statement on gender identity

At the People’s Sanctuary, we are committed to creating safer, more inclusive and accessible spaces for all the youth and adults 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.

The following is our 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 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.

*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, we give big thanks to the inspiration and wisdom from Rite of Passage Journeys. Thank you for all you do!