Last Updated on November 1, 2024 by Kittredge Cherry
Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) is celebrated at Q Spirit with transgender Christian books, art and other resources. They include trans Christ figures in art and books such as “Transfaith,” “Transforming” and “Transfigured.”
International Transgender Day of Visibility was founded in 2010 by Rachel Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan. The goal is to celebrate the trans community. The better known Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20) involves mourning the dead, but Transgender Day of Visibility focuses on empowerment.
Trans Saints? Early cross-dressing monks and martyrs
Early Christian cross-dressing monks are being reclaimed as possible transgender or LGBTQ saints. They share a similar story: They escaped their lives as women and lived as men, joining monasteries or becoming religious hermits. Their biological sex was usually discovered by shocked communities after they died. The church honors these queer saints for living holy lives, despite the Biblical prohibitions against cross-dressing. For all their biographies and more info, go to: https://qspirit.net/trans-saints-cross-dressing-monks/
Trans Jesus and other deities painted by artist from India
Christ and other deities become one being who embodies multiple genders and religions in “Trans Deities” by Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh, an artist and seminary student from India. The artwork makes a powerful statement by bringing together Jesus in his crown of thorns with a sunburst halo of colorful flames representing the Hindu goddess Sakthi, also known as Shakti, Durga, or Kali. Rainbow flames suggest an LGBTQ connection and a pendant with a transgender symbol affirms the identity of this Spirit. Vivekanandh created it for the cover of the 2020 book “Religion, the Body, and Sexuality” by Melissa Wilcox, Nina Hoel and Liz Wilson, published by Routledge.
“Trans Deities” has a tranquil face that is blue for male on the left and pink for female on the right. The motif of a half-male, half-female deity split down the middle is not new in Indian religious art. Ardhanarisvara is a Hindu deity embodying the god Shiva on one side and his wife Parvati on the other. Artistic depictions of the “hermaphrodite” deity date back 2,000 years and new versions continue to be popular.
The evolution of Vivekanandh’s art can be seen by looking back at the transgender Indian vision of Christ that he painted during the Council of World Mission’s Global Painting Retreat in Tainan, Taiwan in 2016.
“Trans Indian Jesus” by Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh
The image shows Christ with a rainbow halo and transgender symbol. Christ’s Indian identity is suggested by a sacred bindi mark on the forehead and a nose ring.
Vivekanandh is a communication secretary for the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India. Previously he worked there as coordinator for the Dalit and Adivasi concerns desk. He lives in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), capital of the state of Tamil Nadu in eastern India.
He has a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute and a Master of Arts degree in English literature from Jamal Mohammed College.
More artists paint transgender Christ figures
A vision of a transgender Christ appears in an artwork by Pace Warfield-May, a writer, scholar and church professional with research interests in queer theology. A rainbow streams from the heart of this queer Jesus, combining the colors of the LGBTQ Pride flag with traditional iconography of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Divine Mercy. Christ’s hair is lavender, a color long associated with queer people because it merges feminine pink with masculine blue.
Untitled Christ figure by Pace Warfield-May
In 2021 Warfield-May also posted an alternate version (warning: nudity) of this untitled Christ figure with a prayer that begins:
“Queer folx:
You are holy.
Your sex is holy.
Your love is holy.
Your consent is holy.
Your no is holy.
Your body is holy.
Your touch is holy.
Your queerness is holy….”
“Trans Christ” by Bill Courson
“Trans Christ” was painted in 2021 by Bill Courson, a New Jersey artist, teacher and healer. The transgender surgical scars and rainbow shroud fit with the crown of thorns, sacred heart and crosses in the background.
Worship resources for Transgender Day of Visibility include a prayer by Metropolitan Community Churches pastor Mel Martinez, who wrote:
“We turn our minds and hearts to our transgender, gender non-conforming, and genderqueer siblings….Adonai, Ruler and Maker, Great Artist of color, shape, and texture, open us to our own complexities, such that we may never consider something as intimate as identity to be simple; but that we consider simplicity to be just the beginning of Your revelation among us.”
Transgender Christian books and images are needed now because religious bigotry is one factor behind the rise in anti-transgender violence. Transgender women of color and transgender students are most impacted by the violence, so it is especially valuable to see Christ pictured as a trans person of color.
