Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

For Christians who also happen to be Transgender...


LittleRed

Recommended Posts

Hello,

 

I deeply love Jesus and I also happen to be genderfluid (recent discovery). In some searching for like minded people who believe the way I do, I stumbled across a closed group on Facebook called "Transgender Christians". You'll find a very loving group of Christians who GET YOU and want to SUPPORT YOU. 

 

Enjoy ?

 

Jennifer

Link to comment
  • Admin
10 hours ago, LittleRed said:

I stumbled across a closed group on Facebook called "Transgender Christians"

 

I am on that site myself and have been there for about a month, it has not been there for long.  I have to warn people there that I do not speak quite the same "dialect" of Christianity that many do, since I am not a Bible literalist.  I am also much more into self managed (via prayer) than clergy managed daily office.   Our journey through the Transition to the peace of self acceptance and serenity cannot be gauged or evaluated by a non-trans person, nor do I believe that any other human can live my journey on the way of the Cross.

Link to comment

Vicky, I understand and respect that. Everyone's journey is going to be unique to them. This journey has just begun (literally) for me and I may just find out the same - or it may not.

 

I didn't realize the group had not been there for long. I'll have to see where this group takes things. Who knows, it might be interesting.

Link to comment
  • 5 months later...

I’m confused why God would create a woman’s mind and feelings in a man’s body? Can anyone answer this question for me? 

 

Tessa

Link to comment
  • Admin
11 minutes ago, Tessa said:

I’m confused why God would create a woman’s mind and feelings in a man’s body?

 

A better way to see it, is a mind that identifies with things "The World" (aka society) has divided as male or female with that mind in hard disagreement with what is ordered for it based only on body parts.  There are only a very tiny number of things one sexual designation can do that the other cannot.  Beyond those things, neither "gender" needs to be stuck with behaviors that the individuals wish to perform.  I can go over a list of things men are supposed to do by society that are done equally well by each gender.   It is mankind that has created the confusion, not God. 

 

The  other distinct reason that I see for why this would confuse us is that God is more complicated and truly awesome than God is usually given credit. God gave it to us as a gift to help love creations all the more.  Confusion presents problems for men to solve and resolve, but it takes work.  When humans put perceived human limits on God as God's traits, they have created God in their image and not delved into the truly wide and exciting ways they are much more than they  can imagine. 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Right.  "We" have divided us, not God.  We need to fix this problem and we're making slow inroads. 

 

Link to comment

I believe In God and Jesus as well. I know God created me to be exactly where and who I am at this exact time and place. I also know God loves me. I know that Jesus died for me. I have a very strong and personal relationship with the trinity. Being yourself and loving yourself and others is what God wants. Kindness and compassion in your heart. Man has used the Bible and Distorted God's word to benefit himself. Used it to control people by fear. Idk, I don't have much faith in humanity but I'm trying. I get really upset when supposed "Christians" preach hate and intolerance. Anyways, it's just my opinion and experience. 

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...

I agree as well with Ashlee and Mary Ellen. This is what I try to live by all my life.  Sometimes I am a little too loving and have lost a lot for it. But I am just more aware and cautious, not less loving.  Jesus' main instruction was to love one another. Intolerance is not love. What do we think his example of talking to the Samaritan woman at the well meant?  They were a hated race then, and he just blew their intolerance out of the water.  Don't you think that is what we should do too?

Link to comment

I haven’t been on this site for awhile. I know it’s here when I need it. My woman’s wardrobe has actually increased. I have added dresses, mini skirts, and others to my wardrobe. I love fully dressing as Tessa. I put on an outfit and wig and just sit on the couch and watch a movie by myself. I was brave enough to sit out on my porch fully dressed as Tessa this weekend. I would love to dress and look like her all the time but I’m afraid of judgements. If it wasn’t for my facial hair I could probably get by.  I notice myself wanting to look at dresses in stores but I am to embarrassed to do so. I go to Walmart late at night and buy dresses when less people are shopping. I go through the self check isle. Why am I afraid of what people will think? I still don’t know what to make of the verse in the Bible that says no effeminate men will go to heaven. It’s not like I get just stop the feeling. I feel complete and more confident being Tessa. My brothers would never accept me and my ex will use it against me. My friend said I have a personality disorder. When I’m Tessa I fully know who I am and what I do. So for now Tessa is a secret until I can just get over caring what people think and bring her fully to life.  The minute I’m alone in my apt I become her and it’s like a refreshing shower after a long day! I feel like I’m in my right skin. I only wear panties under my clothes when out in public. I try to pick out guy clothes that are bright and can be unisex. It helps. Thanks for listening ?‍?

