Dear Beloved of the Diocese of Olympia,
As we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, we are called to hold in our minds and to pray for those around in our world whose lives have been cut short due to their gender identity. This year they number at least 350 people across the globe—recognizing that there were likely more fatalities that remained unreported. They were killed simply because of how they expressed themselves.
A parishioner and mother of an elementary school student came to me more than a decade ago now concerned about the safety of her child. It was clear that there was identity questioning going on for that young one. This mom declared emphatically that she would do all she could to support her child and to keep them safe. She mentioned both self-harm and the wider harm of others who refused to accept her child in the way that God created them.
And she was coming to see if I would be supportive of her child as well.
The Church has inflicted much pain on Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people over its history. Its members have belittled and demeaned and, at times, perpetuated violence against these ones who bear God’s image. Enough for a mother to come to her priest to suss out if I would help to nurture the life and faith of a questioning child.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to lift up those who are brokenhearted and pushed down, to offer care to those who’ve been marginalized, and to see Christ’s face in every human being. In short, we are called to respond like the one we follow. We are to respond like Jesus.
So we pause today to remember and pray for those who have been taken from our world, and then to recommit to working for justice for all Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people in our communities, nation, and across the globe. To not let the world reduce them to a caricature, but to deepen our connections and relationships and to hear their stories as beloved children of God. To truly live into our baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons. I hope we all can commit to doing this more fully.
Finally, to all of you who are Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming in our Diocese, know that you are loved and cared for, as we seek to be allies and fellow pilgrims alongside you.
With care,
The Rt. Rev. Phil LaBelle