Jesus spoke of transforming male and female
In the early Christian, non-canonical Gospel of Thomas, Jesus speaks directly about transformation between genders in ways that may intrigue or inspire contemporary LGBTQ faith, especially trans people and allies:
“Jesus said to them: When you make the two one, and when you make the inside as the outside, and the outside as the inside, and the upper as the lower, and when you make the male and the female into a single one, so that the male is not male and the female not female, and when you make eyes in place of an eye, and a hand in place of a hand, and a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image, then shall you enter [the kingdom]. ” (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 22)
“Simon Peter said to them: Let Mariham go out from among us, for women are not worthy of the life. Jesus said: Look, I will lead her that I may make her male, in order that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every woman who makes herself male will enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 114)
Some consider the Gospel of Thomas to be one of the most important texts for understanding Jesus teachings’ and the early church. It was discovered along with other gnostic or wisdom literature in 1945 in the desert near Nag Hammadi, Egypt.
New in 2024: Transgender Christian books
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Trans The*logy Without Apology: Using Art, Narrative and Historical-Critical Exegesis to Celebrate Transfiguration and Trans Aesthetic in the Bible” by Megan Rohrer.
Trans influence in the Bible and church history from creation to the present is emphasized in a comprehensive, intellectually rigorous exploration. Rare academic material mixes with personal narratives. A section on trans saints in the medieval and early Christian church is especially helpful. With 130 hard-to-find color illustrations, the book includes the author’s international pilgrimages to see sacred art with a trans sensibility, mostly from early Christianity through the Reformation. The author works at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco after serving as the first openly transgender bishop in a mainline denomination. Children’s books “Faithful Families” and “Mister Grumpy Christian” by Rohrer were popular on Q Spirit’s previous annual lists of the top LGBTQ Christian books. Published by Wilgefortis.
“Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-binary Lives” by Alex Clare-Young.
A leading next-generation queer theologian presents the identities and insights of 10 diverse trans and non-binary Christians. These first-hand testimonies evoke a pro-active theology that goes beyond trans-apologetics. The author is a transmasculine non-binary minister in the United Reformed Church, co-chair of the Open Table Network, and associate tutor in theology at Westminster College in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The book grows out of their PhD thesis. Published by SCM Press.
New in 2023: Transgender Christian books
“The(y)ology: Mythopoetics for Queer/Trans Liberation” by Max Yeshaye Brumberg-Kraus.
Liberation theologies shed light on drag performance, queer autobiographies and much more in this far-reaching, multi-faceted analysis. The author is not Christian, but wrote the book while at a Christian seminary and in conversation with many Christian thinkers. Brumberg-Kraus is a Minnesota poet, playwright, drag artist, and independent scholar with a theology degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Published by Punctum Books.
“Forward!: Thoughts of a Trans Woman on the Christian Journey” by Lynn Elizabeth Walker.
A transgender bishop in the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America reflects on her experiences with church, family and society in this collection of essays. The foreword for “Forward!” was written by David Weekley, one of the first openly transgender clergy in the United Methodist Church. The author lives in New York City, has served parishes in New York and New Jersey, and completed a doctor of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana. Published by Resource Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.
“Josephine: A Trans Story of Biblical Proportions” by J Mase III (author) and Wriply Bennet (illustrator).
Joseph, a popular figure in the Bible’s Book of Genesis, is a gender-nonconformist in this creative retelling. The book provides modern counter-narratives to dismantle anti-trans Biblical rhetoric. The author is a black/trans/queer poet. Raised in a Christian and Muslim home, Mase won a Lambda Literary Award for transgender nonfiction in 2020 for “The Black Trans Prayer Book.” It also appears on Q Spirit’s list of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2020. Published by Tell Them I Was a Poet L.L.C.
“Raising Kids beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children” by Jamie Bruesehoff. Published by Broadleaf Books.
New in 2022: Transgender Christian books and gifts
“In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey with Scripture” by Shannon T. L. Kearns.
Biblical narrative blends with a transgender priest’s own life story in this trans reading of scripture. His experiences are woven together with Bible stories such as Jacob wrestling with the angel, Rahab and the Israelite spies, Ezekiel and the dry bones, and the transfiguration of Jesus. Raised in the fundamentalist evangelical tradition, Kearns was ordained as the first transgender priest in the North American Old Catholic Church and co-founded QueerTheology.com. His book “Queers the Word: A 40-Day Devotional for LGBTQ+ Christians” is on Q Spirit’s list of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2020. Foreword by Paula Stone Williams, pastor and LGBTQ advocate. Published by Eerdmans, 2022.
