Learning about Transgender

Tabernacle United Church (Philadelphia, PA)—"Tab" for short—is a union church (both Presbyterian and United Church of Christ) and has been an ONA/More Light church since 1991. Tab was the first ONA church in the Philadelphia Metro area and has been instrumental in the development of LGBT advocacy efforts such as the Interfaith Working Group, the YES! Coalition, and TransFaith Online, as well as many other justice efforts. 

However, like many early ONA churches, Tab's ONA statement does not include gender identity or gender expression.  In November 2008, Tab began its first discussions about transgender issues, by dedicating four Sunday adult education periods to the topic. 

Normally called "Tab.edu," November's "Trans.edu" was a hit.  Led by two transgender-identified members of the church (Chris Paige and Chris Purdom), conversations covered biology and intersex, the transgender umbrella, and gender variance in scripture.  The UCC-produced film, Call Me Malcolm, was also shared.

"I walked away with a much greater awareness of how dual-gendered our society is" said Susan Pierce, a parent and Sunday school teacher. "That part makes me sigh—knowing how ingrained our society is with only the two options everywhere you go.  It seems as though every bathroom I use, every form I fill out, every conversation I have, every time I call someone Mr. or Ms., I see how much conditioning we have to 'undo.'"

Pastor, Patricia Pearce, shared, "The Trans.edu series was an enlightening, stereotype-shattering experience.... I believe it helped our community move a little closer to the compassionate inclusivity that Jesus taught, and reinforced for us the magnificent diversity of God."

Time during Trans.edu was also set aside for brainstorming next steps in Tab's process of considering transgender issues. The group celebrated some accomplishments. For instance, Tab already has single-stall, unisex bathrooms. However, all agreed that more educational conversations would help the Tab community to be more comfortable and better equipped with a variety of issues related to gender variance.

Susan added, "I know that being aware is the first step toward changing, so small steps and much patience bring a sense of hope."

Once the congregation as a community has had some more chances to wrestle with the ramifications, the church council will likely revise the ONA statement to include gender identity and expression.