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Interviewed For Special Film by my Episcopal Church Diocese


VickySGV

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The Bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Los Angeles is retiring at the end of November and I was asked to be interviewed for a film that is being made to be shown at a special retirement dinner in two weeks.  I was very happy to do the interview although everyone knows how shy and stealthy I am about my transition.  (I will have to go to confession for that whopper,  I am not shy and very open.)

 

The real story is that Bishop Jon has been very supportive of the LGBT people in our Diocese which covers about 3/4 of Southern California.  In June of 2015 he let me actually change my Baptismal Name and openly blessed and sanctified it as my name for service in the church.  The Baptismal name change was done in the presence of my own priest and priests from two other churches that were with us that day for the Bishop's visit, both for my privacy, and to keep from changing the focus of the first time Baptism of several children who's other family members did not know me or my past. Later in the service  Bishop Jon re-Affirmed me in my Confirmation vows that I had taken 42 years before also in my "dead name".  That was confusing only to the non-Episcopalians, but the people of the other Episcopal parishes who know me very well were so wonderful and happy.

 

A question I was asked was why having my name changed in church was so important?   My name is my True Identity that I believe was always present in me.  It is more honestly and more authentically the person I was born to be.  (I threw in a scripture quote on that one.)  I am open, and lead by my own spiritual discernment, and not hidden and doing things because they were what other people expected of me. It is as important that my church accepts me FULLY as it is for my civil life, and one will help the other.

 

Another interview questions was about my service in the church, and I pointed out that I personally believe that Trans* people have very special gifts that all of us can use to show the church what love and acceptance means.  We have been through a unique journey to find and accept our True Selves and we can coach, guide and encourage cis and Trans* people to look deeper into themselves to become the most Authentic image of LIFE in themselves. 

 

I also got to make a plug for Gender Expansive young people, and what adults can learn from a child who feels free to live and express themselves openly and without shame.  I put in my old worn nickle on the subject of "Parental Ownership" of children as well.  Parents do not own their children, parents are stewards and trustees who are to help the child become their best, and not spoiled images of what the parent thinks they should be. 

 

I have to wait until November 4th to see what part of it they use ( I am one of 10 people they interviewed) but it will be fun seeing myself and how much of a blabbermouth I can be. 

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Sounds like a great video, Vicky.  I'm certain it will help people in your Diocese understand and support trans people.  You've done a great service to our community, and I am very proud of you.

 

:applause::goodjob:

 

Carolyn Marie

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I'd love to see the video!  Your journey with your faith is inspirational and i'm sure helps many.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

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