 

Tessa❤️

Link to comment
  • Admin
1 minute ago, Tessa said:

I still don’t know what to make of the verse in the Bible that says no effeminate men will go to heaven.

 

The word mistranslated as effeminate in English has nothing to do with being like females.  The term meant those who took advantage of less able people and who assumed false power over the weak and unprotected Temple Prostitutes of other religion who may well have been young boys who were molested for religious reasons.  Most of the passages with this type of thing referred to religious and social practices OUTSIDE the Christian communities which were small and local at the times the passages were written.  You may not convince your relatives of this without using a 4 x 4 post to the head (and maybe not then) but I doubt the real items mentioned apply to you personally or Trans as a whole.  The claim that Sodom was demolished for Homosexuality is refuted in the Bible in both OT and NT, the OT issue in Deuteronomy is not about cross dressing, it is about mistreating the disabled.  The passage you are at odds with is also a place where translation has been goofed up., big time.

Link to comment

Thanks, my mom pointed this out to me when I was brave enough to show them my wig on. My step dad laughed at me a little and it seemed to stress out my mom. I want to feel like me. I’m trying to be strong but I think I am still to self conscious.  Do you think I would be safe to maybe dress like Tessa and go to a park? Why can’t I be brave and just do it! It’s so frustrating. Anyway, thanks for answering. 

 

?‍? Tessa

Link to comment
  • Admin
Just now, Tessa said:

Do you think I would be safe to maybe dress like Tessa and go to a park?

 

 

Why don't you see if there is an LGBT Community Center near you?  They will have programs where Tessa will be safe and new friends to boot.  OutNebraska in Lincoln is listed with a nationwide network of LGBT centers which one I belong to is part of.  The park is not a bad idea, and going out early morning of in the evening when it is safest is probably fine.  I am Episcopalian and if  you call ahead to find out exactly how the Rector or Vicar thinks it would be at that parish, I am betting on Tessa being accepted fully, the church as a national body fully accepts Trans people and has Canon Law to that effect.

Link to comment
5 hours ago, Tessa said:

verse in the Bible that says no effeminate men will go to heaven.

Yeah, Vicky is 100% right with her unpacking for you, the Bible does not say this Tessa. If you are talking about Corinthians Paul is trying to convince the church at Corinth not to copy the cultic practices of the churches around it.  That's why in the following verse even those who had come to faith from those churches were forgiven and accepted through Christ who didn't come to condemn the world but save it. When it comes to guidance from the Bible take Christs commandments as your yardstick.

I use the self service checkouts most of the time too, I haven't been brave enough to go out to a store as Dee yet, but being myself out on a woodland walk felt fantastic. Just dress and be sensible about it, most women do not wear loads of makeup for a walk around the park. I do know when I bought perfume or clothes for my ex or sisters as birthday or christmas presents I was never self conscious and would happily ask for help, I was sent on many an errand for tights and had to ask to get the right denier - never an issue - it is just because I know I am looking for myself I get embarrassed and it becomes a big deal, once I am in that section browsing is fine though regardless of who else wanders down the aisle. :) 

Link to comment

I have reached out to a community center in my area for support. I will wait for them to contact me. I want to be who I am without shame knowing I’m doing what I was called to do on this earth. Life is so confusing right now. My daughter got suspended and my son is going through anger issues. I don’t know if this is all due to the divorce. So I feel my issues shouldn’t matter right now. It’s a hard time for me. 

 

Tessa?‍?

Link to comment
  • Admin
1 hour ago, Tessa said:

I have reached out to a community center in my area for support. I will wait for them to contact me.

 

It's ok to keep on them as far as contact goes.  I am a Director at my local LGBT Community Center and have to get on some of the others in regard to returning contact calls. 

 

1 hour ago, Tessa said:

My daughter got suspended and my son is going through anger issues. I don’t know if this is all due to the divorce.

it very likely is issues surrounding the divorce.  Both you and your spouse need to get counseling for them, and give them a part in the formation of your new family relationship structure that they can own.  All of your lives, not just the two parents, are involved in this, and being out of control is a huge source of anger and acting out that you describe here.

 

1 hour ago, Tessa said:

So I feel my issues shouldn’t matter right now. It’s a hard time for me.  

