https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/speak-and-act-for-trans-lives/
https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements/Human-Sexuality
https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements/Sexism
https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Messages/Gender-Violence
https://www.reconcilingworks.org/resources/
Questions for reflection:
What is an assumption you had about transgender young people or this conversation?
What would it look like in your context if we boldly, loudly, joyfully celebrated transgender and nonbinary young people?
What is one action you can take this week to move you towards that?
---
The church is a better, more faithful place when transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive young people are a part of it. The debate around transgender children rages, making it more important than ever for people of faith to understand Gods call to love and affirm young people in who God created them to be.
We heard from parent, author, and ELCA Coach Jamie Bruesehoff, who shared their experience as a parent of a transgender young person and what it has taught them about boldly, loudly, and joyfully celebrating the young people in our midst and advocating for them in our ministry settings and beyond.
Jamie Bruesehoff (she/they) is a nationally-known speaker, award-winning LGBTQ+ advocate, and a heartfelt writer. Rooted in her queer identity, her experiences raising a transgender child, and two decades of youth and outdoor ministry experience, Jamie Bruesehoff equips leaders to create safer, more inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA people of all ages. Her family and their work have been featured by media outlets and organizations around the world, including Disney, NPR, Good Morning America, USA Today, Forbes, Marvel, People, Parents, Trevor Project, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign. Jamie holds an M.A. in Religion from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Her upcoming book, Raising Kids Beyond the Binary: Celebrating God's Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children, is available for pre-order wherever books are sold.
We invite you to bring a spirit of curiosity to these gatherings, and especially to all aspects of your life and ministry. What are you noticing? Where is Spirit moving? How are you being invited to participate?
