What Happens If You're Transgender In The Church | State Of Grace | Refinery29

This week on State Of Grace, our host, Grace Baldridge, explores where faith and gender intersect. She uncovers how these identities can conflict and coincide. Watch this episode of State Of Grace to better understand faith in relation to gender.
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State Of Grace is a series that explores the intersection of human rights, sexuality, and faith. Host Grace Baldridge dives into controversial societal realities that Americans face everyday and how to navigate the modern world while remaining faithful.
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[@refinery29]

Have you ever felt your identity in conflict with your faith? Share your experiences with us below!

[@staryariarts]

I'm currently not very religious because I'm conflicted/hurt about how I can be a Christian but also not be reprimanded for who I love (I'm a cis gender lesbian💕). Any tips/suggestions on how to combat it???🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

[@selfui7769]

@@staryariarts look up Angle and Nicole on KZbin they have good suggestions

[@simonekraus7401]

Yes i felt like the transgender community was a walking target for the religious right and those who liked to pile on the hate and hurtful rhetoric of there Bible interpretations . So now i'm older so more prone to shrugging things off or because i found a church that leads by example. It is the latter answer.

[@jessiebear6080]

Not necessarily my identity, but my beliefs conflict with faith. I’ve always been very accepting of LGBTQ+ identities, and it kills me to see those identities not deemed acceptable in the church. For that and many more reasons, I refuse to got to Church.

[@chuckles6814]

I’m a mix of Wiccan , Christian and Buddhist so all three gods might be a little mad at me lol

[@lovely-mk4rt]

Speaking as a senior citizen ( no boomer comments please), I appreciate this channel. Grace is a perfect name for you, intelligent, curious, excellent critical thinking skills, writer and seeker and beautiful 🕊.

[@refinery29]

Lovely I’o Thank you for leaving such a lovely and thoughtful message here! 💕

[@chuckles6814]

You pass the vibe check 😎

[@aishamaryam750]

Heidi Carter “no boomer comments please) I found that funny ps. a boomer is more of a mindset and not about how old you are - for all the people who say ok boomer to every senior lol

[@orangejuiced012]

you’re great

[@magdalenawilkowske8734]

@@aishamaryam750 this is so right

[@matssu6729]

“We only know God because we know each other.” yes I will forever stan Ms. Jackie!!

[@SemlerMusic]

Teresa Urmatam She’s incredible.

[@Girlforaction]

Her sermons are incredible. Watch her videos online or visit Middle Collegiate .

[@breeisawesome100]

I myself am not religious, however that line stood out to me. Ms Jackie is a very powerful woman!

[@andrewarmstrong1676]

Please quote that in scripture.

[@apalabhattacharyya3826]

I will literally cry and break down if I ever get to talk to someone that accepting and open-minded

[@heavenculver2043]

as a teenage lesbian woman who grew up in an anti lgbtqa+ church, this made me rethink everything that I was taught to hate about myself....maybe God really does love me.

[@jswizzletdrizzle]

Heaven Culver he does ❤️

[@Kurpitsamehu]

He really does ❤️❤️❤️

[@krishawty]

he absolutely does! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Katherine-so7ye]

Heaven Culver I knew I was bisexual by the time I was around 14 or so . I’m 20 now and since then I left the church and religion as a whole for the same reasons and many more. I was repulsed with myself and hated the fact that I couldn’t control who I’m attracted to bc of the faith I had . I think leaving the religion gave me the peace and clarity that I found within myself that I always needed. Even tho I was a completely normal teen that loved hanging out with my friends all the time ,social media ,the office and friends , sports ,etc , you would’ve never thought I’d literally rip my hair out and hit myself in the face then cry myself to sleep over my sexuality and faith . Now I’m more peaceful then ever knowing that it’s ok to be selfish and by that I mean it’s ok to be exactly who you were meant to be unapologetically . With all that being said some people are the opposite and found peace ,still being comfortable with themselves in the church bc they feel loved unconditionally and I think that’s amazing . Whatever path you choose, just know that at the end of the day you will always have the ability to be at peace and love yourself and no god or person can ever take that away 💕

[@foreveryourjunessoul]

O believe me... He does!! ❤️❤️🤟🏼🏳️‍🌈

[@sim.one_]

I really appreciate this series. Grace is an incredible journalist.

