Who We Are -- A draft mission statement
The Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality (ICTE) is a gathering of leaders of congregations, faith-based organizations, transgender advocacy organizations, transgender-allied organizations, and individual transgender advocates. ICTE works for the inclusion and equality for transgender people and their loved ones in all faith communities. ICTE also works for full equality and justice for transgender people in law, public policy, and in the broader public arena.
Why We Have Come Together
In our society, there are two widespread, but deeply erroneous perceptions: 1) that religious faiths are inherently at odds with the recognition and acceptance of transgender people and 2) that transgender people live outside of religion and faith. Such a profound misperception leads many, including legislators, to oppose vital social changes, such as non-discrimination legislation, with the claim that equality for transgender people infringes on religious liberty. Some go so far as to claim that transgender people are "against God" or "against nature."
By its very existence, ICTE opposes and exposes that misperception. Far from being outside of religion and faith, transgender people are deeply committed members of communities of faith. Transgender people are also leaders of religious congregations and faith-based organizations. In turn, communities of faith have stood up to advocate, protect, and care for their transgender members. ICTE seeks to make visible this reality.
The Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality (ICTE) is a gathering of leaders of congregations, faith-based organizations, transgender advocacy organizations, transgender-allied organizations, and individual transgender advocates. ICTE works for the inclusion and equality for transgender people and their loved ones in all faith communities. ICTE also works for full equality and justice for transgender people in law, public policy, and in the broader public arena.
Why We Have Come Together
In our society, there are two widespread, but deeply erroneous perceptions: 1) that religious faiths are inherently at odds with the recognition and acceptance of transgender people and 2) that transgender people live outside of religion and faith. Such a profound misperception leads many, including legislators, to oppose vital social changes, such as non-discrimination legislation, with the claim that equality for transgender people infringes on religious liberty. Some go so far as to claim that transgender people are "against God" or "against nature."
By its very existence, ICTE opposes and exposes that misperception. Far from being outside of religion and faith, transgender people are deeply committed members of communities of faith. Transgender people are also leaders of religious congregations and faith-based organizations. In turn, communities of faith have stood up to advocate, protect, and care for their transgender members. ICTE seeks to make visible this reality.
