Once we’ve made it through the door, transpeople can have a profound impact on all faith communities. For instance, Queer theology often encourages a non- or multi-gendered understanding of God. As Tanis explains, “Transgender people… have a unique opportunity to witness to the gender of God. We who embody more than one gender within our lifetimes have learned something about our ability to hold both of these spaces within one body. If we as human beings, can do it, surely God can do it”
Early in my transition, when I was feeling very alone and sorry for myself, a friend pointed out that there is no such thing as transgender pain, there is just pain. While I did not know many people who had been through the specific frustrations of transitioning from female-to-male, everyone can comprehend discomfort, loneliness and fear. In other words, I did not have to rely only on transpeople for support. Conversely, the pain we endure as transpeople leaves us better equipped to help others on their different but also tumultuous paths. In living through the struggles specific to transgender people we also learn to deal with the larger issues of human existence.
Gender Identity and Other Faith Communities
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:27-28 (NRSV)
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