Religion gets a bad knock, but I want to relate a positive story.
In 2007, I started attending a Presbyterian church as my former self. I won't go into how or why I sought out this church, but within six months or so, I confronted my pastor and told her I had some news. I showed her my phone with pics of "Nina". She didn't know what to say or how to help me. I walked away from the church that day ashamed. I vowed to not go back.
About 3 months went by when I received an email from my pastor saying the elders held a meeting and asked where I was. She told them the news of my wanting to change genders and felt I didn't belong. They unanimously wanted me back.
I still remember that first time, sitting in church, nervous as hell as I was "out", and living as Nina. Oh, my God...the hugs, handshakes, the smiles. It was amazing.
So that was like 6 years ago...and I've not looked back.
Faith is important to me, and I learned something: Thinking my church would turn its back on me, or think bad of me...well those thoughts were in my head and untrue.
We have to believe or trust that people see what's in the heart, not what the outside looks like.
What was amazing, after about six months or so, I got to stand in front of the congregation and tell them how much it meant to me to be back, to have their support.
It was an awesome day!