[@refinery29]

+simone So glad you're into it! We couldn't agree more! :)

[@tiffany.Elizabeth.]

SAME! I LOVE Grace. She's such a fantastic journalist and interviewer. I hope she has a long career I can follow in documentary films.

[@Eat_shit--die_mad]

I know me to

[@onionbowie3194]

Yes!!

[@wonderingamazon4973]

I just discovered her today and have been on a binge of her work. Damn, so much good information that I am loving!!!

[@user-ep2wm3ik9o]

As a trans person who struggles to find a place in the church, this was so uplifting. It makes me happy to see Christians out there loving people for who they are. :)

[@user-ep2wm3ik9o]

@@Munchkinnnnnnnn Why are you even here. I did everything the church "recommends". It only brought pain and despair. Sometimes it's best to listen to others experience. Instead most would rather take the easy route and read a single verse. Btw, I am happy with myself. No more depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. I'm thriving socially and physically. 10 years of "church recommended cures" never brought a second of that. Have a blessed day ;p

[@laurenholland8053]

@J M Don't listen to them. You have your journey that you are living and that is 100% valid and you will always have a place as God's beloved child, regardless of gender. You do you.

[@user-ep2wm3ik9o]

@@laurenholland8053 Thank you! yeah i dont listen. people like that will never believe some one like me is happy even if its staring them in the face. they have a lot of issues they project lol.

[@sugarycookie6044]

You're doing wonderful, stay true to yourself, I'm glad you're living your life the way you choose to :)

[@TheNextKristin]

You are loved, you are worthy and you are wonderful!

[@gam_anna8769]

I don’t think angelic/celestial/divine beings have a gender.

[@lousunny5682]

Mackenzie McGee same!

[@Chappadoodled]

Mackenzie McGee I believe so too. They don’t need their parts to reproduce , like us humans do. (Just my beliefs) I also believe our genitals don’t define our souls.

[@GrowingWarrior]

Actually they do, they're all male. There are no female angels. The Bible actually says when one becomes born again they become a son of God, including women. Now obviously they are still a "daughter" of God or sister, but they are also a son. Even when someone gets their glorified body in Heaven, they'll all be male, again including women. And it's not a sexist thing, that's just the way God did it.

[@meganconner5539]

Yea it makes sense that way. Theyre so magnificent that they dont even need it.

[@meganconner5539]

@@GrowingWarrior remember what the scholar said in the video about god's pronouns? Possibly the same.

[@Sammit00]

I’m a trans Christian and hearing all these beautiful affirming interpretations of faith gives me so much strength

[@janepatton8100]

Trans Christians don't exist. Self deceived men and women can be religious.

[@i-wasbored7187]

jane Patton hating people for who they are is NOT christianity dude. plain and simple.

[@janepatton8100]

@@i-wasbored7187 believing the lies of the enemy is NOT Christianity good sir. It's wickedness plain and simple. *(2 Thessalonians **2:11**-12)* For this very reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie. So that all will be condemned who have not believed the Truth but have delighted in wickedness. Why should you perish? REPENT AND LIVE!

[@sezzyridge]

@@janepatton8100 The fact that you glossed over "hating people for who they are isn't christianity" and kept going... you do realize love thy neighbor is in the bible too, right? also, the fact that God is the almighty judge. and that he's compassionate and kind and loving. all those things that you're conveniently glossing over.

[@christellemathieu179]

I-Was Bored its not hating, he was stating an opinion.

[@ovalorous1863]

"We only know God, because we know each other." Wow. That whole conversation gave me goosebumps. Love it.

[@ramoth777]

Psalm 50:21

[@atulofau9006]

we know god because god reveals it. other than that must be fake, ain't it?