“Body Becoming: A Path to Our Liberation” by Robyn Henderson-Espinoza.
A non-binary transqueer Latinx theologian, activist and scholar weaves together memoir with theological reflection. The critical analysis provides fresh insights on embodiment, a core theme of Christian spirituality. The book considers which bodies count and why, the healing power of somatics, and embodiment as a vision for democracy. Based in Nashville, the author holds a PhD in religion from the University of Denver, attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and founded the Activist Theology Project. Published by Broadleaf Books, 2022.
“Trans Saints Exist” shirt with Marinos the Monk by Dani.
Proclaim “Trans Saints Exist” with a stylish shirt featuring a new icon of Saint Marinos the Monk. “Trans people are beloved by God. God resides in all queer people too,” says the text. Marinos or Marina the Monk has been called a patron saint of transgender parenting. The design is as beautifully radical as the message. The shirt is created by Dani, an LGBTQ-affirming Catholic artist based in California. Assigned female at birth, Marina adopted the name Marinos and entered a monastery as a man in fifth-century Lebanon. Marinos embraced a male identity from that point onward, even after being falsely accused of fathering a child. He adopted the boy and raised him as his own son. The shirt and more icons by Dani are available at the And Her Saints shop on Etsy.
New in 2021: Transgender Christian books
Interfaith
“Trans-Forming Proclamation: A Transgender Theology of Daring Existence” by Liam Hooper.
Gender-transcendent peoples in the Bible are at the center of this genre-defying book. Original, well-informed scholarship is woven together with theology, memoir and poetry in a bold and unique structure. Texts sacred to both Christian and Jewish traditions are explored. The author is a transgender advocate with a master of divinity degree from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Formerly ordained clergy in the United Church of Christ, Hooper recently converted to Judaism. Published by Otherwise Engaged in December 2020.
Warning: Price over $100
“Trans and Genderqueer Subjects in Medieval Hagiography” by Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt (editors).
Medieval texts by and about gender non-conforming saints reveal how they resisted traditional gender roles. Q Spirit is breaking its rule against listing books priced over $100 due to the excellence of this book and the enthusiasm of its authors. Emerging trans and genderqueer scholars, as well as established authors, use queer theory to illuminate history in this scholarly collection. Whole chapters are devoted to Juana de la Cruz, Marinos the Monk and many more. Alicia Spencer-Hall is a fellow at Queen Mary University of London (UK) and Blake Gutt is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Michigan. Published by Amsterdam University Press.
“Heaven Come Down: The Story of a Transgender Disciple” by Chrissie Chevasutt.
An advocate for transgender people inside and outside the church tells her dramatic life story. Faith in God helped Chevasutt through gender dysphoria well as drug addiction, homelessness, suicide attempts and much more. The author is a writer in Oxford, United Kingdom. Published by Darton Longman and Todd.
“Reaching for Hope: Strategies and Support for the Partners of Transgender People” by Suzanne DeWitt Hall.
For anyone who has a trans partner, this book provides practical encouragement and inspiration for navigating the gender transition process. The timely subject is covered from all angles, including spiritual issues such as the expansion of the soul, the pain of disconnecting with exclusive faith communities, and re-evaluating gender teachings from faith traditions. It also covers cultures that celebrate non-binary people as better reflections of the divine and mediators to the spiritual world. And there’s a liturgy at the back for mourning things lost. The author wrote the “Where True Love Is” devotional series and many other books. She and her spouse Declan DeWitt Hall have spoken publicly about their journey with Declan’s gender identity. Published by DH Strategies.
“Trans Affirming Churches: How to Celebrate Gender-Variant People and Their Loved Ones” by Christina Beardsley and Chris Dowd.
Churches can improve their relationships with trans people by using this guide. It is based on first-hand interviews, the authors’ own experiences and scripture analysis. . Dowd has pastored multiple churches and Beardsley is a Church of England priest. Together they also co-authored “Transfaith: A Transgender Pastoral Care Handbook,” which was on Q Spirit’s 2018 top books list. Beardsley’s book “This Is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians” was the number-one bestseller on Q Spirit’s 2016 top books list. Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
“Byzantine Intersectionality: Sexuality, Gender, and Race in the Middle Ages” by Roland Betancourt.