 

Your issues actually need to come BEFORE the other family members, since if you are wounded and in pain, you cannot be effective in dealing with their pain.  I know that from experience, hard, terrible experience, both as a child of divorcing parents, and as a divorcing parent of 3 children of my own.  It digs a hole all of you must climb out of if you do not care for all of yourself, instead of simply walking over rocky but more level ground where your work can be better concentrated.

Link to comment

Thank you. 

 

Since my ex was very controlling I never really got to know who I was. As I age I’m beginning to see there are sides of me left undiscovered due to that they never showed themselves in the marriage. It was always about her never me. So I adopted the attitude that I don’t matter. The hard part for me is finding someone who will accept me. I know my female side is dominant but how dominant? 

 

Yesterday I was at a bar and I was being socialable and I had these guys laughing. 

They were laughing at a story I was telling them. I felt like I was flirting with them more than just guy talk. I know that I am not gay but trans. There is still that uncomfortable feeling around men that I don’t fit in. No matter what I do it always comes down to this feeling. 

 

I am a very open person and many people complete strangers tell me about their personal lives. I feel I’m here for all people but yet I don’t understand myself completely.  

 

Is it ok to feel sexy? To want to get people’s attention? I feel it’s wrong and that I should just stay quiet and reserved but that never works for me. I dress in bright colors and my personality is always bright. Even on the toughest days I can wear a smile. I guess that’s just a part of me.  I love that part! 

 

I’m rambling now....

 

Tessa

Link to comment
  • Admin
Just now, Tessa said:

 

Is it ok to feel sexy? To want to get people’s attention?

 

You bet your best lipstick it is OK!!  LOL

Link to comment
23 hours ago, VickySGV said:

 

The word mistranslated as effeminate in English has nothing to do with being like females.  The term meant those who took advantage of less able people and who assumed false power over the weak and unprotected Temple Prostitutes of other religion who may well have been young boys who were molested for religious reasons.  Most of the passages with this type of thing referred to religious and social practices OUTSIDE the Christian communities which were small and local at the times the passages were written.  You may not convince your relatives of this without using a 4 x 4 post to the head (and maybe not then) but I doubt the real items mentioned apply to you personally or Trans as a whole.  The claim that Sodom was demolished for Homosexuality is refuted in the Bible in both OT and NT, the OT issue in Deuteronomy is not about cross dressing, it is about mistreating the disabled.  The passage you are at odds with is also a place where translation has been goofed up., big time.

 

So many of the words and concepts that seem to give people power over others because they see their world spinning out of control have absolutely nothing to do with the actual context that was intended by the original author. First we have to understand the culture of the day, completely, and not some bible story fantasyland that’s been created by a modern puritanical interpretation of the culture. It’s difficult to truly grasp because we don’t live in that culture. Second we have a language barrier that is exacerbated by the culture and translation of the people who edited the words to suit their own agenda several times over in the last 2000 years, but without a full understanding of idiom and metaphor in the original language it can be an obstacle to understanding the original message. Then we have to look at the overall theme of the whole collection of texts and see if these negative mandates actually agree with the universal spiritual principles that transcend all cultures and beliefs. Suffice it to say that many things have been discovered to be grossly misinterpreted, sometimes deliberately, sometimes because of the lack of context, that are always being rediscovered in a new, more genuine light. Unfortunately most people are resistant to being corrected about these things because it forces them to admit that they don’t have power over others they don’t agree with, and that’s why they fight vehemently over issues such as what the Bible says about social behavior and sexuality. They want certainty and control and anything that puts them in the uncomfortable position of re-evaluating it is a threat. Sadly it’s only an imaginary threat but they take it seriously. Why? Because the fear dynamic is so ingrained in the mind of the average person in a religious household that they don’t know what to do without it. Margaret Atwood has explored in her writing how this misinterpretation and fear dynamic can spin out of control and become oppressive. It’s our job to bring these things to light in an ongoing dialogue and to resist the trap of choosing an echo chamber to live in. It doesn’t have to be in the streets on a milk crate but in passing conversion, or even in blogging, or a YouTube video. 

 

I saw my own father fall for the fear dynamic and retreat into the safety of the Jewish interpretation of scripture only for it to scare him because he realized that what he thought was true was challenged by actually understanding the original language. So then he reacted to this by burying his head in the sandpit of Lutheranism which is even further removed from the original languages. It’s interpretations rely more on the Latin translation of the original languages. So he demonstrated just how far in denial most people are that they seek out their own echo chamber in order to avoid confronting truth. That’s disturbing alone but even more disturbing to me because many of the concepts of Luther were borrowed by the Nazis.

