Philly Trans Wellness: Vigil and Pray

Transfaith will be at the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference again this year, hosting the contemplation room. Due to Mazzoni’s expansion of the Professional Track, space for community programming has been reduced. Transgender communities need more than “thoughts and prayers,” so Transfaith has organized much of our programming around the theme of “Vigil and Pray,” as a way to provide multi-tradition resources that can support our communities in resisting the challenges of these days.

Wednesday

Book Launch for OtherWise Christian (6pm)

OtherWise Christian: A Guidebook for Transgender Liberation is a brand new book from Mx Chris Paige that reviews 25 years of trans-affirming biblical scholarship. Please join us for light refreshments in an air conditioned room at Tabernacle United Church (3700 Chestnut St in University City/West Philadelphia).

Thursday

Also Being Brave Together discussion and Roundtable on Giving Spiritual Care in Trans communities (closed: only for TGNC folk), quiet times during lunch and plenary sessions, Dohr (Muslim Mid-Day Prayers).

Salah - A Seminar on Muslim Prayer (3:30pm)

Have you ever been interested in leading Muslim prayer? Do you want to learn more about the way that Muslims pray? This session will be led by transgender Muslim, Tynan Power, along with members of the Trans and Muslim Project. This session is open to all who are willing to participate respectfully.

Friday

Also Being Brave Together discussion and Roundtable for Transgender Leaders in Religious Systems (closed: only for TGNC folk), quiet times during lunch and plenary sessions, Dohr (Muslim Mid-Day Prayers).

Hit "Pause" and Take a Breath (10am)

If you find yourself struggling to find sacred space in your day-to-day life or have trouble taking time for yourself, this workshop is for you. We will discuss what keeps us from slowing down and work through some simple exercises to renew our spirits amidst the chaos. Led by Taj Smith.

Beyond "Interfaith" to Interfaith: A Seminar on Multi-Tradition Prayers (11:15am)

Often "interfaith" gatherings are not respectfully interfaith because they are so embedded with Christian language and assumptions. Framing an invocation, prayer, or blessing, for people of diverse spiritual experience and practice requires deep thoughtfulness and letting go of ingrained thinking. This session will be led by transgender multi-faith organizer, the Rev Louis Mitchell, and is open to all who are willing to participate respectfully.

African Diasporic History and Rituals (1:45pm)

A brief introduction of some African Traditions that are practiced domestically - their history, brief descriptions, similarities, differences and their draw for trans and/or gender non-conforming practitioners

Jumu'ah (Muslim Prayer) (3pm)

Jumu’ah prayer is the Muslim weekly congregational prayer held on Fridays. It consists of a sermon and salat/namaaz (which includes physical movement: standing, bowing, kneeling and prostration; chairs can always be used to accommodate accessibility needs). All who would like to participate in prayer may do so, regardless of faith or practice. There is no dress code; people are welcome to pray in whatever is comfortable. Observers are welcome for the sermon, but we request that people who are not participating in prayer leave the room when salat/namaaz begins to ensure participants feel safe.

Shema - A Seminar on Jewish Prayer (4:30pm, off-site)

Have you ever been interested in leading Jewish prayer? Do you want to learn more about the ways that Jews pray? This session will be led by transgender Jew, Randy Furash, and is open to all who are willing to participate respectfully. No prior experience necessary. Workshop participants will be invited to co-facilitate the evening Shabbat service. Location: Anderson Apartments

Shabbat Dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat Service (5:45pm, off-site)

Join us for Shabbat dinner at PTWC! Dinner will be vegan/vegetarian with gluten-free options. Cost: Free! Donations are welcomed and appreciated. At 7:00, we’ll enjoy a beautiful and inspiring Kabbalat Shabbat Service with D'var Torah led by Koach Baruch Frazier. RSVP and more details!

Saturday

Also quiet times during lunch and plenary sessions, Dohr (Muslim Mid-Day Prayers).

Being Brave Together (9am)

The Saturday Being Brave Together discussion will be led by Mx Chris Paige, author of OtherWise Christian: A Guidebook for Transgender Liberation. Mx Chris will be discussing their call for articles for a sequel anthology, OtherWise Christian 2: Stories from the Front Lines, as well as what it means for OtherWise folk to write, speak, sing, and otherwise express our stories. (closed: only for TGNC folk)

Diverse Spiritual Practices in Latinx Communities (10am)

Latinx communities have been influenced by many spiritual traditions and practices (especially Indigenous traditions, Catholicism, and Protestant Christianity). The resulting identities and practices are often powerful and boundary defying combinations which transcend the expectations of the colonial mindset. Transgender, gender non-conforming, intersex and other folk with similar experiences of gender are no strangers to transcending boundaries and provide unique insights into such cultural and spiritual resistance. Join us for this conversation about culture, creativity, and resilience.

Seminar on Mindfulness/Buddhist practice (11:15am)

Join Chance Krempasky and Jacqalin Keeling as we explore Buddhist concepts as they relate to transness, spiritual bypass, heart practice, as well as opportunities to join the group in guided meditation. We welcome all levels of experience -- beginners encouraged! -- and ask that those who participate do so with care and respect for everyone in the space.

Move it! Move it! A Seminar on Movement and Energetic Practices (1:45pm)

Many of us come from religious cultures which are focused on words and knowledge. Some of us don't want to work with religious concepts at all. This session is an opportunity to talk about bodies and moving energy for grounding and community. Opportunities will be provided for movement!

Art as Healing Practice Playshop (3pm)

We will share playful and creative space! Whether your gift is a song, picture, poem, or some other offering, we'll use our time to create and encourage healing! Experience as an artist is not required.

Seudah Slishit ("third meal" of Shabbat) (5pm-ish)

For all Jewish, Jew-ish, and Jew-curious PTWC atendees, seudah shlishit is the traditionally the "third meal" eaten on shabbat afternoon. Come to wrap up your conference with friends and song. Please inquire at Transfaith Table for Location and final start time

Book Event for OtherWise Christian

OtherWise Christian: A Guidebook for Transgender Liberation is a brand new book from Mx Chris Paige that reviews 25 years of trans-affirming biblical scholarship. Please join us for light refreshments in an air conditioned room at Old First Reformed UCC (151 N 4th Street in Center City Philly)