Posts Tagged ‘Gender Identity’
God Made Me Transgender, And God Does Not Make Mistakes
It is always a tragedy when anybody takes their own life, doubly so when they are so young. This week Leelah Alcorn took her own life. In her note, she mentioned various reasons for her course of actions, from not thinking she would be able to pass as female to the lack of acceptance from…
Read More7 Reasons To “Queer” The New Year
So, you’ve probably noticed the word “Queer” being used more and more. Do you find yourself wondering, “why to use the word, Queer?” Maybe you’re LGBTQ and wondering why Queer matters in your community. Well, get your party hats on, because this post is a celebration of all things Queer, and you’re invited! 1. It…
Read MoreReflection On A Brief, Authentic Life
“We don’t support that, religiously.”- Carla Alcorn (remark from an interview following the suicide death of her seventeen-year-old transgender daughter) People sometimes ask me why I “came out” as a transgender man and United Methodist clergy. There is more than one answer, but today the quote above from the mother of a seventeen-year-old transgender daughter…
Read MoreA Thanksgiving Grounded In History
As I prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of the autumnal harvest time’s spiritual significance. As a time of connectedness, I pause to acknowledge what I have to be thankful for. But I also reflect on the holiday as a time of remembrance—historical and familial. Historically, I am reminded that for many Native…
Read More10 Transgender Christians Share Their Journey Stories
Today is the final day of Transgender Awareness Week, which culminated yesterday with vigils around the world for Transgender Day of Remembrance. As an ally to the transgender community, I recommitted myself yesterday to ensure that our conversations about equality always include members of the transgender community. For me, part of this means finding ways…
Read MoreHow This Baptist Believes Out Loud
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of spending time with leaders from the American Baptist Churches USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. It has been a deep blessing to grow and strengthen relationships with my sisters and brothers in Christ toward the day when all people who claim the Baptist way will…
Read MoreMichigan Pastor Opposes Discrimination Against LGBT People
I know a fair amount about religion and discrimination. And I know they shouldn’t mix. I’m supporting updating Michigan’s landmark Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals—because discrimination is wrong, and religious beliefs shouldn’t foster discrimination. It’s shocking that in Michigan today, it’s legal to fire someone or…
Read MoreBack-To-School Not Welcoming To All LGBTQ Students
It’s back-to-school season for most and stepping back into the scene isn’t easy for a lot of students—especially LGBTQ students. LGBTQ-phobias abound in the hallowed halls of higher learning. Unfortunately, we even have to confront them here in Massachusetts, an A+ queer-friendly state. I pray for LGBTQ freshman students walking into Gordon College. Most will…
Read MoreSilencing The Metronome: Living My Truth As A Trans Woman
The first words I spoke in the documentary I am making were that I always felt like I was different. In retrospect, those were the wrong words to say. What I should have said was, “Since I was little, I always knew I was a girl who was presenting as a boy.” We never expect…
Read MoreGod Is Gender Non-Conforming
I grew up learning about a God who was a “He.” Sporting a white beard and positively owning that throne in the sky, this was a God who threw lightning bolts when you strayed from the path of righteousness. When I got to college, I took a necessary break from believing in God. Even before…
Read More