From the invisibility of bisexual people to the visibility of transgender people
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
Bisexual people are often neglected because, if they have a relationship with an opposite sex person, they seem heterosexual, while if they have a relationship with a person of the same sex, they seem gay or lesbian.
As a result, bisexual people are not very visible and rarely discussed in public or religious conversations. Their specific needs are generally not very understood and almost no public discussion has been dedicated to exploring the meaning of being bisexuals.
On the contrary, transgender people have gained much more public attention, especially thanks to the visibility of some transgender celebrities. (...)
However, this growing visibility had negative consequences. It has been noted that the increase in the visibility of transgender people was paid an increase in violence against them.
In 2015 there was an alarming number of murders and aggressions against transgender women, especially black transgender women and Latin. More visibility has also meant greater vulnerability.
For transgender people, the positive effects of being more recognized by society have been balanced by the increase in discrimination and violence.
For this reason, those who support the rights of transgender people must always balance the celebration of visibility with a concrete commitment for their safety.
* 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
