Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Kittredge Cherry
Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20) commemorates those who were killed due to anti-transgender prejudice. Spiritual and religious resources that affirm transgender people are presented here.
The annual event serves the dual purpose of honoring the dead and raising public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people—that is, transsexuals, crossdressers, and other gender-variant people.
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 to honor Rita Hester, an African American transgender woman murdered in Massachusetts on Nov. 28, 1998. The outpouring of grief and anger over her death led to the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a candlelight vigil in San Francisco. Since then it has grown into an international phenomenon observed around the world. Some also consider it a day of resistance and resilience as well as remembrance. Transgender Awareness Week is observed for the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
Transgender Day of Remembrance by Mikhaela ReidPolitical cartoonist Mikhaela Reid pictures some of the more prominent victims of anti-transgender violence in the illustration above. The include transgender man Brandon Teena, whose 1993 murder is told in the popular movie “Boys Don’t Cry.”
Some transgender murders were connected to U.S. immigration enforcement. In 2019, Johana Medina Leon, a transgender woman from El Salvador seeking U.S. asylum, died four days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement released her to a hospital in Texas, and Camila Diaz Cordova was killed in El Salvador after being deported from the United States.
Religious violence against queer or transgender people goes back at least as far as Biblical times and continued in the Middle Ages. A few of the many examples are saints Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake for cross-dressing and Wilgefortis, who was crucified for being a bearded woman.
Living as trans is a holy act
For Transgender Day of Remembrance, artist Angela Yarber painted the icon at the top of this post. It was inspired by a former congregant named Emily, a respected doctor who could not imagine being outed or transitioning in the medical community where she served.
Her tribute to the transgender woman who committed suicide was painted for the Tehom Center (formerly called Holy Women Icons Project) , where Yarber is founder and creative director. She is a painter, author, scholar, dancer, minister and LGBTQ-rights activist based in Hawaii and North Carolina. She earned a Ph.D. in art and religion from the Graduate Theological Union at the University of California in Berkeley. In 2020 she started a Holy Drag Queens series that “elevates the amazing queens who do sacred work in reminding all humanity of our dignity, fabulousness, and self-worth.” Nearly 50 color images of her folk feminist icons included in her book “Holy Women Icons.”
“Emily taught me what it means to remain faithful when the world and the church is unfaithful to you,” Yarber wrotes in an article about the painting. The reflection describes how Yarber painted the icon to honor the life and witness of Emily and other transgender people:
“In a world where trans people are demeaned, excluded, exoticized, invalidated, legislated against, and killed—the courage it takes for trans people to live fully into who they are is worthy of respect and honor. I dare say it is a holy act.”
Since 2009, Yarber has painted more than 100 Holy Women Icons. These colorful, folk feminist icons are displayed in homes and galleries all over the world. They are featured in her “Holy Women Icons” book and contemplative coloring book. For more info on Yarber, see my previous post “Artist paints holy lesbians and other women.”
Transgender teenager Gwen Araujo’s murder in 2002 also got national attention and led to the passage of the Gwen Araujo Justice for Victims Act in California. The law restricts the use of the gay/trans panic defense by criminal defendants.
Araujo is commemorated in “The Transfigured Body: A Requiem in Celebration of Gwen Araujo” by New-Age composer Christopher A. Flores and gay lyricist/priest Adrian Ravarour. They have joined forces on a variety of musical compositions on sacred LGBTQ themes. “The Transfigured Body” premiered in 2003 at Founders Metropolitan Community Church in Los Angeles.
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| Transgender Pride Flag |
Other spiritual resources for Transgender Day of Remembrance are available at TransFaith. Their previous website included this prayer by Rabbi Reuben Zellman, who became the first openly transgender person accepted to the Reform Jewish seminary Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati in 2003:
God full of mercy, bless the souls of all who are in our hearts on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. We call to mind today young and old, of every race, faith, and gender experience, who have died by violence. We remember those who have died because they would not hide, or did not pass, or did pass, or stood too proud. Today we name them: the reluctant activist; the fiery hurler of heels; the warrior for quiet truth; the one whom no one really knew.
