The Poet, the Buddhist, the Trans Warrior

Esteemed poet Diana Goetsch talks about anti-gay and anti-trans attitudes within the American Buddhist community, how people fiercely protect the gender divide, and how her Vajrayāna practice sustained her during her transition.

In between discussing these and other topics, she reads poetry from her eight collections, including the poem, Black People Can't Swim, which merited her the 2012 Pushcart Prize. Because of this and others work, Diana's been cited as one of the few white poets willing to write on the subject of race. She also reads from The Diana Updates, a series of letters to friends about her transition that was republished in The American Scholar.

In reaction to her American Scholar letters, she received supportive letters from people in all walks of life. "We are all, I was learning, in transition, people between people, longing to be fully ourselves. The only essential difference with my deal is that it’s glaringly obvious and can’t be hidden from anyone."

A former varsity athlete and concert jazz dancer, poet with award-winning collections, a dedicated meditation practitioner and instructor, Goetsche is a multifaced advocate for America's newest visible minority.

Links:

• Diana Goetsche's site
• Her Life in Transition letters
• Diversity and Spirituality Network
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