Most of the kids at my church remember when I presented male.  I'm sure the new ones have heard who I am.  Sometimes I will see them staring at me in an interested, almost fascinated way.  Until today, none of them spoke to me.  (Today I had an extended conversation with a 5 year-old on the morphology of monsters, some of which I didn't understand.)

I have also noticed that the parents of the kids, who were always friendly, seem to be friendlier – always cheerfully and emphatically saying "Hi Kate!"  It seemed odd, but I really didn't think much about it.

But today the minister told me that a number of the parents have told her that they are very happy I am transitioning at the church because it is causing the kids to ask all sorts of good questions about gender and what it means to be a boy or a girl.

So it turns out I'm like a school project or in-house field trip.  Maybe at least some of the next generation will see that being trans is just something normal.  After all, that old woman Kate was one.

- Kate

Kate, I just can't tell you how awesome it is to hear this story!  Just wow!

Kristi

That is rather interesting... Possibly you can show them that transgendered people are not the villains they are made out to be by so many

I'm not the religious sort, but I think children are wonderful

A neighbor woman had some grandchildren visiting... I said hello in passing per usual...

One of the kids said "she's a nice lady" and the neighbor corrected her saying "No dear, he's a nice man"... The child piped up and said... "No grandma, that's a woman... Can't you tell?"

I just smiled as I passed on the way back to my place

Quote from: K8 on March 07, 2010, 09:37:35 PM
After all, that old woman Kate was one.

That is all.

That's it, Kate.  Teach acceptance to the next generation and maybe they can stop the Hate in the world.

@Virginia.  Good for the grandchild.  Put Grandma in her place.

Bless the little children for they shall speak the truth.

Gotta love young children with their open minds.

Every generation embraces a new kind of normal, maybe we can be a part of that finally...

Cheers
Shelly
xx

Your church sounds awesome.

I was physically thrown out of an evangelical church once in the early 80's when someone discovered my past, because "I would upset the children and cause them to ask evil questions!"

How times have changed it seems... I'm pleased, if a little jealous.

What a fabulous story!

That's really great! Kate.
Many of us are concerned about how the church will react when they find out that we are trans.

Jillieann

Great stuff K8.

Nice people you are with and yet another example of ordinary people accepting each other and ignoring the populist rants of political types.

I was once told that each person has a ministry.  Something that manifests as a gift from God that others will look to for insight and inspiration.  They each may have their followers.

Perhaps, Kate, you have found your ministry...

Congratulations!

-Sandy

Wow, that is so different from the usual church stories we hear about. It sounds like your church is a really warm place to be 

Congrats, Kate!


Jay

That's great!  I'm really afraid of what my church friends would say to me if they found out.

I had a kid call me sir back before I even thought about transitioning (and was even wearing a *whispers* purse.)  The mother was mortified and I tried to tell her it was okay (of course I was really pleased--should've realized then I had gender issues, I guess!).  My little niece called me "uncle" on the phone a couple months back.  My mom (who doesn't know about my gender issues yet) seemed a bit upset, I heard her muttering in the background "Aunt.  AUNT."

That's awesome, Kate It's great to know there are other churches out there who do practice what they preach (love your neighbour, do not judge, etc.). I would say it sounds like my church, but there's no way of knowing if the congregation will be as accepting as the pastors have been

This all reminds me of a time I worked the bar at a holiday camp, many years ago. I overheard this man talking with his daughter (I think she was eight to ten years old). She casually mentioned someone (staff?) liking both. The man told her not to talk like that and said that's why he didn't like Johnny - him I knew to be staff as well as openly gay. She countered with a protesting "He can't help it!" I just muttered under my breath "Don't corrupt the girl!"