Trans and Attending Seminary
Trans and Attending Seminary
Former Liberty University student, Lucas Hall shares about seminary, being transgender, and the Christian life.
Gender Stories is a series seeking to better understand the experiences of gender atypical, transgender, and non-binary people, all from a Christian perspective. See the schedule of upcoming live interviews.
It’s not every day that we meet a trans student who attended Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University, but Lucas Hall is unique in many ways. As he reports, he attended the school because it had an online program that worked for him, and overall his experience was good. Now he has continued his studies at seminary.
In this fifth episode of the Gender Stories series, I’ve noticed a common refrain from most of the interviews: people often noticed they were different from a young age, particularly in how they experienced gender compared to their peers. This was generally not understood by adults or peers, sometimes leading to a sense of loneliness.
But Lucas is a living example of the slogan, “It Gets Better!” Despite going through much heartache and turmoil, he kept putting one foot in front of the other and is now thriving. He attributes his faith in God as a significant source of strength over the years.
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.
Click on the video image below to watch/listen. Or click here.
Reflection Questions:
1. What stands out to you the most from Lucas’s story? Why do you think that is?
2. What insights did Lucas share about being transgender and mental health?
3. What are specific and practical ways that you might help young people with different gender experiences to feel less alone?
Want to chat about your thoughts on gender?
If you have watched at least one video in the Gender Stories series, come to a LIVE, private, group discussion this Monday, May 27th at 7:30pm Central Time on Zoom. This will be an open conversation for anyone who wants to chat (no presentation). To receive the Zoom link, subscribe to this Substack.
Need support as a Christian parent of an LGBTQ loved one?
Last chance to register for the June 7-9 parent retreat in Michigan, facilitated by Christian ministry, CenterPeace. Come fellowship with other Christian parents of LGBTQ children (youth or adult) and be encouraged. ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT!