Susan's Place Transgender Resources

SInce I am going full time next year, which is just 12 weeks away, I've decided to write my pastor a letter telling him what I'm doing.  I've been going to a United Methodist church for the past 18 years and I hope that they're an open minded church and won't mind the change in me. If needs be, I'll talk to anyone of the congregation, and I'll set them straight.

Good luck.

You go BFF. Hope your experience is better than mine was. Always here for you little sister!

Thanks for the on going support from my family of sisters  :)

I'm facing the same issue with my church. When the time is right I'm going to schedule a meeting with the pastor and ask him what the church's position is about transgender people. This church is in southern California and the motto is "come as you are; we don't care what you wear" so I'd guess that maybe it would be OK; if not I'll find another church.

Trans people need a place to worship too and it's sad that so many of us are turned away.

Gina - have you thought about just sitting down and having a chat with the pastor about this?

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through some of the same things that I might be going through. I arrived a little late and wasn't able to give my pastor the letter, so I'm saving it for next week. But I'm really glad to hear that you have the courage to schedule a meeting with your pastor to discuss your issues. I could do the same, but our pastor is very busy.   

Just like it says in the bible, "As long as there is three or more in the church I will be there." And it doesn't say anything about how we should be dressed.  :)

But you know if it does come down to it, I will find another church to go to, since we have plenty of them where I live.

I agree with you 100% that Trans people need a place to worship too and it's sad that so many of us are turned away. Unfortunately look what happeend to Sodom and Gamorrah!


I told a friend about my plans tonight and he was brought up through the teachings of the Catholic (but he's been going to a United Methodist church) and he tells me that it isn't what he has learnt and that what I am doing is wrong. I had to tell him that what I am doing I am doing for myself to be able to live better with myself for my own peace of mind and happiness.  :)

I hope it goes well for you. My church has been great, and I've really been able to take refuge there during my transition related hardships.

I've been thinking about what Eva Marie said, and I may just see if my pastor can see me for a little time so that I can actually talk with him.  :)

Quote from: ginataylor on October 05, 2013, 10:55:12 PM
I've been thinking about what Eva Marie said, and I may just see if my pastor can see me for a little time so that I can actually talk with him.  :)

The pastor should make time for you - you are a member of his congregation and that's part of his caring for his flock. The letter writing thing can get unwieldy and you and he can wind up going back and forth if he has questions. Meet face to face and settle it on the spot.

As far as your friend goes - ask him what verses back up his assertion that what you are doing is wrong  :) even Pat Robertson was quoted recently as saying that being transgender is not a sin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adCZ8T4CsYM

Quote from: Eva Marie on October 06, 2013, 01:49:57 AM
The pastor should make time for you - you are a member of his congregation and that's part of his caring for his flock. The letter writing thing can get unwieldy and you and he can wind up going back and forth if he has questions. Meet face to face and settle it on the spot.

As far as your friend goes - ask him what verses back up his assertion that what you are doing is wrong  :) even Pat Robertson was quoted recently as saying that being transgender is not a sin.

My exact thoughts Eva Marie. He should be able to give me a half hour to talk with him.  :angel:

And I will speak to my friend. Thanks for the advise.  :)

I began attending a United Methodist church for the very reason that this particular church is an LGBT friendly church.  In fact, this church is not only accepting, they actually celebrate the inclusion of LGBT folks in everything.  My pastor was the first person I ever came out to, and it's been wonderful to be there.

Let us know how it goes for you.

Quote from: Michelle-G on October 06, 2013, 07:20:32 AM
I bagan attending a United Methodist church for the very reason that this particular church is an LGBT friendly church.  In fact, this church is not only accepting, they actually celebrate the inclusion of LGBT folks in everything.  My pastor was the first person I ever came out to, and it's been wonderful to be there.

Let us know how it goes for you.

Tht's very inspiring. Thanks for the information Michelle-G. It now gives me a bit more courage to speak with him.  :)

Gina - another possibility that might exist for you if you can't resolve things with your pastor is a UCC church. They are very open and welcome LGBT members.

I went to a local Methodist Church round the corner from were I lived,they were OK.Another M2F & an F2M went there and we were accepted fully.

Thanks for your on going support. I'm going to be calling my church and setting up a meeting with my pastor.  BTW, Eva, what is a UCC church.  ???

Quote from: ginataylor on October 07, 2013, 09:20:12 AM
Thanks for your on going support. I'm going to be calling my church and setting up a meeting with my pastor.  BTW, Eva, what is a UCC church.  ???

Gina-

UCC is the United Church of Christ (not to be confused with the Church of Christ):

http://www.ucc.org/

They also have a facebook page with some LGBT ministry stuff on it:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ucc-lgbtq-ministries/108480852584903

Quote from: Eva Marie on October 07, 2013, 09:50:04 AM
Gina-

UCC is the United Church of Christ (not to be confused with the Church of Christ):

http://www.ucc.org/

They also have a facebook page with some LGBT ministry stuff on it:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ucc-lgbtq-ministries/108480852584903

Huzzah for the UCC! My home church is the Congregational Church of San Mateo, and it's UCC. We have 2 out-of-the-closet lesbian pastors and several same-sex couples in the congregation. I'm one of the few trans persons who attends, and the first to start my transition at that church.