Queer relationships and identities in medieval times are revealed. The chapter titled “Transgender Lives” covers narratives of trans and gender-nonconforming monks plus historical gender-affirming practices by ascetic action and surgery. The “Queer Sensation” chapter explores same-gender desire and homosocial and homoerotic relationships in monastic communities by looking at how they portrayed the gospel story of Doubting Thomas. The final chapter examines stereotypes of gender and ethnicity in portrayals of the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts. The radically intersectional book puts sexuality and gender into the context of discourses on race, sexual and reproductive consent, bullying and slut-shaming. The author is professor of art history and at the University of California, Irvine. Published by Princeton University Press.
Artists explore transgender Christian themes
“Virgenes de la Puerta: Denise, Yefri, and Angie” by Juan Jose Barboza-Gubo and Andrew Mroczek
Peruvian artists Juan Jose Barboza-Gubo and Andrew Mroczek shows women from Lima’s transgender community as saints and holy icons in their photo series “Virgenes de la Puerta” (Virgins of the Door). It was exhibited at Museum of Sex in New York in 2018. More info: “Photos of Trans Women Depicted as Saints and Religious Icons” (vice.com).
“Letanía” by Giuseppe Campuzano
Another Peruvian artist, Giuseppe Campuzano, appears as a trans character resembling the Virgin Mary with rhinestone tears in the artwork “Letanía (Litany).” The image is discussed in an article on Phaidon.com and book “Art & Queer Culture” by Catherine Lord and Richard Meyer, published by Phaidon Press in 2013.
Toronto trans Latinx artist Heath V. Salazar does protest art in a drag king alter ego as Gay Jesus. More info: “The gospel of Gay Jesus: Meet the Toronto drag artist spreading love across their kingdom.” (CBC: Canadian Broadcast Corp.)
“Santo Niño Marica Diosa Sirena Hermafrodita Alada” by Medusczka Gorgona
Mexican trans-feminist artist-activist Medusczka Gorgona mixes her Catholic upbringing, Mexican popular culture and trans identities to make icon-like images of holy gender-variant children in a series called “Niñas Santas Trans” (“Holy Trans Girls.”). They have names such as “Santo Niño Marica Diosa Sirena Hermafrodita Alada” (Holy Child Hermaphrodite Faggot Winged Mermaid Goddess). More info: “The Denied Trans-Childhood of Medusczka” by Vanessa Rivera de la Fuente (Feminism and Religion blog).
Links related to Transgender Day of Visibility
Click the headlines below for more about transgender spirituality. Not all of these people self-identified as transgender, but their stories of gender non-conformity are offered here as an inspiration for transgender people and their allies.
Trans Saints? Early cross-dressing monks and martyrs
Early Christian cross-dressing monks are being reclaimed as possible transgender saints. More than a dozen saints share a similar story: They escaped their lives as women by dressing as men and joining monasteries, where their biological sex was not discovered until after they died.
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Spiritual resources
Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20) honors people killed due to anti-trans prejudice. Transgender spiritual resources are presented here, including books and art.
Marsha P. Johnson: African American trans woman helped start Stonewall Uprising
Marsha P. Johnson was an African American trans woman activist and one of those credited with starting the Stonewall Rebellion that launched the modern LGBTQ liberation movement.
Sylvia Rivera: Latina trans woman at Stonewall Uprising
Sylvia Rivera was a Latina trans woman activist and one of those credited with starting the Stonewall Rebellion that launched the modern LGBTQ liberation movement. Rivera ministered through the food service program and queer youth center at Metropolitan Community Church of New York.
William Dorsey Swann: Ex-slave fought for queer freedom in 1880s as America’s first drag queen
Born into slavery, William Dorsey Swann became the first American to lead a queer resistance group and the first to self-identify as a “queen of drag.” He fought back against police who raided a drag ball in 1888, almost a century before the Stonewall uprising.
Trans women migrants: Detention led to death for Roxsana Hernandez and Johana Medina
Deaths of transgender women asylum seekers from Central America show the injustice faced by LGBTQ people trying to immigrate to the United States. On the anniversaries of their deaths, Latina trans women Roxsana Hernandez and Johana Medina are remembered in portraits by Arizona artist Linda Victoria.
Queer water carrier led disciples to Upper Room for Last Supper
A queer person led the disciples to the Upper Room for the Last Supper with Jesus, according to LGBTQ-affirming Bible interpretations. Some progressive Bible scholars embrace the gender-variant water carrier as a transgender ancestor or “trans-cestor” because he was a man doing women’s work.
