What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 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]

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11 responses to “Pentecost Dress Code”

  1. manageremeritus Avatar
    manageremeritus

    Does that include red shoes?

    Reply
    1. kelvin Avatar
      kelvin

      Red shoes may be worn by anyone sitting in the nave. Those at the sharp end know the rules.

      An exemption may be made for serving popes.

      Reply
    2. Sue Avatar
      Sue

      But they’d match his red dress so nicely…..

      Reply
  2. kelvin Avatar
    kelvin

    Popes may wear red shoes at the sharp end. Wannabe popes can’t.

    It is really that simple.

    Reply
  3. Brother David Avatar
    Brother David

    Kelvin, I think that you should wear red cowboy boots in the sharp end! 😉

    Reply
  4. Rhea Avatar
    Rhea

    I’m trying to think of what the ‘national dress’ of the USA is…I think that if I were there, I’d just wear t-shirt and jeans 🙂

    Reply
  5. Erp Avatar
    Erp

    So is Kelvin wearing a kilt?

    Reply
  6. Kelvin Holdsworth Avatar
    Kelvin Holdsworth

    Kelvin is not wearing a kilt.

    Kilts, however, may be worn.

    Reply
  7. Margaret of the Sea of Galilee Avatar
    Margaret of the Sea of Galilee

    Our invitation to The Lord’s Prayer EVERY week is “And you can pray in whatever language or version is most comfortable for you”

    Reply
  8. PamB Avatar
    PamB

    I’m sure I heard a rendition in Elvish. Perhaps it was Klingon, but it was very loud.

    I did not attempt the Doric.

    Reply
    1. kelvin Avatar
      kelvin

      Elves, Klingons, Doric speakers.

      All are welcome in this place.

      And to be honest, little would surprise me any more.

      Reply

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