A Different Voice Is Starting To Be Heard

The religious conservatives are sometimes the only voice that you hear, but there is voice that is starting to be heard. When you look at the various organizations that support the gender inclusive anti-discrimination legislation, you will find a number of churches on the list… CT Clergy for Full Equality, National Council of Jewish Women (CT), Unitarian Universalist Society: East and many more churches or church organizations support the bill.

There is a change taking place…

Church's transgender pastor grateful for life "beyond my wildest dreams"
By Electa Draper
The Denver Post
Posted: 03/14/2011

Rev. Malcolm Himschoot knows about profound transformation.

Born female, Himschoot chose as a young adult to become male, despite fears he would be lonely, unemployable and cast aside by other Christians.

He made the decision, when 21, that he wouldn't take his own life. To Himschoot, living meant making a leap of faith into gender transition.

He is now the married father of 3-year-old twins and the new pastor of a mainline, albeit liberal, Protestant church in Douglas County.

"I have a life beyond my wildest dreams," the 33-year-old Himschoot said.

Parker United Church of Christ installed Himschoot as its spiritual leader this evening in the Mainstreet Center Auditorium.

More and more churches are becoming affirming. I have friend who is trans-gender and a priest, she is retired now, but still fills in on Sundays for priests on vacation or on sick leave. Even though I do not believe in any one religion, I recognize that many do and it is hearting to see so many churches opening their hearts to my trans-brothers and sisters.

When I was at one of the workshops at the True Colors conference, a father told his story of his struggle to accept his trans-daughter. He said that he was hospitalized for an illness and a priest stopped by his room and the priest said he thought the the father looked troubled and could he help. The father then told the priest of his internal struggle to accept his son as his daughter; the priest told him that he also was transgender. At the time when he was in turmoil over his son's transition, who should come along a priest who is transsexual, the father saw it as a sign . Because of the priest, the father was able to accept his daughter.

An affirming church has also helped my brother accept me. My brother was the treasurer for the church that they attended and the assistant pastor was a lesbian. Because he got to know her as a person, he was able to accept me when I came out.

Isn’t it so much better to preach love than hate.