This Is My Body
Hearing the theology of transgender Christians
Christina Beardsley and Michelle O'Brien
Paperback |240 pp |216 x 135 mm
‘This Is My Body is a book many of us have been waiting for. It grants space for trans Christians to give distinctive voice to theology grounded in particular and diverse experience, free from the often oppressive constructions of gender and identity imposed by ‘The Church’. This book reveals the diversity of trans experiences and models hope, anger and grace in powerful ways. It announces the growing confidence of trans Christians and our refusal to be treated as second-class and welcome under sufferance.’
Much has been said and written about trans people by theologians and Church leaders, while little has been heard from trans Christians themselves. As a step towards redressing the balance, This Is My Body offers a grounded reflection on people’s experience of gender dissonance that involves negotiating the boundaries between one’s identity and religious faith, as well as a review of the most up-to-date theological, cultural and scientific literature.
The book includes contributions from many people associated with the Sibyls, the UK-based confidential spirituality group for transgender people and their allies. People’s stories span many decades and most recount how they have come to reconcile their gender variance with their Christian convictions. These honest narratives follow a series of informative chapters, including ‘Gender Incongruence in the changing social and medical environment’ by Terry Reed.