rite of passage journeys
statement on gender identity
At Rite of Passage Journeys, we are committed to creating safer, more inclusive and accessible spaces for all the youth we serve. We are dedicated to a path of learning, and building trust within the LGBTQ2IA+, gender diverse, queer and trans community. We do this through honest, transparent conversations, inclusive language in our outreach materials, exploring dynamics of power and privilege in our training programs, and increasing the diversity of our staff.
In recent years, increasingly our participants are reaching for support within the safety of their program as they explore gender identity. Now in our third year of LGBTQ2IA+ offerings, we make the following Statement on Gender Identity:
Gender identity is complex and unique to each of us, involving more than just the identities of girl/woman and boy/man.
We seek to bring balance by honoring and making space for all genders inside and outside of this binary.
We strive to create safe spaces to support the voices of those often marginalized.
We seek to acknowledge the individual journey of every participant as they explore their own identity.
We affirm authentic expression of gender identity, including transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, agender and cisgender.
We envision a world that recognizes and celebrates the unique identity of everyone.
Note on gender-specific programs:
Our female oriented programs for Coming of Age youth welcome all who identify as female, trans girls, and non-binary youth, knowing this journey is an initiation through the female lens.
Our male oriented programs for Coming of Age youth welcome all who identify as male, trans boys, and non-binary youth, knowing this journey is an initiation through the male lens.
And a note on the word Queer: We use “queer” as an inclusive term and an uplifting declaration. We acknowledge that the word “queer” has been used in the past as a derogatory term and is still hurtful to some in the LGBTQ2IA+ community. Many have reclaimed the word “queer” as an empowering and uniting expression of the many complex identities within the community.
Gratitude Note! In the creation of this Statement on Gender Identity, Rite of Passage Journeys was inspired by the work and words of Youth Passageways, Stepping Stones Project and Gender Spectrum. Thank you for all you do!
