is the official position of the SGI and gay members. What are president Ikeda s views on the subject? Any information of suggested reading would be very welcome." and honestly I have only been a memeber since 7/15/07 and I do know the views of "some" of the other members and being that there is a LGBT group I "Assume" that it is accepted but I really would like to know the official position also

Comment by Gayla, from Columbus Ohio on August 9, 2008 at 6:18am

Thanks, yes, I do know Phyllis and wondered about presenting this question to her. I just thought that if there were other areas out there appointing folks as GLBT leaders, that there may have been some type of presidence set and others may be able to give me some tips.
There are actually 4 top GLBT leaders, 1 for each division, MD, WD YMD, YWD, but I thought that there was going to be appointments through out the organization.
I don't know if it is officially called the "Gay" division, but there are guidelines for the Gay groups, to use as a guide for meetings.
Any other info, would be great. Thanks,
Gayla

Comment by dwightsan on August 8, 2008 at 12:13pm

I received this answer to my question about leaders specifically aointed to aid gay members. "YES! Phyllis Goodson and Gary Murie are 2 of them that I know but I think there are also 2 more. I knew Phyllis as a Chicago leader and she has always been fantastic. She married about 3 years ago. I hear that the GLBS conference at FNCC is amazing every year. You should go after you get your disability money!!! (: XXXOOO "

Comment by dwightsan on August 7, 2008 at 8:12pm

I will email the highest leader in Montana and see if she knows. Are you asking if there is something like a gay division?

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