TY - BOOK
T1 - Marriage Equality, SSSC, and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
AU - Khalsa-Baker, Nirinjan
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - The purpose of this position paper is to advocate for marriage equality and the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals within Sikh gurdwaras. Though the paper advocates for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Sikhs, the report does not provide a model or framework for what this “should” or “could” look like in practice. While debates about Anand Karaj norms are common among Sikhs, this report also does not make any statements about whether the existing Anand Karaj models that are practiced today are accurate or the ideal models of Anand Karaj. The report aims to better understand the hurdles to successfully implementing marriage equality. This paper examines the tensions between Sikh spiritual and political sovereignty, the equality guaranteed in Sikhi but not actualized in Sikh institutions, and the impact of colonialism and patriarchy on Sikh practices and institutions of authority. By addressing these issues, we aim to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable environment within the Sikh community. 2025 UPDATE NOTE: From 2020-2023 Nirinjan Kaur Khalsa-Baker participated in a Marriage Equality working group with LGBTQIA+ Sikhs as a way to address harm in the 3HO-Sikh Dharma community. During this time the organizational leadership was engaging in the challenging work of addressing institutional harm through restorative justice and compassionate reconciliation practices. The creation of a Human Rights Commission to address LGBTQIA+ inclusion was one such endeavor. This report on Marriage Equality was commissioned by the Human Rights Commission while the work of communal reform was ongoing. However, in 2023 while the position paper was being finalized, a new SSSC board was elected that no longer prioritized institutional reform, but instead has focused on restoring the "legacy" of the teacher and teaching. This report addresses the challenges and hurdles to institutional change in which a commitment to acknowledging, addressing, and repairing institutional harm and trauma are essential. (See "Background" on pg. 3-4 for a more detailed timeline) co-authored by prabhdeep kehal
AB - The purpose of this position paper is to advocate for marriage equality and the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals within Sikh gurdwaras. Though the paper advocates for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Sikhs, the report does not provide a model or framework for what this “should” or “could” look like in practice. While debates about Anand Karaj norms are common among Sikhs, this report also does not make any statements about whether the existing Anand Karaj models that are practiced today are accurate or the ideal models of Anand Karaj. The report aims to better understand the hurdles to successfully implementing marriage equality. This paper examines the tensions between Sikh spiritual and political sovereignty, the equality guaranteed in Sikhi but not actualized in Sikh institutions, and the impact of colonialism and patriarchy on Sikh practices and institutions of authority. By addressing these issues, we aim to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable environment within the Sikh community. 2025 UPDATE NOTE: From 2020-2023 Nirinjan Kaur Khalsa-Baker participated in a Marriage Equality working group with LGBTQIA+ Sikhs as a way to address harm in the 3HO-Sikh Dharma community. During this time the organizational leadership was engaging in the challenging work of addressing institutional harm through restorative justice and compassionate reconciliation practices. The creation of a Human Rights Commission to address LGBTQIA+ inclusion was one such endeavor. This report on Marriage Equality was commissioned by the Human Rights Commission while the work of communal reform was ongoing. However, in 2023 while the position paper was being finalized, a new SSSC board was elected that no longer prioritized institutional reform, but instead has focused on restoring the "legacy" of the teacher and teaching. This report addresses the challenges and hurdles to institutional change in which a commitment to acknowledging, addressing, and repairing institutional harm and trauma are essential. (See "Background" on pg. 3-4 for a more detailed timeline) co-authored by prabhdeep kehal
M3 - Commissioned report
BT - Marriage Equality, SSSC, and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
PB - Human Rights Commission
ER -