In a service that moved not only those in the congregation but also thousands online, a 51-year-old pastor revealed she was a trans woman. At the church service, she introduced herself as Phillipa Phaneuf and said she lived pretending to be something she was not.
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On November 23, at the North Chili United Church in Rochester, New York, United States, the Methodist pastor made the announcement. “I didn’t come into ministry to talk about myself or my personal life, but sometimes there are things that happen in pastors’ personal lives that become public,” she said in a video shared online by the church.
Phillipa went on to say that she was happy to announce that she was transitioning. Wearing a rainbow-colored stole, she said: “I’m telling you all that I’m transgender and the best way to explain it is to say that I’m not becoming a woman. I’m giving up pretending to be a man.”
Speaking to the congregation about what she was going to change, she mentioned that her voice could be a little higher pitched. “My pronouns are she, his – but I’m not going to be the pronoun police, because I don’t think anyone makes mistakes out of malice,” he commented.
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The pastor made the announcement during a service
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Pastor became emotional during revelation to congregation
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She reveals she received a lot of love and support from her congregation
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On social networks, Phillipa proudly assumes her true identity
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In one of the moving moments that revealed how tight-knit the faith community is, Phillipa said it would become known for being an even safer space for those who feel marginalized.
“Notice I said ‘an even safer space.’ I didn’t say we would become one, because I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if I didn’t feel the love and support from all of you,” he said, moving the audience.
According to Phillipa, the United Methodist Church supports her decision, as do other members of the religious group, including the bishop and the district superintendent. In interviews with American media, she said she felt surrounded by loving kindness.
Unfortunately, the pastor’s parents are not part of this group. “They messaged me this morning and asked me to tell you all that they don’t support me and that they chose their beliefs and convictions over supporting their daughter. But that’s okay, we all have to live the way we live.”
Finally, Phillipa revealed that she was truly happy for the first time in a long time. “It’s been an enriching experience. It’s a beautiful thing and it’s the happiness we want for the people in our lives, right?”
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