Several years ago, a church member invited me to attend a Transgender Day of Remembrance event in Atlanta.  Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), Nov. 20, was created to remember transgender people who have been murdered. 

I had long been an advocate for people who are trans; I knew about the high rates of murder for people who are trans, particularly, for transgender women of color.  But that TDOR event changed me.Being in a room with so many beautiful people, people who lived with the awareness that violence against them is possible every time they leave the house…I was inspired by their courage to live as their true selves. 

In addition to inspiring me, that TDOR event also compelled me to make a firm commitment to do everything in my power as a Christian pastor to support people in the transgender community. I believe God creates every human being in God’s own image. I believe that every person is loved by God and worthy of human dignity.  I believe that, as human beings, we have a responsibility – and the gift – of doing everything we can to honor the dignity of every single human being, every beloved child of God.

And so, as a Christian pastor, I believe that if some beautiful children of God need medication or surgery to live as their true selves, it’s our responsibility – and gift – to help them.  Denying beautiful children of God the healthcare they so desperately need is not only unjust.  It’s cruel.

It was my Christian faith that showed me my worth in God’s eyes.  It was my own Scriptures that told me I am “wonderfully and fearfully made.”  It was from church that I learned how deeply loved by God I am.  As a pastor, it is my joy to share that good news with all God’s children, including those who are transgender.

Rev. Dr. Kimberleigh Buchanan serves as pastor of United Church in Tallahassee, an open and affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ.

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