Nancy Ledins: First transgender Roman Catholic priest made headlines in 1979
Nancy Ledins made national headlines as the first transgender Roman Catholic priest after gender confirmation surgery in 1979. Ledins left the Catholic church, but ministered in her later years at Wedgewood Church, a Baptist church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jemima Wilkinson: Queer preacher reborn in 1776 as “Publick Universal Friend”
Jemima Wilkinson (1752-1819) was a Quaker preacher who woke from a near-death experience in 1776 believing she was neither male nor female. She changed her name to the “Publick Universal Friend,” fought for gender equality and founded an important religious community.
Ethiopian eunuch: Early church welcomed a black queer man
A queer black man was welcomed as an early Christian convert in Biblical times, according to progressive Bible scholars. The nameless Ethiopian eunuch was a triple outsider — a gender-variant foreigner from a racial minority — and his experience shows that the early Christians welcomed all kinds of outcasts. The term translated as “eunuch” included a variety of sexual minorities that today might be called queer or LGBT.
Pauli Murray: Queer saint / activist for civil rights and gender equality
Human rights champion Pauli Murray (1910-1985), a recent addition to the Episcopal book of saints, described herself as a man trapped in a woman’s body and took hormone treatments in her 20s and 30s.
Joan of Arc: Cross-dressing warrior-saint
Joan of Arc was a cross-dressing teenage warrior who led the medieval French army to victory when she was 17.
Image credit: Saint Joan of Arc by Brother Robert Lentz, OFM., www.trinitystores.com
We’wha of Zuni: Two-spirited Native American
We’wha was a two-spirit Native American Zuni who served as a cultural ambassador for her people, including a visit with a U.S. president in 1886. For more on We’wha and other queer indigenous people, see the Q Spirit post about Indigenous Peoples Day.
Image credit: “We’wha” by Jim Ru
Artist paints history’s butch heroes: Ria Brodell interview
“Butch Heroes” of history are painted by nonbinary trans artist Ria Brodell, who uses the format of traditional Catholic holy cards to present butch lesbians, queer women and female-to-male transgender people from many different times, places, and backgrounds.
Image credit: “James How aka Mary East and Mrs. How” by Ria Brodell
Religious threats to LGBT people exposed in Jerusalem photos
Religion-based oppression of LGBT people is revealed in “Jerusalem,” a photo exhibit by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin. It includes “Tranny,” a portrait of a drag queen from Jerusalem. Biblical words against crossdressing are projected behind her.
Queer Lady of Guadalupe: Artists re-imagine an icon
Queer art based on Our Lady of Guadalupe includes a bearded drag queen version titled “Virginia Guadalupe” by Jim Ru.
St. Wilgefortis: Bearded woman saint
St. Wilgefortis prayed to avoid marriage to a pagan king — and her prayers were answered when she grew a beard!
300 protest transsexual Jesus play
More than 300 conservative Christian protesters picketed the Scottish opening of “Jesus, Queen of Heaven,” a play about a transsexual Jesus by Jo (formerly John) Clifford.
More transgender Christian books
Here is a selection of more transgender Christian books.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians” by Austen Hartke.
Stories of Bible characters and transgender Christians alive today help equip readers to build a more inclusive church. The author is creator of the YouTube series “Transgender and Christian” and graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies. Published by Westminster John Knox Press, 2018.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Transfaith: A Transgender Pastoral Care Handbook” by Chris Dowd and Christina Beardsley with Justin Tanis.
This practical resource can help congregations welcome transgender people. Chapters cover terminology, church writings on trans people, theological reflections, Bible studies with discussion points, extensive bibliography, and liturgies such as a rite for preparation for surgery and a renaming ceremony, A chapter on transgender people in the United States is written by Tanis, who directs the LGBTQ center at Pacific School of Religion. Dowd has pastored multiple churches and Beardsley is a Church of England priest. Beardsley’s book “This is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians” was the #1 bestseller on Q Spirit’s Top 35 LGBTQ Christian books of 2016. Published by Darton, Longman and Todd, 2018.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
BARGAIN ALERT
“Transfigured: A 40-Day Devotional for Gender-Queer and Transgender People” by Suzanne DeWitt Hall.
