Round in Circles

[Janes Groove]

Then I thought about what my family would say and about other things that a transition may hold me back from - especially a religious vocation

If you are about to start a ministry and are still in the closet I would advise against it.   It seems like building a house on a pretty poor foundation.  The Good Book says, "Don't hide your light under a basket but let it shine forth so that it gives light to everybody who lives in the house."  As stated earlier, gender dysphoria doesn't go away just because we find it inconvenient and wish it away. It always comes back.  And stronger.  Would you honestly want to hide your nature from your flock 24/7? Always worried about being discovered as the transgender feelings get stronger and stronger as time passes?
What kind of solace could you offer to your flock if you are yourself keeping this massive secret from them?  As a cleric in the closet would you have to actively participate in hatred and oppression toward the transgender community?  Would your silence equal consent?   You certainly couldn't reach out to troubled souls in your congregation who are struggling with LGBT issues.  You would have to keep it all bottled up.

I would suggest you read about a minister named Ted Haggard whose life blew up spectacularly because he chose to follow that path:  https://www.google.com/search?q=ted+haggard&oq=Ted+Haggard&aqs=chrome.0.0l6.2927j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.

[NancyBalik]

Take your time. You can't be on anybody else's schedule or agenda. It's your life. There are, btw, (you probably know this) trans ministers. Slow down... Nancy