The Church vs.
Transgender Faith Rev. Dr. Orlando Jermaine Bego
A
recent controversy erupted over comedian Dave Chappelle’s “The Closer” stand-up act on Netflix. It received backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community over comments made that were perceived as transphobic. Chappelle even sarcastically referred to himself as
aligning with TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists). As clergy/pastor, I believe that our religious perspective on transgender inclusion is marred with Christian overtones of oppression steeped in a hegemony response to misogyny. This is a subject that Christians cannot ignore or evade. We need to evaluate and carefully respond to the issue. What’s more, we need to do so in a consistently Christian fashion. Theological debates on LGBTQIA2S+
We
are
not
discussing
whether
issues have centered around various topics;
transgender people are “born of a woman” or
however, they are absent of discussions on
whether
transgender people.
children. It is, however, related to what
Chappel says, “Gender is a fact. Every human being on Earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on earth.” I agree
transgender
people
can
have
gender we are born as, and what gender identity is assigned. Churches
across
denominational
with this statement (not sure for how long),
affiliations have taken positions that require
that every human is born of a woman. Even
members
Jesus was born of a woman. But, have we
transgender people. There is a sharp divide
been making too much of this sacred text? I
along religious lines over whether it is
believe yes, but perhaps not for the reason
possible for someone to be a gender different
you would expect. This similar phrase “born
from their sex at birth. Consequently,
of a woman” is found throughout the Bible
transgender people have been made to feel
and other early Christian texts.
that they must choose between their faith and
to
April/May 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter
express
17
opposition
to