Be transfigured by the inclusive love and insights in this 40-day devotional for only $10. “Transfigured” is aimed at gender-queer and transgender people, but anyone will be blessed by its liberating scripture-based meditations. Meet “our gender-full God” and the Biblical eunuchs who became “non-binary heroes.” Discover how the Bible affirms gender complexity, transformation and freedom. Each day concludes with an inspirational quote from a variety of thinkers, from classics such as Saint Bonaventure and C.S. Lewis to contemporary trans trailblazers such as Austen Hartke and H. Adam Ackley. This is Volume 2 of the “Where True Love Is” series. The first volume was a bestseller on Q Spirit’s Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2017. Foreword by Paula Stone Williams, a transgender woman, Colorado pastor and popular speaker on LGBTQ rights. The author is a freelance writer and HuffPost blogger who lives in Massachusetts with her wife. Published by DH Strategies, 2018.
BESTSELLER AT JESUS IN LOVE / Q SPIRIT
“This Is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians” by Christina Beardsley and Michelle O’Brien (editors).
Transgender Christians speak for themselves in this collection. They give voice to faith and theology grounded in specific yet diverse experiences beyond the usual gender identity imposed by church tradition. The book brings hope, anger and grace, plus a review of the latest theological, cultural and scientific literature. Many contributors come from the Sibyls, a confidential spirituality group for transgender people and allies in the United Kingdom. Foreword by Susannah Cornwall. Beardsley is a Church of England priest, hospital chaplain and activist for trans inclusion in the church. Raised Anglican, O’Brien does advocacy, research, lecturing and writing on intersex and trans issues. Published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd.
BESTSELLER AT JESUS IN LOVE / Q SPIRIT
“Transgender, Intersex and Biblical Interpretation” by Teresa Hornsby and Deryn Guest.
Biblical affirmation for LGBTQI people is presented by two well-known Bible scholars. They show that in the Bible, gender identity and sexual orientation are always dynamic categories that do, and must, transition. The book examines familiar (e.g., Gen 1; Revelation) and less familiar (2 Sam 6; Jer 38) scriptures to reveal the bias that makes heterosexuality and a binary two-gender system seem divinely ordained. They critique how biblical texts are used in Christian positional statements on transsexuality and provide statistic on violence against trans persons. Teresa Hornsby is religious studies professor at Drury University, Springfield, Missouri. Deryn Guest is lecturer in Biblical hermeneutics at the University of Birmingham, England. Published by SBL Press (Society of Biblical Literature, founded 1880).
“Trans/Formations” by Marcella Althaus-Reid and Lisa Isherwood (editors
This collection offers theological reflections on transgender experience from a broad range of contributors, including Elizabeth Stuart and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. They question not only churches and theologians but at times also gender and sexuality theorists. Althaus-Reid was theology professor at New College andIsherwood is a theology professor at the University of Winchester.
“OtherWise Christian: A Guidebook for Transgender Liberation” by Mx. Chris Paige.
A comprehensive look at gender-nonconforming people in the Bible is provided in this new guide. Scholarly yet accessible, the book synthesizes 25 years of transgender-affirming biblical scholarship. Sections cover creation, clobber passages, eunuchs, and Jewish and Christian traditions, with an epilogue on “Living OtherWise Ever After.” The author co-founded TransFaith and published “The Other Side” magazine. Published by Otherwise Engaged in 2019.
“The Bible and the Transgender Experience: How Scripture Supports Gender Variance” by Linda Tatro Herzer.
This clear, easy-to-read book shows how the Bible affirms transgender, queer and intersex people. Individual chapters examine eunuchs, Leviticus, cross-dressing, Jesus, creation, choice, gender-variant people in the Bible, and gifts that gender-variant people bring. It includes a helpful discussion guide and advice on “how to make your congregation or group trans friendly.” The author is an active ally who pastored a predominantly LGBTQI church where 10 percent of congregants identified as trans men, trans women, cross-dressers, or genderqueer. Published by Pilgrim Press.
“Beyond a Binary God: A Theology for Trans* Allies” by Tara K. Soughers.
How and why to affirm trans people in church are the focus of this new guide. The author is a parent of a trans young adult and an Episcopal priest in Massachusetts. The book includes theological reflection and questions for discussion and/or journaling. Published by Church Publishing Inc, an official publisher for the Episcopal Church.
“God Doesn’t Make Mistakes: Confessions of a Transgender Christian” by Laurie Suzanne Scott.
Contradictions between being transgender and Christian are reconciled through God’s acceptance in this popular memoir by a Texas trans woman in the tech industry. Published by the author.
“Trans-Gender: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith” (2018 edition) by Justin Sabia-Tanis.
