Compassion is not enough, with transgender people it serves inclusion
Text by Gene Robinson*, Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire (United States), taken from “Transgender Welcome: A Bishop Makes the Case for Affirmation“, Published by the Center for American Progress, January 2016, freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata project
Many people of faith are ready to show compassion towards transgender people. They say: "I don't want to judge, I just want to be kind", or: "We must all treat with love, even if we don't fully understand their experience".
Compassion is certainly an important starting point, but it is not enough. When we talk about transgender people, it's not just about being kind or to "tolerate" them, it's about justice.
Justice is not a feeling of pity. Justice concerns the recognition of the full dignity of each person and the right to live without discrimination, without fear, without shame.
Justice in the Bible
The Scriptures repeatedly speak of justice. In Michea's book we find a fundamental step:
"Man, you have been taught what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to practice justice, love mercy and humbly walk with your God." (Michea 6: 8)
We note that justice here comes before mercy. This tells us that authentic love must include justice. It is not enough to say: "I love you even if you are transgender", you have to say: "I recognize your value, your right to fully exist, your place in the world and in the community".
The Bible calls us not only to be good with the marginalized, but to fight to change the structures that oppress them.
From tolerance to the affirmation
In many religious communities, transgender people are "tolerated" on condition that they do not disturb the balance too much. This is unacceptable. The real welcome is not a tolerance with reserve, but a clear and joyful affirmation of their identity and dignity.
When we look at the history of LGBTQ+ people in churches, let's see a recurring model:
- Phase 1 - Total exclusion: LGBTQ+ people are rejected, condemned and banned by the community.
- Phase 2 - ACCEPTION WITH RESERVE: it is accepted that there are LGBTQ+ people in the community, but on condition that they do not make too much noise.
- Phase 3 - Open acceptance: it is said that they can be part of the Church, but still with some limit, perhaps without accessing the ministry.
- Phase 4 - Full inclusion: LGBTQ+ people are recognized for what they are, without reservations, without condition.
Many communities of faith are still between phase 2 and phase 3. But our goal must be phase 4: a full inclusion and celebration of the beauty and diversity of transgender people.
* Gene Robinson(born on May 29, 1947 in Lexington, Kentucky) was the first declaredly gay bishop and in a stable relationship to be consecrated in a great Christian denomination, the episcopal church of the United States. Ordained Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, his election aroused a global debate on the position of Christian churches with respect to homosexuality, causing tensions in Anglican communion.
Robinson has experienced his faith as an inclusion tool, supporting with passion the rights of LGBTQ+ people both in the Church and in society. Author of books such as“God Believes in Love”, recounted his personal and theological journey, underlining the importance of a welcoming Church. His legacy lies in the courage to affirm that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is a child of God, deserving of respect and dignity. His figure remains a symbol of openness and justice in the contemporary Church.
Original text:Transgender Welcome. A Bishop Makes the Case for Affirmation
