Gender Stories Series
What does it mean to be transgender or nonbinary?
This series was originally a live podcast/vlog. All sessions were recorded and are available below.
What do people mean when they refer to themselves as transgender or nonbinary? Right now transgender and nonbinary people are frequently in the news, usually in connection with fearful backlashes and anti-trans legislation. How can the Church respond in a Christlike way?
The best place to start is by hearing from trans and nonbinary people directly. In this series, we will listen to the stories of several individuals who have unique experiences of gender. The goal is not debate, but rather to see the faces and hear the voices of real people whose stories can help us to see the world through their eyes. I’m excited to introduce you to these guests!
While I frequently speak and write on sexuality, I’m less versed in the gender identity conversation. I’m still learning. Come learn alongside me.
Meet the Guests
Episode 1: Karen Keen and Sally Gary
Karen and Sally introduce the series and discuss their own experience of gender as gay women. Studies show gay people have higher rates of being gender atypical. Why is that? Sally and Karen explore this particular gender experience through their own stories. Karen Keen is a biblical scholar and spiritual care provider with The Redwood Center for Spiritual Care and Education. And Sally Gary is the executive director of the Christian ministry CenterPeace, which serves LGBTQ folk, parents of LGBTQ loved ones, as well as pastors and ministry leaders.
Video of Karen and Sally now posted! Click HERE.
Episode 2: Grace Thomas
Grace is a committed follower of Jesus with a call to ministry. She is also a trans woman. She served 32 years as a pastor in a conservative denomination. Deeply committed to Scripture, Grace has spent hundreds of hours investigating the best scholarship on both sides of the LGBTQ divide. She also works tirelessly helping parents discover that they can both love God and love their LGBTQ children.
Video of Grace Thomas now posted! Click HERE.
Episode 3: Jen Eckles
Jen Eckles is a former audiologist turned substitute teacher, who goes above and beyond to serve kids in the local public school district. They are also trained as a spiritual director. Raised in a conservative Christian context, Jen now identifies as spiritual, but not religious. Jen has a compassionate heart for the LGBTQ community, as someone who also identifies as both nonbinary and bisexual.
Video of Jen Eckles now posted! Click HERE.
Episode 4: Lucas Hall
Lucas is a seminarian at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he is working toward a dual degree (Master of Divinity, as well as Master of Social Work). A devout follower of Jesus with a desire to make a difference, Lucas has served in ministry roles at church, as well as in the community, particularly with at-risk youth. He also works to create greater understanding of the trans experience, including through sharing his own story.
Video of Lucas Hall now posted! CLICK HERE.
Episode 5: Toby Rose
For the past four years, Toby has volunteered as a church leader in youth ministry. They also enjoy using their musical gifts to lead worship. Toby attended Vanderbilt University on a full-ride scholarship based, in part, on their skill playing the trombone. They also earned a Master’s degree in education. Toby, who identifies as nonbinary, currently works as a musician, music teacher, and chef.
Video of Toby Rose now posted! Click HERE.
Episode 6: Grace Thomas and Karen Keen
Hear from Grace Thomas once again! Karen Keen and Grace Thomas discuss “Discerning God’s Will.”
Second video of Grace Thomas now posted! Click HERE.
Don’t miss the national CenterPeace Conference October 24-26 in Dallas, Texas! This is an amazing time of worship and community for LGBTQ Christians, parents of LGBTQ people, allies, and pastors and ministry leaders. Come see what God is doing!