A classic is back. A trans clergy person explores the spiritual nature of transgender people and gives voice to their experiences with theological reflection on ministries by and for trans people. The book provides an intro to trans issues, an overview of gender variance and the Bible, guidance on how to build faith communities that welcome trans people, analysis of “gender as a calling” and transgender body theology. Scholarly yet accessible, the book was missed by many during the years it was out of print. The author is a United Church of Christ clergy who ministered at churches in Boston, Honolulu, and San Francisco; and is now managing director of the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. The original 2003 edition was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award and came from UCC publisher Pilgrim Press. The 2018 edition is published by Wipf and Stock.
“Retreating Forward: A Spiritual Practice with Transgender Persons” by David Elias Weekley.
A model for transformational retreats is presented in this educational resource for individuals, spiritual leaders, and faith communities that support transgender people. A queer theology of radical love is explained and put into practice. The author is a United Methodist pastor, transgender advocate and member of the transgender community. Foreword by British equality activist David Watters. Published by Wipf and Stock.
“Transgender Children of God” by Megan Rohrer.
Even a child can understand transgender identity with this heartwarming book aimed at kids ages 2 to 8. “Transgender children of God play with both dolls and trucks. No matter what you play with, God will love you,” it begins. The books goes on to proclaim God’s love regardless of what you wear, how you look or how you mix male and female. It also affirms transgender parents, although it can be read by any progressive family of faith. The author is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco and the first openly transgender pastor ordained in the Lutheran Church. Published by Wilgefortis/Lulu Press. Available in both paperback and e-book versions. For more info and a sample page, see First-ever LGBT religious children’s books published.
Book: Trans-Gendered: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith (Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry)
Book: Omnigender: A Trans-religious Approach
Book: Transgendering Faith: Identity, Sexuality, and Spirituality
“OtherWise Christian 2: Stories of Resistance” by Mx. Chris Paige (editor).
Transgender, non-binary, intersex and two-spirit authors share their diverse lived experiences in relation to Christianity in this collection. The 29 contributors come from various faith traditions from many different faith traditions and include prominent trans spokespersons such as Virginia Mollenkott, Erin Swenson, Cameron Partridge, Donovan Ackley III, as well as newer millennial voices such as Diamond Stylz and intersex voices such as Lianne Simon. Some stayed in the church, some left permanently and some wandered and returned. Foreword by Victoria Kolakowski, a retired minister and California’s first openly transgender judge. Published by OtherWise Engaged Publishing.
“In Remembrance of Me, Bearing Witness to Transgender Tragedy: An OtherWise Reflection Guide” by Chris Paige
Grief, self-care and other themes suitable for Transgender Day of Remembrance are presented in Bible-based meditations. Chapters reflect on vigilance, observance, reflection, bearing witness, lamentation, resilience, resistance, repentance and hope. Appendices include liturgical resources. The author was founding executive director of TransFaith and published “The Other Side” magazine. Published by OtherWise Engaged Publishing, 2020.
Book: Transgendering Faith: Identity, Sexuality, and Spirituality by Leanne Tigert (editor)
Links to transgender spiritual and religious resources
Transgender Day of Visibility celebrated with art, books and resources (Q Spirit)
Prayer Resources for the Transgender Day of Visibility (Transspirit.org)
A prayerful lament + vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance (Holy Spit Blog)
Trans Saints? Early cross-dressing monks and martyrs (Q Spirit)
Transspirit.org (Jo Inkpin)
___
Top image credit:
“Trans Deities” by Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh
____
This post is part of the Queer Christ series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. The series gathers together visions of the queer Christ as presented by artists, writers, theologians and others.
This article was originally published on Q Spirit in March 2017, was expanded with new material over time, and was most recently updated on Oct. 31, 2024.
Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.
A modern artist making a “trans Jesus” painting does not make Jesus transgender, and claiming Joan of Arc was transgender for “cross-dressing” is contradicted by the fact that she always called herself “the maiden” (“la pucelle”) – which is feminine beyond any doubt – since she said she was the “maiden from the borders of Lorraine” mentioned in a popular prophecy. This in fact was a large part of her public identity (most of the 15th century sources call her “the maiden”) and it establishes that she identified as a girl. She explained her continued “cross-dressing” (wearing a soldier’s outfit) in prison by saying that she was using this outfit’s laces to attach the different parts together so her guards couldn’t pull her clothing off when they tried to rape her, a practical motive that has nothing to do with transgenderism.