[@RadioPsychicAstrologyByPepper]

Same

[@Dino23968]

Being a transgender Christian wouldn’t work because if you believe in God but also believe that you were born as the wrong sex, then you’re technically accusing God of making a mistake by making you the way you’re born, and that goes against the saying that God never makes mistakes. Any comments?

[@elijahh2220]

"We lost lots of people, we lost thousands of dollars, and it was such a good move." Good on this guy for having the right priorities!!

[@violinplayer101]

As soon as he said that all I thought was "that's what having faith looks like."

[@RadioPsychicAstrologyByPepper]

@@violinplayer101 Amen!

[@averytruffelmen6230]

I used to care a lot about what religion people identify themselves with because I was an internet Atheist. now that I'm no longer a cringey teenage anti-theist, I couldn't care less what religion someone associates with as long as they respect other people's lives and identity. there are atheist who I wouldn't want on my side becuase they are hateful towards women and minorities. I'd rather have an open-minded religious person than a bigoted atheist on my side.

[@averytruffelmen6230]

@A Girl Has No Name well I kind of started using it myself, though I'm sure others may have used it too. to me it just refers to the extremely online atheist community (mostly on youtube) that used to spend a ridiculous amount of time shitting on Christians, they eventually started to move toward "destroying" feminist and "SJWs"--basically anyone who questions the current race/gender/religious hierarchy

[@stephencameron5993]

I think you’re beautiful! I don’t need to see you’re face or how you look to know this. By the way Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@danielasilva5945]

@@averytruffelmen6230 humm, aren't the Christian's the ones trying to do that?

[@Aaron565]

women are not a minority you self indulgent prick.

[@sii479]

Hey hey. I think I'm probably a cringey internet atheist, but it's something that comes from experience with religion. The reason I care how religious people behave is that there are lots of them. Religion ostensibly makes my life worse, and it makes the lives of people who I care about worse. I spend time thinking about it because it's a threat to my desire to live my life the way I want to. I have a lot of empathy and respect for the religious people in my life, and religious people in general. But I wish people weren't religious. I wish I could explain why homophobia is irrational to someone, and not have them retreat to the statement "it's against my faith". I wish the men who I live with didn't believe I was inherently inferior to them because that's how God made us (they are able to back that up with Scripture). I don't force atheism on anyone, but I also can't claim to respect religion, I'd be lying. I'm glad you've found peace though. Anyway, have a good new year.

[@hannahh9264]

When I realized I was bi, I thought I had to choose between my religion and my sexuality. It's been a wild ride learning that I can do both (pun intended!). Thank you for this video! It's incredibly encouraging and impactful to learn more about other people who support or are LGBTQ+ in the Church. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one and it means a lot to see that I'm not.

[@igloozoo3771]

I happen to be gay and support individuals. I don't support LGBTQ just as I don't support the Religious Right. When can we as a society champion people as individuals rather than judge or accept them based on their group identities and memberships. I surely hope that God sees me as a individual and calls me by my name rather than as that gay guy.

[@RadioPsychicAstrologyByPepper]

God bless you, Hannah

[@igloozoo3771]

@니크 I support individual religious rights, i don't support the Religious Right. There is a huge difference. Rights should be given to individuals not to groups identity groups.

[@evelynshelton1235]

The beauty of Gods love for us is that while we were yet sinning and awful and wanted nothing to do with Him, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We should never question Gods love for us if He would do something like die for His enemies (Romans 5:10). However, God still calls all of us to repent of certain things and the Bible does say this is a sin even if KZbinrs are saying it isn’t. The only reason I’m saying this to you isn’t so I can be mean and tear you down, but entirely because I know hell is a real reality and I would never want you to go there. It is not simply that you are gay and unforgivable, but the Bible says when we do not repent it is a sign we were never truly saved, no matter what the sin is. Again, I know I will sound like a jerk and I hope you know with all sincerity that was not my intent. Rather it was from fear and love even if that isn’t how it seems. Even if we change the Bible to fit with what we want, God still gave us what He is ultimately going to judge by. We shouldn’t let people change it to make people more comfortable and ultimately damn them because they’re too afraid to say what the Bible actually says.