Thanks Eva and Constance,

With so many churchs around, I'm sure I'll find a UCC, and if all fails after I talk with my pastor, I may consider it. It's really nice to have these options.  :)

Quote from: ginataylor on October 08, 2013, 12:56:54 PM
Thanks Eva and Constance,

With so many churchs around, I'm sure I'll find a UCC, and if all fails after I talk with my pastor, I may consider it. It's really nice to have these options.  :)

Not all UCC churches are "ONA": Open and Affirming (UCC shorthand for queer and trans friendly). Check both http://www.ucc.org/ (http://www.ucc.org/) and http://www.ucccoalition.org/ (http://www.ucccoalition.org/) to check for ONA congregations.

Quote from: Constance on October 08, 2013, 03:58:41 PM
Not all UCC churches are "ONA": Open and Affirming (UCC shorthand for queer and trans friendly). Check both http://www.ucc.org/ (http://www.ucc.org/) and http://www.ucccoalition.org/ (http://www.ucccoalition.org/) to check for ONA congregations.

I will be cautious . . .

This is a link to an LGBT resource for the UMC -- http://www.umaffirm.org/ (http://www.umaffirm.org/)  Good luck with your pastor.  I am and Episcopalian, and two and a half years ago I came out to my priest, and then our lay council (vestry) and last Sunday celebrated my two years of being fully out and part of the congregation I had attended for 20 years as male, now as female. 

Congratulations Vicky! Stand proud! I hope to make the same kind of testament in a few years as well. I really don't fear that the congregations going to fear me, it's just that I'm giving my pastor a heads up about what's going on. I'm sure that the first time that I walk in, people may look at me and they may ask questions, and I'll be ready for them, but as I said before I will not be walking in in some outlandish outfit that's going to draw any un-needed attention to myself. I've always been a conservative woman who just likes to blend in.

Gina,

Just a suggestion,try to find out what your pastor or denomination believes about people born intersexed.
The churches I have been in have either been very conservative or fundamentalists. (The three more fundamentalists churches have been along the lines of Baptists,CMA's and Assemblies. I got a lot of grief from those within those churches,even though at the time I was nothing about it.)

When I first came into Susan's I was panicking about talking to the pastors in the church I am at now. At the moment I am LCMS. All of the pastors in my church have been really great. (I have four pastors,as it is a fairly big church) The head pastor actually went and found for me the churches policy on how they deal with this. Within that policy they do agree there are those who are born intersexed. My church does allow for corrective medical procedures for that.

Three of the pastors,we have spent a lot time talking. I did ask those three to read one of the threads I started and they
did and we have discussed it,because i did want their impute. One of the pastors has become one of my best friends. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised by it. It was not what I had thought would happen.

I am more convinced that it the church and pastor does agree that there is a physical reality to it,it makes a world of difference in how they see it.

I finally had a chance to speak with my pastor tonight and he told me that he sees no problem with it, but he did told me that some people of the congregation might take offense to it, so I just have to be careful.

congrats! :)

Quote from: Malachite on October 19, 2013, 07:39:29 PM
congrats! :)

Thanks Malachite. This is such a load off my shoulders now.

I know it must have been.  I was hoping your pastor wouldn't condemn you.  I'd say that's a true blessing! :)

Quote from: Malachite on October 19, 2013, 08:00:53 PM
I know it must have been.  I was hoping your pastor wouldn't condemn you.  I'd say that's a true blessing! :)

Yeah, our pastor is a very nice and open minded person, and it really was a blessing. :angel:

Quote from: Eva Marie on October 06, 2013, 01:49:57 AM
As far as your friend goes - ask him what verses back up his assertion that what you are doing is wrong  :) even Pat Robertson was quoted recently as saying that being transgender is not a sin.

Eva Marie you make an excellent point. And thanks for including that video!

Gina good luck on your journey! I know how important a home church is and I think you planning to stay in yours as you transition is awesome.

Quote from: Shaina on October 20, 2013, 03:40:11 AM
Eva Marie you make an excellent point. And thanks for including that video!

Gina good luck on your journey! I know how important a home church is and I think you planning to stay in yours as you transition is awesome.

Thank you Shaina. I've been with my church for the past 20 years, been through 3 pastors and I've seen my church grow, but more importantly with what I've been through my faith in God is so strong that he embodies me all the time. Back when I was 17 I realized that I was a re-born Christian, and that's something that never leaves you. Last night the sermon really touched me. Our pastor read from John 4:1-42, and I understood that God has known about my life past, present and future, so I have nothing to fear with Him and His judgment.  :angel:

Quote from: Gina Taylor on October 20, 2013, 08:22:49 AM
Last night the sermon really touched me. Our pastor read from John 4:1-42, and I understood that God has known about my life past, present and future, so I have nothing to fear with Him and His judgment.  :angel:

Oh that's beautiful Gina. Honestly I'm moved.