As many as we can name, there are thousands more whom we cannot, and for whom no prayers may have been said. We mourn their senseless deaths, and give thanks for their lives, for their teaching, and for the brief glow of each holy flame. We pray for the strength to carry on their legacy of vision, bravery, and love.
And as we remember them, we remember with them the thousands more who have taken their own lives. We pray for resolve to root out the injustice, ignorance, and cruelty that grow despair. And we pray, God, that all those who perpetrate hate and violence will speedily come to understand that Your creation has many faces, many genders, many holy expressions.
Blessed are they, who have allowed their divine image to shine in the world.
Blessed is God, in whom no light is extinguished.
The list of people killed for being transgender is long and continues to grow. Let us remember them in prayer and in power.
In memory of: Gwen Araujo, Rita Hester, Brandon Teena, Leelah Alcorn, Chanelle Picket, Nakia Ladelle Baker, Debra Forte, Tyra Hunter, Joe Stevens, Logan Smith, Jessica Mercado, Terrianne Summers, Venus Xtravaganza, Chanel Chandler, Camila Diaz Cordova, Muhlaysia Booker, Layleen Cubilette-Polanco, Johana Medina Leon, Jazzaline Ware, Jordan Cofer… and all others who died due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
The Altar Cross of LGBTQ Martyrs from Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco features photos of transgender woman Gwen Araujo, Matthew Shepard, Harvey Milk, and others.
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/
New in 2024: Transgender Christian books
March 31, 2024
“Trans The*logy Without Apology: Using Art, Narrative and Historical-Critical Exegesis to Celebrate Transfiguration and Trans Aesthetic in the Bible” by Megan Rohrer. Published by Wilgefortis.
May 31, 2024
“Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-binary Lives” by Alex Clare-Young. 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.
Transgender Christian books: New in 2022
“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, August 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.
Transgender Christian books: New in 2021
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.
“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.
Warning: Price is more than $100.
“Trans and Genderqueer Subjects in Medieval Hagiography” by Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt (editors).
The 2021 scholarly book uses queer theory to examine medieval texts by and about gender non-conforming saints who resisted the standard gender binary. The collection showcases scholarship by emerging trans and genderqueer authors, as well as established writers. Whole chapters are devoted to Mother Juana de la Cruz, Joseph of Schonau, Saint Katherine of Alexandria, Patriarch Ignatios (Ignatius of Constantinople), Euphrosine, Marinos the Monk and much 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. It was published by Amsterdam University Press.
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)
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)
Nancy Ledins became first transgender Roman Catholic priest in 1979 (Q Spirit)
William Dorsey Swann: Ex-slave fought for queer freedom in 1880s as America’s first drag queen (Q Spirit)
Transgender women asylum seekers: Detention led to death for Roxsana Hernandez and Johana Medina (Q Spirit)
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) Transgender Day of Remembrance Resources
A Kaddish Prayer for International Transgender Day of Remembrance by H. Adam Ackley (HuffPost)
An All Hallows’ Eve Vigil to Begin Transgender Awareness Month by H. Adam Ackley (Huff Post)
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Top image credit:
“Emily (Transgender Day of Remembrance 2016)” by Angela Yarber
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This post is part of the LGBTQ Calendar series by Kittredge Cherry. The series celebrates religious and spiritual holidays, events in LGBTQ history, holy days, feast days, festivals, anniversaries, liturgical seasons and other occasions of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people of faith and our allies.
This article was originally published on Q Spirit in November 2016, was expanded with new material over time, and was most recently updated on March 30, 2024.
This article claims that Joan of Arc and Wilgefortis are examples of “queer or transgender” “saints” who were subjected to “religious violence”; but Wilgefortis is not a saint (the Catholic Church has said there was no such person), and Joan of Arc said bluntly that she identified as a woman since she always called herself “the maiden” (“la pucelle”) as her designation, which means she didn’t identify as transgender. The “cross-dressing” charge was explained by several eyewitnesses who said she told them she continued wearing her soldier’s outfit in prison so she could securely lace the various parts together with cords so her English guards couldn’t pull her clothing off when they tried to rape her. Her previous usage of this clothing was also for practical reasons during the military campaigns after she had been given this clothing to wear by the soldiers who brought her to Chinon. A practical motive does not indicate a “transgender” or “queer” identity.