Questions answers about this project 🩵

Who, exactly, are we “holding close”?

In this program, trans and nonbinary Buddhist mentors will be paired with trans and nonbinary folks who are also community organizers, cultural workers, do-gooders, scholars, artists, healers, and those advancing freedom movements in all the ways.

Why this, why now?

In this overwhelming political moment, trans, nonbinary, two-spirit and gender-expansive community leaders and cultural workers are showing up and serving our community, while at the same time being targeted for the violence we are trying to interrupt, prevent and heal.  Trans lives are sacred, and it is our joy to offer support in this small way.

What is spiritual mentorship?

Spiritual mentorship is a supportive, relational process in which a more experienced guide helps a “mentee” grow in their spiritual life, inner awareness, and alignment with their deepest values. Each mentor is a Buddhist teacher, and the mentors may or may not be Buddhist, but are guided by the Buddhadharma in some aspects of their lives. Spiritual mentorship is similar to coaching or counseling, but its focus is on the spiritual dimension of life—meaning, purpose, awakening, connection, compassion, and inner transformation.

Core elements of spiritual mentorship

• Guidance, not instruction: The mentor doesn’t tell you what to believe. Instead, they listen and make offerings based on the Buddhadharma that may help you discover your own understanding and inner wisdom.

• Companionship on the path: A spiritual mentor walks alongside you, offering presence, perspective, and support through challenges, transitions, or periods of growth.

• Deep listening: Sessions often involve reflective listening, a Buddhist practice, intuition, and helping you explore what’s emerging in your heart and life.

• Cultivating awareness: Practices may include different styles of meditation, practices that ground the nervous system, reflective questions, or inquiry into patterns and beliefs.

• Integration: The goal is not just insight but living more fully and authentically—embodying compassion, clarity, wisdom, and alignment.

What spiritual mentorship is not

• Not about converting you to Buddhism.

• Not therapy (though it can feel therapeutic).

• Not telling you what to do with your life.

• Not hierarchical—more like a partnership rooted in respect.

Why might I apply to receive spiritual mentorship?

• To establish or deepen a regular meditation or contemplative practice 

• Receive reflection and guidance from an experienced mentor who can help contextualize your experience and offer tools specifically for you

• To feel more centered or connected amidst rising transphobia in many sectors of our society.

• Navigate work/life balance when our lives and that of our beloveds are threatened. 

• Have community around the inner work that we must do to survive and thrive in these times.

• Explore meaning, purpose, or calling beyond what the violence of the moment demands of us

• Heal old narratives or self-limiting beliefs around spirituality, leadership and/or self and community care

• Have a consistent self care practice that supports your organizing, activism, art, or scholarship that incorporates elements of the Buddhadharma.

What does a session look like?

While every mentor is different, a session often includes:

• Quiet centering or grounding

• Check-in about what’s alive for you

• Reflective dialogue

• Exploration of inner experiences

• Practical next steps or an offering of practices to take with you

What is the time commitment? 

There is an opening circle in February and a closing circle in June, where all mentees and mentors will be expected to attend. Each month from February-June, mentees will meet with their mentors for an hour at a self-determined time. At the end of the program, mentors and mentees will be asked to fill out an evaluation form. 

Where do I sign up?

Applications are currently open here: https://forms.gle/59SSRYXeX3rKyUr48 until January 20th