[@chrisroberts313]

Please be careful ,we are warned about false teachers! Ghosts are real and can enter your dreams/thoughts.....do not be afraid but "hold every thought captive as if it's not your own" Refrain from your fleshy desires (as hard as that is) keep reading the bible and searching for the truth.

[@lucia_kidtech]

"the first women and person of colour to hold her position" *runs from Scotland to America to high five her and the man before her. Then hugs everyone goes back to Scotland sleeps*

[@hollywebster6844]

As a seminarian, I am so blessed by your work on this channel! The church is called to be a refuge from the world, not add to the pain. So many non-binary, non-cis, non-hetero people feel like they don't have a church home. Everyone is so aware of the section of Christianity that condemns. Thank you for beginning to expose the open, loving arms of Christ that do exist! May we be less difficult to find!

[@refinery29]

+hollywebster This comment made our day! Thank you for taking the time to watch & for leaving a thoughtful comment!

[@kcp2967]

Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality That goes for all of us......not just the trans community.

[@bgreaud]

@@kcp2967 Matthew 22: 36Master, which is the great commandment in the law. 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. John 12:47 (KJV) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. I'm not smart enough to understand how God formed you or me. Nor do I see the hearts we have...only he can do that... I would encourage you to spend more time showing love to your fellow brothers and sisters. I've also included a little biology article that I recently stumbled across and found quite educational. threadreaderapp.com/thread/1207834357639139328.html

[@kcp2967]

@@bgreaud I don't disagree with you, but we all have to learn to overcome sin.

[@bgreaud]

@@kcp2967 yes, but that way is more likely to hurt or kill someone. Think about it...when was the last time you saw people being held accountable for being liars to the same extreme.

[@kaelak1226]

immediately started crying at "we only know God because we know each other"; the whole line of conversation having to do with how we know God more by knowing one another touched me so deeply and resonated so strongly.

[@Sherlock245]

Other detrans of ftm pls listen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXvIaYSVn6eBh7M

[@hannyadisme]

That woman that calls herself a Catholic feminist is my idol. I love my faith, and I am also very feminist. I've always thought I can still be Catholic even though I don't agree with everything the church stands for. My specific church community is loving, accepting, and empowering.

[@authenticallyjess9915]

DC Infinity I love this! Couldn’t agree more!

[@kennedythedford9102]

You should check out Women’s Alliance for Theology and Ethics and Ritual. ( WATER for short). It was founded by Catholic feminists.

[@liberty7617]

I wish my Catholic community was like this. My God-Mother made me to go confession to confess and ask the priest what he thought of my bisexuality and I left crying. It was horrible. I love Jesus and God and a lot of the Catholic things but I can’t get aboard with this anti-lgbt anti pro choice type of things, and always made to feel like I was a bad catholic because of it

[@gemzlens]

We do not hate trans people for they are still human and deserve to feel loved. we just don’t support their actions. Love the sinner, hate the sin. The Catholic Faith is truly a really beautiful thing if only you take the time to learn what it’s all about :)

[@camillefaith2005]

GemzMyLens how is being trans a sin. There’s absolutely nothing in the Bible that supports that. Maybe God creates people to be trans. Maybe it’s not a mistake. God works in mysterious ways.

[@fluffyydumplings]

Being a transgender doesn’t define the person you are,it doesn’t make you a bad person and people should accept that

[@dainonmcduffie4396]

Kawaii 4ever54 amen! And someone’s gender identity should have no effect on how people treat them!

[@hunterellis9319]

I agree with what you said, and I'm not a grammar nazi, but 'transgender' is a verb, not a noun, so no one is "transgendered" they are simply 'transgender'. It also means that someone is not "a transgender", someone just is transgender.

