• Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2019

  20/11/2019

  Earlier this year, someone was convicted in Glasgow Sheriff Court of sending me threatening and abusive messages. The offence was found to be aggravated by prejudice related to both sexual orientation and transgender identity. Someone had threatened my life, and my own association and support for trans people was one of the reasons for the prejudice and one of the reasons that the court and the police took the offence as seriously as they did.

  Whilst it was unpleasant having to deal with that incident, I’m well aware that it was the one time in my life when I’ve seriously suffered myself from prejudice against people with a trans identity. Those who are trans have to deal with this prejudice every day as they make their way through life. Such prejudice seems to have become more vocal and confident recently.

  My own limited and partial experience of dealing with this is one factor in why I am prepared to stand alongside those who mark today as the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Violence and prejudice against people is wrong. Trans people are simply people. Prejudice and violence against trans people is simply wrong.

  However, in stating that I stand alongside trans people in remembering that they suffer from violence and prejudice, I also am reminded that as I stand alongside trans people I stand alongside people whom I’ve known to be creative, brave, funny, interesting and whole. I know and have worked with trans priests and admire them. My own congregation includes trans people with all kinds of diverse experience who are not simply defined by their trans identity. When I think of them, I think of people who make the world a better place.

  The world will be a better place when violence against anyone because of their identity is eliminated.

  Remembering trans people whose lives have been taken from them, I lament their loss and pray that they may rest in peace and rise to make heaven more glorious.

  Remembering trans people who are alive, I thank God for them and pray that their lives may be filled with joy.

  

  [Comments on this post will be moderated]

  trans, transgender

Previous Posts

• Who guessed the Pope would turn out to be Mrs Beamish?

  02/08/2014

  It has been wonderful seeing the enthusiasm of Roman Catholic friends for the refreshing breeze that Pope Francis has been bringing to their church over the last few months. Lots of Anglicans are hugely admiring of what he has managed to achieve. But what’s this coming from the Vatican now? No less than an injunction…

• The Privatization of Public Space and the Commonwealth Games

  30/07/2014

  Glasgow’s having a ball hosting the Commonwealth Games at the moment. As everyone here is going around saying to one another, there’s a real buzz about the place. However, that buzz comes at a significant price. I had a wander down to Glasgow’s great public gathering place by the Clyde yesterday – Glasgow Green. I…

• Remembering Dr Pritchard

  28/07/2014

  Every day at morning prayer in St Mary’s we remember those whose year’s mind falls on that day. This means remembering by name in our prayers those from the congregation whom we know to have died on that day. Now, our year’s mind list goes back a few decades and we’ve added one or two…

• Thurible of the Week – 26 July 2014

  26/07/2014

  Spotted in St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Port Glasgow. From the Epiphany Chapel.