justin adkins

Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices

In 2019 justin published a piece in the edited volume Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices by North Atlantic Books. Transcending is the first anthology of its kind to give voice to the experiences of transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary Buddhists. Over 30 contributors from both the Mahayana and Theravada traditions are gathered together in this book to present a vision for a trans Buddhist sangha in the 21st century. justin’s piece, “Right now… it’s like this” tracks his physical as well as spiritual journey. He explores how transition and Buddhist practice are similar, stating that both require that you live in the present moment.

 

Transgender Cultural Competency

Audiences love my Creating Safe Space for Trans and Non-binary Students in Your Classroom workshop so much that people outside of the classroom have asked to learn similar skills to apply to their workplace.

Transgender Cultural Competency is the answer!

Spend a face paced hour learning practical tools to engage trans and non-binary people and create a safer place for them in your workplace.  Get ideas on how to let trans, non-binary and LGBQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer) people know that you are there for them, that you are a safe person to talk to.

This workshop is intended for everyone.

LGBTQ Cultural Competency

Words can be used to help, to sooth and to hurt.  In this workshop we explore various identity words for sexual orientation, biological sex, and gender identity and expression.  Interspersed with justin’s life stories this is a great beginners workshop.

justin developed this workshop when he realized that his audiences often did not have a firm grasp on current LGBTQQIAA terminology.  This workshop does not talk about sex, in the sense of how we do it, and thus is great for high schools and workplace diversity trainings.

justin’s “LGBTQ Cultural Competency” workshop touches on identity, biology, respect, and empowerment.

This interactive 1.5 hour workshop is intended for everyone from Jr. High – Adults

Anti-Racism 101 for White Folks

nyc jailMany white people don’t think much about their own race. How can we challenge racism around us if we haven’t thought about our own racial identity? The organization Showing Up For Racial Justice talks about being “committed to challenging the individual injustices and institutional inequities that exist as a result of racism, and to speaking out whenever and wherever it exists.” Individual injustices and institutional inequities exist everywhere we look. How can we come together as a community to address these systemic issues?
All people hold multiple identities. We all have a race, gender, class, sexual orientation, etc. and we make decisions about others based on how we perceive their identities. By doing this we are not acknowledging or celebrating the diversity of our communities and we make quick decisions based on our assumptions.
This workshop will be a time for folks to explore their own identity without guilt or shame so that we can bring our whole selves to the work of combating racism in ourselves and in our community.

In this workshop we will:

  • Discuss what “white anti-racist” means.
  • Learn about our own multiple identities.
  • Learn about how we learn about race.
  • Get a better understanding of how white privilege and racism operates in society and inside of us.
  • Why do black lives matter?
  • How can I take steps to educate myself?
  • What does an ally look like?
This session is a hands-on exploration of your own identity. We will explore how we learn about our identities and how we can change the world by breaking down the cycle of socialization. We will discuss what these aspects of identity mean, and how they influence our lives and work. This session is open to people of all identities, though the framework focuses on the way white people learn about race in the US.
This interactive 1.5 hour workshop is intended for people over 18 and is great for groups and conferences.

Just Gender

In 2013 I was featured in the film “Just Gender“, directed by George Zuber and narrated by Emmy award-winner Bebe Neuwirth.

Bullying Sucks!

My contribution to HuffPo’s bullying videos, bringing awareness to a serious topic.

About justin

justin adkins is an educator, consultant, and life-coach living in Williamstown, MA. He worked in higher education for 14 years, most recently as Associate VP for Student Affairs at The College of Wooster (2020-2021) Previously justin was Associate Dean of Students in charge of conduct and Director of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Social Justice (IDEAS) Center at Allegheny College (2016-2020) and former Interim Director of The Davis … Learn More...

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Workshops

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up in mine, then let us work together.” -Lila Watson justin has over 15 years of experience in life coaching, consulting,  leadership and anti-oppression based education in non-profit, educational, and religious organizations. He has led multicultural social justice based trainings in a variety of settings including social service … Learn More...

Life Coaching

ho·lis·tic - adjective \hō-ˈlis-tik\ Characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. I have been a life coach, primarily working with 15-24 year olds, since 1999. I believe that everyone needs someone to bounce ideas off of and part of thriving is working with others to discover your full potential. Looking at life from a holistic approach we can discover new … Learn More...