[@fluffyydumplings]

Hunter Ellis this is why I should really study for my English tests

[@MyLifeWithChrist]

We are all bad. In the Bible it says that no one is good except the Lord. Jesus himself said it. “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭10:18‬)! Our standards of good are very low. If we are good, we are in no need of a savior. We all fall short, which is why we need Jesus, without him, without a real relationship with him, we won’t have eternity with the Father.

[@omegawicked1]

@@MyLifeWithChrist amen

[@sarahcoleman5269]

Oh my God, I LOVE Paula! I mean that comment at 11:53 "If there's anything Jesus *did*, it was to hold space for people in the margins." What a fantastic assessment of Jesus' ministry. One thing that always bothered me when I was a churchgoer was the attitude that only the people *at* church were worthy and they were worthy because they *went* to church. Like, how Pharasutical. And casually deadnaming herself? That's powerful. Not that I would encourage anybody to dead name a trans person because it can be horribly hurtful, but you could tell she was beyond that life. She could claim the person she was and still love the person she is. That's a big healing step for anybody.

[@soniagervasis1609]

I love this. So recently a High Court Judge in India recently said in a judgment, "Ignorance is not a justification for discrimination" furthering the cause of LGBTQIA+ community in India.

[@lsuzicosbw644]

The woman with dreads is drop dead gorgeous! -Inspirational

[@jacquelineolivia8664]

I love watching state of grace. It inspired me to come out as a lesbian and made me confident in my relationship with god.

[@refinery29]

+jacquelineolivia What wonderfully inspirational comment to hear! Thank you for being so brave and for sharing with us!

[@alyssonrenaud4108]

"We only know God because we know each other".. wow. I am not even a Christian but this phrase touched me and I had tears in my eyes. I was bawling my eyes out for a few minutes after that. I'm not saying that I suddenly have faith in God but I feel deeply love by the universe right now. And I want to say, if someone reads this, no mather who you are, you deserve love and I love you all.

[@sofiahuerta6029]

Thank you for this comment 💖

[@XC21ALiSoN]

Pastor Jackie is the religious leader I have been craving since the day my uncle, a Presbyterian minister, told me to be grateful for my father’s abuse.

[@mgbusby2399]

So basically, God uses they/them pronouns :)

[@tobyaguirre7809]

exactly!!!!!

[@arlyntobady]

Yes god don’t have a gender god isn’t human

[@discountfossil3932]

noice :)

[@Jackfrostsbestie]

that makes God a queer icon

[@Briisneat]

M G yes

[@valeriesanchez3074]

I went to a non-denominational church. They accepted me as I am. In the end, God understands my choice. And I'm happy the church did too

[@temi8212]

God loves you, but it doesn’t mean he accepts this

[@freakwithafaceYO]

When that pastor said people walked out because he said they were LGBTQIA affirming, it hit me in the feels. I walked out of church when they said some anti LGBTQIA stuff. Cause I'm not about that...

[@solarraystudios4235]

I have a lesbian female pastor. That’s something I’m happy to say.

[@saramariemalmqvist3423]

OMG that's great

[@chekubechukwuma4307]

Where are y’all getting these female pastors 😭 I’ve never seen one irl

[@eleanorh1853]

Me too! She is awesome!!

[@pinlight97]

I have had one at a church I attend as well; current pastor is a married gay guy. I’m in Canada, where gay marriage is legal and has been for years.

[@rubi-pe5vj]

Then your “pastor” is lost.

[@JDToonyVizArt]

How cool is it to walk around, meet new people, and say 'I am Grace.' ... that has depth (and beauty) to it.

[@VegQuaker13]

One thing that drew me to becoming a Quaker were the openness to the LGBTQ+ community and the lack of a religious leader. I love Grace's videos!

[@hunterellis9319]

I find that the Quaker and especially sihk religions, as well as some other minority religions, are truly about compassion. Sihkism spreads compassion to non human animals as well, as do some others. The religions that truly focus on the main parts their holy books teach about love and compassion, and not the every tiny detail in the book, are often the ones with the most kind and nonjudgemental people.