Link to comment

Months ago I purchased this book by Suzanne DeWitt Hall Transfigured:  A 40-day journey through scripture for gender-queer and transgender people ( https://www.amazon.com/Transfigured-journey-scripture-gender-queer-transgender-ebook/dp/B07F5ZGNV8/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=transfigured+suzanne&qid=1555453982&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull)

 

I found it extremely helpful and very validating. It cleared up a lot of areas in the bible where it's being used to shame transgender people out of being who they truly are. It explains much of why we are the way we are and why its good. I'll be honest that I've only read through 2/3 of it (its a daily devotional) but it is truly freeing.

 

Another thing is that being Transgender is NOT as sin and was explained so well by this pastor: https://baptistnews.com/article/why-being-transgender-is-not-a-sin/

Link to comment
  • Admin

Suzanne and her wife Diane De Witt /Hall are friends of mine and I have read the books as well.  All very good.

Link to comment
Just now, VickySGV said:

Suzanne and her wife Diane De Witt /Hall are friends of mine and I have read the books as well.  All very good.

 

They seem like wonderful people!

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   4 Members, 0 Anonymous, 115 Guests (See full list)

    • April Marie
    • Betty K
    • MaryEllen
    • MirandaB
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.7k
    • Total Posts
      768.5k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,029
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Selkimur
    Newest Member
    Selkimur
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. BraxtonLee
      BraxtonLee
      (26 years old)
    2. Bryanna
      Bryanna
      (45 years old)
    3. Jayde1
      Jayde1
    4. Mireya
      Mireya
      (66 years old)
    5. Shellianne_Kay83
      Shellianne_Kay83
      (41 years old)
  • Posts

