Stephanie Kay
10-19-2008, 04:31 PM
Hi girls,
I just got home from one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had as Stephanie. I went to church! I have been looking for a public place where people could meet me and get to know me only as Stephanie. My friends Richard and Alice told me about the Unitarian-Universalist Church they attend in Madison. They told me that the minister and congregation is very accepting of diversity and the minister had just gotten done teaching a couple classes last spring about gender diversity (TS, TG, CD, etc.). They invited me to come to the service this morning. I agreed.
At the start of the service the minister asked any one who was new there to introduce themselves. So I took a deep breath, stood up and said, "Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am a transgendered person. I have never been to church this way before and am a little nervous. I am looking forward to meeting you." The people all smiled at me and welcomed me wholeheartedly! I sat down and felt a warm wave of love sweep over me!!!
After the service many of the people came up and personally welcomed me and said that they hoped I would come back. I spoke with the minister and he actually thanked me and said that he was honored to have me and give his congregation the opportunity to meet me. He invited and encouraged me to return anytime!!
Before I left I had a few pictures taken: with my friends Alice and Richard; with the minister; and with a lovely TS woman who came right up to me and struck up a very pleasant conversation. I intend to go back.
I also include below a picture of myself right after I got home. I think I look very, very happy. Don't you?
Love,
Stephanie
I just got home from one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had as Stephanie. I went to church! I have been looking for a public place where people could meet me and get to know me only as Stephanie. My friends Richard and Alice told me about the Unitarian-Universalist Church they attend in Madison. They told me that the minister and congregation is very accepting of diversity and the minister had just gotten done teaching a couple classes last spring about gender diversity (TS, TG, CD, etc.). They invited me to come to the service this morning. I agreed.
At the start of the service the minister asked any one who was new there to introduce themselves. So I took a deep breath, stood up and said, "Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am a transgendered person. I have never been to church this way before and am a little nervous. I am looking forward to meeting you." The people all smiled at me and welcomed me wholeheartedly! I sat down and felt a warm wave of love sweep over me!!!
After the service many of the people came up and personally welcomed me and said that they hoped I would come back. I spoke with the minister and he actually thanked me and said that he was honored to have me and give his congregation the opportunity to meet me. He invited and encouraged me to return anytime!!
Before I left I had a few pictures taken: with my friends Alice and Richard; with the minister; and with a lovely TS woman who came right up to me and struck up a very pleasant conversation. I intend to go back.
I also include below a picture of myself right after I got home. I think I look very, very happy. Don't you?
Love,
Stephanie