[@VegQuaker13]

@@hunterellis9319 not surprisingly, I've gotten along well with every Sikh I've met

[@VegQuaker13]

@Frederick Delius Legacy - And Far Beyond not a lot but yes!

[@chekubechukwuma4307]

Love to see a Quaker!

[@dunique26]

I am so proud of the human race sometimes. Watching state of grace, has brought me back to feeling that love for people again.

[@inezaaurora1348]

Thank you for showing us Christians how to be better and do better to be inclusive and welcome people of all genders and those who live differently than us. It is very moving and very emotional to me ❤️ God Bless

[@refinery29]

+inezaaurora Thank you for leaving this lovely comment!

[@inezaaurora1348]

Refinery29 you are truly playing a big part in shaping me as a human being and helping me be able to make a difference in our Christian communities. Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽

[@refinery29]

+inezeaurora What a wonderful compliment! That means so much to us. Thank you for being a part of the R29 fam!

[@roselichtman3810]

I have never once been able to watch one of your videos without crying when you talk to the Allies

[@refinery29]

Rose Lichtman OMG, that’s so sweet! Thank you for being here!!

[@dorkankan1184]

A few years ago, I use to attend a youth group that said they welcome all and do not care for sexuality and what your gender was. I loved that idea and had so much fun within the group . . . Until I came out to them in a conversation of getting to know another. I am lesbian, and my girlfriend actually use to go to the group. That exact night when we were doing our learning section. The leader said "We are going to talk about something a bit different tonight." Can you take a guess on what the subject was? It was on how being gay was a sin and we aren't allowed to be like this, but continued that statement with a follow up of "But God loves all. Though gay is a very bad sin." Now this whole learning section went deeper into how it was bad to like the same sex or even be trans, but I really don't remember because how angered I was. I excused myself and left to the bathroom. I was very upset and was left in the bathroom crying whilst angry. I stayed till it was time to leave, which I then told the leader of the group "I'm never coming back here. You have lost my trust. I thought this group was perfectly fine with LGBTQ Community???" I was crying as I was saying this all, because that was the first place I had ever felt welcomed and they never talked about that subject UNTIL I brought up my sexuality. Idfk. I grew up being told it was bad and I even knew that from the start for how much my grandma had said it was a sin. Even with being told that, I still somehow ended up liking women. Not only just that, but I liked then since a young age. I have still yet to tell my grandmother that I am a lesbian, but I am very scared because she always loved me and I have always loved her . . . I just don't know how she will react when I tell her the truth. This was a sort of little rant because I have never really told anyone besides my mom who found out about my relationship on accident when it slipped out from my dumb mouth, but she accepted me whole. I will always love my mom for being supportive. ♡ I want to one day attend a church, maybe, that can accept the community so I do not fear what I say to them or how I behave. If anyone understands. There are just none of those places that are safe like that where I have lived before.

[@emminet]

DorKanKan118 I hope that you can do what you want and that your grandmother accepts you!

[@lena-xe4kt]

i am so sorry that you had to go through that- i hope that you can grow while accepting who you are, your sexuality, and your religion; God bless

[@AwesomeLoveSuperDyke]

I am an atheist, but Grace, you are a bright light in the universe. Thank you for everything you do.

[@emilyhall4625]

I saw a comment somewhere that said: "What is in the Bible isn't how God describes himself. It's how we describe God."

[@aurghh]

Wow this girl is more emotionally mature than like 98% of the internet. Love what happens when children are loved correctly

[@chayal304]

Was looking for this comment - so well said!

[@christinadone774]

Matthew 22:39 says “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Meaning that you should love others just as much as you love yourself. No matter if another person is gay, trans or any other things in the LGBTQ+ community. I don’t really get why people like to be transphobic, homophobic or any other phobic that’s against LGBTQ, because we are all sinners. We have all fell from the hand of God. So what makes LGBTQ+ people any different from us? We are all human living on this Earth. It’s time that we take this barriers that we put above ourselves and break them down.

