Sikh Family Center’s work often occurs behind the scenes, but we are never silent. Recently, we were compelled to send a letter to a Sikh organization dangerously failing at gender justice.
This public reminder aims to caution others who may be complacently engaging in similarly harmful inequitable practices. We must ALL strive to do better.
The community often focuses on the missteps and critiques of Gurdwaras or other institutions led by the older generation. However, our nonprofit organizations, including those run by second and third generation Sikhs, must hold themselves to the same, if not higher, standards. Walking the progressive talk is essential!
Gender issues are never “side issues” but integral to our broader panthic concerns. Survivors seeking redress should be supported, not shunned.
Sikh Family Center’s work mostly occurs behind the scenes, sometimes painfully slow, and dishearteningly so, due to the sidelining of gender justice issues. But no one should count on our silence, ever. We are not going anywhere, we are here to stay, and so are the survivors we serve.
Occasionally, we must make our work public to serve as a critical reminder and a call to action for everyone. We must all strive to do better.
We invite them, and others, to join us in collaboration to create the equitable world we all deserve, as dictated by Sikhi. Together, we can transform our gurdwaras, camps, organizations, homes, and relationships into spaces that uphold the highest standards of safety, respect, and justice.