    • April Marie
      I read each of your entries and learn so much. Thank you, especially, for the TransCentralPA info. I have been looking fora group and activities where I could express myself safely and with support. I missed this year's conference but next year might be possible and I am going to look at their other events, too.
    • April Marie
      Leadership and Management, the differences and similarities between the two as well as the applications of military leadership principles across the spectrum of professions.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      I have read numerous accounts of trans folk no longer being welcome among evangelicals.   I am here for help and fellowship not to rebuke anyone.  I can take a pretty high degree of insult, etc., and you haven't insulted me, to my recollection anyway :) and I usually let it go.  But I thought I would let it all out there.   I am sure I disagree with you on numerous issues.  I appreciate other people's viewpoints, including those who radically disagree with me.  Intellectual challenge is good. One thing I appreciate about @MaeBe.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Congrats!
    • Sally Stone
      Post 8 “The Ohio Years” We moved to Pittsburgh because of the job with US Airways.  The job involved classroom instruction and simulator training, but no actual flying, so I kept looking for an actual pilot position.  A year after signing on with US Airways I got hired to fly business jets.  The company was located in Cleveland, Ohio, but I was flown commercially from my home in Pittsburgh to where my aircraft was located, making it unnecessary to live near company headquarters.    My flight scheduled consisted of eight days on duty with seven days off.  Having seven days off in a row was great but being gone from home eight days in a row was difficult.  For the first few years the flying was fun, but after a while the eight flying days in a row, were taking their toll on me.  Those days were brutal, consisting of very long hours and a lot of flying time.  Usually, I came home exhausted and need three days just to recover from the work week.  Flying for a living is glamorous until you actually do it.  Quickly, it became just a job.    After five years as a line captain, I became a flight department manager, which required we live near company headquarters.  That meant a move to Cleveland.  Working in the office meant I was home every night but as a manager, the schedule was still challenging.  I would work in the office all week and then be expected to go out and fly the line on weekends.  I referred to it as my “5 on 2 on” schedule, because it felt as though I had no time off at all.   About the same time, we moved to Cleveland, my wife and I became “empty nesters,” with one son in the military and the other away at college.  Sadly, my work schedule didn’t leave much time for Sally.  Add to the fact that while Cleveland is an awesome city, I just never felt comfortable expressing my feminine side.  Most of my outings, and believe me there weren’t enough, occurred while I was on vacation and away from home.   One of the most memorable outings occurred over a long weekend.  I had stumbled across an online notice for a spring formal being held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, hosted by a local trans group there.  I reached out to Willa to see if she was up for an excellent adventure.  She was, so I picked her up and we drove to Harrisburg together.    The formal was held on Saturday evening and we had the absolute best time.  It turned out that organizers were a group named TransCentralPA.  Everyone was wonderful and I made a lot of new friends that evening.  We learned the spring formal was one of the group’s annual events but for the following year, instead of a spring formal, the group wanted to do a local transgender conference.  That local conference would become the Keystone Conference, and I would attend every year for the next 12.  My move to the west coast was the only reason I stopped attending annually.  I went to the first annual Keystone Conference as an attendee, but in subsequent years I served as a volunteer and as a workshop presenter; more about those in the next installment.   For my Cleveland years, the Keystone Conference would be my major outlet for feminine self-expression.  Yes, I did get out on other occasions, but they were too infrequent.  The managerial job just didn’t allow me the freedom I needed to adequately live my feminine life, and my frustration level was slowly, but steadily on the rise.  It amazed me how adversely not being able to express the feminine half of my personality was affecting my happiness.   However, a major life change was upcoming, and while it would prove to be a significant challenge in many ways, the events would ultimately benefit my female persona.  First, my mom and dad got sick.  They were in and out of the hospital and required personal care.  My wife and I did our best but living in Cleveland, we were too far from them to give them the support they both needed.  Second, I was experiencing serious job burn out.  I decided I need to find another job and I needed to be closer to my parents.    Things changed for the better when I got hired by an aviation training company as a flight simulator instructor.  I would be training business jet pilots.  The training facility was located in New Jersey, which put us much closer to my parents, and the work schedule was much better for quality of life.  Most importantly, this life change would help Sally re-emerge and once again flower.    Hugs,   Sally       
    • Mmindy
      I made a living talking about bulk liquids in cargo tanks transportation as a driver and mechanic. Safe loading/unloading, cleaning and inspecting, as well as emergency response scenarios.   Hazmat and fire behavior in the fire service as well as emergency vehicle operations and safe driving. "It was on fire when they called you. It will be on fire when you get there." Arrive ready to work. I could also talk about firefighter behavioral  heath and the grieving process.   The real fun thing is I can do this for people who are not Truck Drivers or Fire Fighters. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Citizen Tax payers about Public Safety Education.   I love public speaking,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • Mmindy
      Congratulations to the mom and family @Ivy on the addition of another child.   Hugs,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • MaeBe
      Congrats to you and yours!
    • Ashley0616
      YAY! Congratulations on a granddaughter!
    • Ashley0616
      I recommend CarComplaints.com | Car Problems, Car Complaints, & Repair/Recall Information. A lot of good information
    • LucyF
      I've got Spironolactone ___mg and Evorel ___mcg Patches (2 a week) going up to ___mg after 4 weeks 
    • Ivy
      Got a new Granddaughter this morning.  Mother and child (and father) are doing fine. This makes 7 granddaughters and one grandson.  I have 2 sons and 6 daughters myself.  And then I  switched teams.  I think this stuff runs in the family. Another hard day for the patriarchy.
    • Ivy
      Like @MaeBe pointed out, Trump won't do these things personally.  I doubt that he actually gives a rat's a$$ himself.  But he is the foot in the door for the others.   I don't really see this.  Personally, I am all in favor of "traditional" families.  I raised my own kids this way and it can work fine.  But I think we need to allow for other variations as well.   One thing working against this now is how hard it is for a single breadwinner to support a family.  Many people (I know some) would prefer "traditional" if they could actually afford it.  Like I mentioned, we raised our family with this model, but we were always right at the poverty level.   I was a "conservative evangelical" for most of my life, actually.  So I do understand this.  Admittedly, I no longer consider myself one. I have family members still in this camp.  Some tolerate me, one actually rejects me.  I assure you the rejection is on her side, not mine.  But, I understand she believes what she is doing is right - 'sa pity though. I mean no insult toward anyone on this forum.  You're free to disagree with me.  Many people do.   This is a pretty complex one.  Socialism takes many forms, many of which we accept without even realizing it.  "Classism" does exist, for what it's worth.  Always has, probably always will.  But I don't feel like that is a subject for this forum.   As for the election, it's shaping up to be another one of those "hold your nose" deals.
    • Ivy
      Just some exerts regarding subjects of interest to me.
    • Ivy
      Yeah.  In my early teens I trained myself out of a few things that I now wish I hadn't.
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...