As we enter into the season of Lent, when we reflect on the ways we have as individuals and institutions harmed our neighbors, ourselves, and God, I wanted to share a story from one of our clergy, with their permission.
Three weeks ago, she called me in tears.
She had applied for a passport renewal in late December, but there was an administrative delay, and when the passport arrived in February it listed a gender that was different than the gender on her prior passport; a gender different from that which is listed on her birth certificate; a gender that does not reflect her identity or self-understanding; it is, however, the gender she was assigned at birth.
She feels like the U.S. State Department is trying to erase her and all other trans and non-binary people.
Erasing people is a frequent sin of humanity. When we see someone, or a group of people, that we do not understand, whether because of culture, or gender, or language, we try to force them into a model with which we are comfortable, rather than seeing them, and loving them, the way that God does.
The Episcopal Church has made clear statements at the General Convention and through our House of Bishops about the importance of the full inclusion of transgender and non-binary people in the life of the church, and opposing laws and policies that exclude, discriminate against, or defame them. I wrote a pastoral letter about this in 2023. You can read the letter in English HERE or in Spanish HERE.
I know that our trans and non-binary members and loved ones are reeling from changes in policies—and threatened changes—about medical care, military service, and employment.
I wish I could change the new U.S. policies; I cannot do that myself but I can—and will—advocate for justice and change. And I can offer a pastoral word to my trans and non-binary siblings in Christ:
You exist.
You are seen.
You are loved by God and your neighbors.
You are not alone.