The World Tribune sat down with the leaders of the SGI-USA Courageous Freedom Group, which supports LGBTQ+[1] members, to learn about its unique mission and the crucial role it plays in introducing young people to the humanistic and empowering tenets of Nichiren Buddhism.
Hello Briana, Ericka, Jay, Ron and Selina. Thank you speaking with us today about the tenacious Courageous Freedom Group. At the inaugural LGBTQ+ Conference held at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) in 2001, Ikeda Sensei sent a message to the participants, saying: “Buddhism upholds equality and expounds supreme humanism. All human beings have equal rights. There is no difference whatsoever in their inherent dignity” (April 17, 2015, World Tribune, p. 6). Why was this message so important to the members in attendance?
Selina Carroll (Courageous Freedom women’s leader): For many of us, it was the first time we heard the acknowledgment of our struggle, the first time we felt seen, respected and cherished just as we are. The entire conference was a spiritually cathartic event; a deep shift occurred in people’s lives. Ikeda Sensei’s heart pervaded the conference. For many of us, it became a prime point in faith and a turning point as disciples of Sensei.
In 2015, Sensei named the LGBTQ+ auxiliary group the Courageous Freedom Group. What does that name mean to you?
Ericka Jones (Courageous Freedom advisor): It means to be exactly who we are unapologetically. To love who we love regardless of the discrimination and ridicule we may encounter. It also means to actualize the concept of “voluntarily assuming the appropriate karma”[2] for the sake of others.
Ron Goode (Courageous Freedom men’s leader): Yes, I think courageous freedom means having the courage to realize we have the freedom to be exactly who we are. This is our right within the SGI and within society. And it is to use that aspect of ourselves to fulfill our mission and rid the world of misery.
Jay Henriksen (Courageous Freedom young men’s leader): I agree. And, I’m determined to be that example, no matter how hard it may be, and contribute to creating a peaceful society.
What a deeply profound outlook. What is the group’s mission?
Briana Boche (Courageous Freedom young women’s leader): I feel the only way we as Courageous Freedom members can transform the hearts of others is to fully awaken to our individual missions as Bodhisattvas of the Earth and disciples of Sensei. If I don’t have confidence in my unique mission for kosen-rufu, how then can I propagate the Law and contribute to realizing world peace in a concrete way?
Jay: When I started practicing Buddhism in the SGI-USA, I felt like the only transgender person at any meeting I attended. I had that feeling of being the other. Once I learned about the Courageous Freedom Group, I joined an introductory meeting and saw all these members I’d encountered in other meetings, having no idea they were LGBTQ+. After that, I didn’t feel alone anymore.
The Courageous Freedom Group allows for a space for people not to feel like they are isolated because of their sexuality or gender identity. It allows us to realize that there are other people in the SGI who we can relate to, and that really helps us in opening up to the organization as a whole. I feel that is also part of our mission.
The SGI-USA youth recently introduced the focus: “Having a District With Many Youth Is Up To Me!” What role does the Courageous Freedom Group play in helping young people create hope for the future?
Jay: I think just the experience of having this group where I can see fellow Buddhists who have lived through what I’m going through and have thrived as a result of this practice is very encouraging, not only to me, but others of the younger generations.
Briana: Yes, there are so many things in our environment as youth that make it easy to become apathetic, hopeless and directionless. I believe the motto we created for the year, especially shakubuku rooted in friendship, is key in expanding the ranks of youth in the district.
Some years back, there was this young person in middle school who would come to district meetings with her parents, and I could tell she didn’t want to be there. She would sit in a corner then leave in the middle of the meeting and sit on the stairs in front of the house.
As someone striving to support her, I thought, What would Sensei say to this young person? So, I would make a point to go outside and speak with her. I asked her how she was doing and tried to convey that I cared about her regardless of how she perceived me. Over time, I could sense that she began to trust me. Through member care and seeing her family show actual proof, she became interested in the practice. Last year, in her 20s, she decided to start practicing and received the Gohonzon.
So to have a district with many youth involves developing genuine friendships and continuous support regardless of that person’s circumstances.
June is Pride Month. How is the Courageous Freedom Group participating?
Ron: All over the country, we will be conducting joyful introductory and encouragement meetings. These gatherings are open to all members and friends. Please join us!
To learn about Courageous Freedom Group activities celebrating June LGBTQ+ Pride month, please contact your local SGI-USA organization.
June 6, 2025 World Tribune, p. 11
References
- LGBTQ+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify. ↩︎
- Voluntarily assuming the appropriate karma: This refers to bodhisattvas who, though qualified to receive the pure rewards of Buddhist practice, relinquish them and make a vow to be reborn in the impure world in order to save living beings. ↩︎
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