My dad is a priest in a Reformed Episcopal Church. For those of you who aren't familiar, it's a branch of the Anglican Church. It's technically Protestant, but has a lot of similarity to the Catholic church (minus liberal members). The church's stance, including my dad's, is staunchly homophobic and transphobic. My dad has preached against LGBT individuals and issues from the pulpit on many occasions, in accordance with the denomination. I came out as lesbian a year ago (not really an applicable term for me, but what they understand), and that has caused enough problems.

I don't live at home currently, but will most likely be living with my parents this summer. I don't want to live at home suppressing who I am any longer. I also want to be able to pack and dress in men's clothing as I'm accustomed to, as well as start binding, which will inevitably cause problems with my parents. I don't think I would be kicked out immediately, but it might be precarious. I can imagine them claiming it would be an unhealthy moral environment for my younger siblings, as they did when I came out as lesbian...

Does anyone have any experiences, resources or advice for coming out to fundamental Christian parents? Or, more specifically, to a parent who is ordained clergy?

Sounds like the Episcopalians with the good bits removed.

The problem with people who select the bits that suit them is they are so completely unpredictable.

I hope someone can advise. Good luck.

Quote from: spacial on May 16, 2011, 02:16:33 PM
Sounds like the Episcopalians with the good bits removed.

Pretty much. The denominations split in the late 1800's over much less than their current differences. When the Episcopal church ordained a gay bishop, many local Episcopalians in my region left those parishes and joined my father's due to homophobia. Really great stuff /sarcasm

We have a similar situation here in England, with the CofE. But the claimed issue is women clergy.

A few left to join the Roman Catholics. Then a load left claiming similar things. But between the lines it was obvious that the failure of the CofE to support wars and oppose all things modern, (ie, later than the 10th century  ), was behind it.

Sad really.

I did look up the Reformed Episcopal Church on the web. In your situation I would just try to duck and keep as low as possible until I'm clear. They won't be chaging any time soon.

My dad is a preacher at an A.M.E. church.  I am the heathen of the family.  It is a badge that I wear with honor!

Edit:  I jumped that religious ship pretty early on.  I have my own spirituality, which four walls cannot contain. 

Quote from: kelleystorm on May 21, 2011, 11:01:50 PM
My dad is a preacher at an A.M.E. church.  I am the heathen of the family.  It is a badge that I wear with honor!

Edit:  I jumped that religious ship pretty early on.  I have my own spirituality, which four walls cannot contain. 

haha, yeah same here. I'm a psychonaut, atheist, ftm anarchist. Nobody saw it coming....except maybe everyone lol. It's always the PK's haha

My Dad was an ordained catholic priest, by special papal dispensation. When I came out at 13 as female he thought it was a sin. But my mum thought I was a child molesting pervert . I left the UK  ASAP to live in Australia.

No easy way out

Hang in there

Cindy

Maybe I'll try hopping continents as well....oy.

Should do, Adelaide has been totally accepting of me. There are quite a number  of men and woman who are happily living in the community. I've been going down to my local hotel restaurant on Saturday nights. The staff know me by name are totally charming. The manager great me and finds me a table as a priority and several of the waitresses come over for a chat. Something they don't do with others. And it is nice chat, all friendly stuff.

And of course we are not invaded by puritans

Cindy 

That's really awesome that you've found your community 

I was hoping the Puritans would have been raptured the other day, not to beat that joke to death

Quote from: Mikah on May 22, 2011, 11:20:19 PM
That's really awesome that you've found your community 

I was hoping the Puritans would have been raptured the other day, not to beat that joke to death

I thought about that a few years ago, when a niece went through a Happy Clappy phase. Didn't say it to her though. 

My Dad's a URC minister and is by nature a very conservative man but in a very liberal branch of church.

When I thought myself MTF I told him at the dinner table on a Sunday afternoon. He proceeded to research online and talked to an FTM he had performed the marriage service to. (The church before that also had an FTM and his most recent an MTF). He concluded that although he may agree I was feeling isolated and unhappy, it was not because I was transsexual. (oddly, all my closest friends said the same thing).

It was later I discovered androgyne and realised they were right and I was andro instead.

Will you ever convince your dad?  Likely not.  But I know that the belligerent approach will certainly make things worse.  I would be firm, confident, and persistent in showing them who you are, and give the family no more ammunition than they already have.  The more you put them on the defensive, the less likely you are to achieve any kind of a truce, which is what I think you should aim for.  If you love them, tell them so and that you respectfully disagree, and that only you can know who you are inside.  Telling them you understand their position, but that it is not yours, is a lot better than name calling or unleashing a Christian/Trans bashing war.  Don't be dishonest, compromise when and where you can, but be you at all times.  I know of clergy who have changed their minds after meeting people like us.  Who knows? 

Wishing you the very best!