By Father Casey

Transfiguration’s reputation as an inclusive community is a source of great pride for us. Thanks to countless leaders and members, we have created a culture of affirmation and unwavering welcome over many decades. As a result, we are known around the region for seeing and treating all people with dignity and respect, just as our Baptismal Covenant calls us to. We do not merely tolerate or accept. We embrace. We don’t just talk about loving all people. We strive to practice it.

As a result, it is a rare weekend that I don’t meet someone attending for the first time who came because they learned of our embrace of LGBT+ persons. Perhaps they heard about us from a friend or entered “gay friendly churches in my area” in their search engine. Whatever the reason, I am delighted to greet them and share that inclusivity is not something we’re still figuring out or debating. It’s not really even a topic we discuss very much. Because it’s already deep in our DNA. It’s who we are.

Lately, our reputation has led to a growing number of nonbinary and transgender visitors and members. While many churches are confused by, if not openly hostile to, their presence, to us, transgender folks are more wonderful, diverse human beings to joyfully welcome – people bearing the image of God who add to our little piece of the tapestry of the Kingdom of God. They are not a “question to be answered” or a “problem to be solved,” but people to be loved.

Sadly, even as our church celebrates the presence and gifts of trans persons, they continue to experience terrible hostility in the wider society. For example, the current session of the Texas State Legislature is debating a number of bills that would deepen the hardships transgender persons and their families face, including preventing trans youth from accessing important medical care. Such bills demonstrate ignorance around the issues (leading groups of medical experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics are strongly supportive of medical care for children with gender dysphoria), stoke suspicion and hatred among people, and add to the suffering of transgender people, who are already well acquainted with it.

Did you know almost half of transgender people have attempted suicide?
Did you know over half of trans people have experienced significant family rejection, which has led nearly a quarter of trans people to experience homelessness?
Did you know 90% of trans people have experienced harassment or discrimination at work, and nearly a quarter of trans people have been fired as a result of their identity?

I trust our church to continue creating a culture of inclusivity and embrace. I trust our church to stand by our mission statement, to seek and serve Christ in all persons. I trust our church to be safe and welcoming, compassionate and empathetic. I am proud of who we are and how hard we try to love.

But I hope we will not forget how much work there is to do beyond Transfiguration defending our vulnerable neighbors. Transgender people are counting on allies like us to stand up and speak up when their safety and wellbeing is at risk. They need our help ensuring their rights and safety, and protecting their full and equal participation in our world. Because they need more than a safe church to go on Sunday. They need a safe world in which to live.

Father Casey

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