You may be lucky to have your church but never doubt your church is lucky to have you!  ;D

Quote from: Gina Taylor on October 19, 2013, 07:23:45 PM
I finally had a chance to speak with my pastor tonight and he told me that he sees no problem with it, but he did tell me that some people of the congregation might take offense to it, so I just have to be careful.

Awesome!!!  8) I'm so happy for you  :)

As far as the the people that might have an issue with it - just be yourself and let them see that transgender people pose no threat to them; that we are just trying to go about our lives the same as them and that we need a place to worship too. You might also have a few verses of applicable scripture at hand if someone wants to argue with you about how you are. Romans 3:23, Matthew 7:3-5, John 3:16, 1 Tim 2:6, Heb 2:9 all come to my mind.

Quote from: Shaina on October 20, 2013, 08:41:33 AM
Oh that's beautiful Gina. Honestly I'm moved.

You may be lucky to have your church but never doubt your church is lucky to have you!  ;D

Thanks Shaina. I am very lucky to have my church and they are very lucky to have me!  :)

Apparently a lot of the congregation was touched and moved by ther sermon as well.

Quote from: Eva Marie on October 20, 2013, 08:57:13 AM
Awesome!!!  8) I'm so happy for you  :)

As far as the the people that might have an issue with it - just be yourself and let them see that transgender people pose no threat to them; that we are just trying to go about our lives the same as them and that we need a place to worship too. You might also have a few verses of applicable scripture at hand if someone wants to argue with you about how you are. Romans 3:23, Matthew 7:3-5, John 3:16, 1 Tim 2:6, Heb 2:9 all come to my mind.

Thanks Eva. I will keep this in mind if I run into anyone that has anything against me, and I will keep those bible verses in mind as well.  :angel:

Quote from: Gina Taylor on October 19, 2013, 07:23:45 PM
I finally had a chance to speak with my pastor tonight and he told me that he sees no problem with it, but he did told me that some people of the congregation might take offense to it, so I just have to be careful.

This is wonderful news! Congratulations!

Being able to approach the Altar openly and fully as your true self will be one of the most spiritual and fulfilling moments of your life.  I ended up crying openly the days I came out full time at my church, (I had been the lay intercessor that day) and my first Sunday back after my SRS (when I was the Old Testament lector) and a week ago when I attended my first women's guild social function.  You will get busy and will want to.  I really feel happy for you. You have been at your church the same length of time I was as male, and if you were loved, it will stay that way, even more so because you can show that love back more truthfully.

Quote from: Vicky on October 21, 2013, 12:38:35 AM
Being able to approach the Altar openly and fully as your true self will be one of the most spiritual and fulfilling moments of your life.  I ended up crying openly the days I came out full time at my church, (I had been the lay intercessor that day) and my first Sunday back after my SRS (when I was the Old Testament lector) and a week ago when I attended my first women's guild social function.  You will get busy and will want to.  I really feel happy for you. You have been at your church the same length of time I was as male, and if you were loved, it will stay that way, even more so because you can show that love back more truthfully.

Very well said Vicky. There really hasn't been too much of a chnage in our congregation, and I do alternate to which service I go to, so it really doesn't matter, but everyone knows me either way, and all I have for my church is love for God's people. :angel:

It's uplifting for me to discover all y'all Christian TS women! Good to be here.
-another Gina

I was in a very Bible Believing church for over 30 years.  The reaction from the leader of that church was "You wore a dress!  Get out and never come back".

I eventually found another church, joined it as male, then transitioned.  They already have at least two gay elders and the minister is vigorously pro-LGBTQ.  By now I'm on the list for Bible Reading, for Stewarding, and for making the coffee after morning service.

I had a very difficult time with my church (the Mormons). I was excommunicated and publicly humiliated i my neighborhood, congregation, and at work. I had to leave Utah. Churches are much more accepting now in general. If you have faith, there is always a place you can find home. Don't ever get discouraged if you are ever ostracized for what you believe. There are as many churches as there are scripture numbers and they all believe things just a bit differently.

Quote from: MaryXYX on November 02, 2013, 03:49:38 PM
I was in a very Bible Believing church for over 30 years.  The reaction from the leader of that church was "You wore a dress!  Get out and never come back".

I eventually found another church, joined it as male, then transitioned.  They already have at least two gay elders and the minister is vigorously pro-LGBTQ.  By now I'm on the list for Bible Reading, for Stewarding, and for making the coffee after morning service.

How wonderful for your Mary. Praise Him! :D

There aren't so many churches like this but praise our Heavenly Father/Mother there are some.

One Sunday early this year there was a mixup about the person leading the singing of the "Gloria".  None of the soloists were at church that morning so the organist said "Mary, you're in the choir.  Can you lead it?"  I'm not really a soloist but I was there so I did.  I sing bass but it just didn't matter.