[@r-platt]

Ah! But if you are saved, how can you sin? Paul makes this point repeatedly. Being saved means we _can do_ ANYTHING but we _should do_ those things that build up others. Many Christians have been led astray by a tiny, insidious lie: Jesus yolk is light but must be weighed down with those Mosaic laws men have decided we must follow.

[@BonejanglesTV]

@@r-platt Exactly. The Jewish Law of the old testament is indeed divinely inspired and the word of God, but also it is the interpretation that an antiquated society held within the context of their own communities and beliefs. God is not static, God is ever changing and ever creating. If we aspire to be like God, we must not hold on to ancient customs as though they're infallible. Were these laws not recorded by men? After all, many of those who doubted Jesus and denied his divinity were those who upheld these Mosaic laws to a fault. We must be like Jesus, we must love one another.

[@r-platt]

@@BonejanglesTV Very well stated. Some would pointlessly argue semantics: that God inspired those authors to write exactly what He wanted. Regardless the old laws are fulfilled. That begs 2 questions: 1. What sin do trans people commit in seeking a healthy mind? 2. Does that make homosexual acts acceptable? Sure, people quote Paul's opinions, but people ignore most of those opinions - such as women having long hair. It seems hypocritical to then say, "Ah, but we will enforce this 1 rule."

[@annacoffey8149]

The nun did a video on buzzfeed. She’s amazing

[@Astr0-1408]

That little girl is the best. "Do I look like the Devil Incarnate?" Bless her soul.

[@RosalindPeters]

Grace, you make the Internet and the world a better place. Everyone should see this, especially everyone who calls themselves Christian. God bless you! Xxx

[@madelineelliott8975]

Thank you for creating this video. It is hard to be a part of a Christian community that doesn’t discuss LGBTQIA+ issues. Like you said in the video, the effort that these people are taking to raise awareness and create an inclusive space is truly the love of Jesus!

[@fubbypeets7058]

Know what? I hope if god is real, he is a giant owl on a cloud. That sounds sick as hell.

[@jenniferc8656]

God is very real, Jesus is very real and the Holy Spirit is very real. Seek him, let him guide you. We are to believe on the name of Jesus, turn from our sins and follow him. Be saved accept and follow Jesus !

[@theyoutubeanalyst3731]

I was just thinking that. A rainbow owl

[@AN-ou6qu]

Y’all do have to be realistic. I fully accept god can be who you want him to be, but if you’re Christian, adopt what the scripture says. God is a natural power, like time. What does time look like? A massive clock? That’s ridiculous.

[@azuresky4984]

I use to be a christian until I became a theist after I read the entire bible, it was filled with so many contradictions I didn't even know what to belive.

[@maestrom5872]

@@azuresky4984 there are a lot of flaws made by people in the Bible, there is an answer to nearly all of the contradictions though

[@lisaa4446]

Close your eyes and imagine god Brain: Flickering between images before settling on a llama stuck in a fence

[@abigailreeves2201]

This series always covers everything in such an understanding, respectful way and I love it so much! I always feel like I leave with a little more knowledge than I had before.

[@Aaarandom]

Watching Grace’s videos and god is grey making me want to believe in Jesus despite the pain religion has caused me

[@Aaarandom]

@salvador trejo you can kindly shut up

[@Aaarandom]

@salvador trejo right on

[@theplebeian2706]

The Episcopal Church is like the Hufflepuffs. We take everyone left out by everyone else! (Let's not bring up J.K. Rowling please...)

[@Chillerveli]

J K Rowling is a hero amongst peasants

[@jessiebear6080]

Catholic school has taught me that the church does not teach unconditional love. This video explains why.

[@mary-gormly]

same I go to catholic school right know and grace’s whole series has taught me how conditional the Catholic Church’s love is

[@jessiebear6080]

Mary Gormly Glad I’m not the only one.

[@jessiebear6080]

J.J Abrams Trust me, you don’t wanna be any religion no matter what your identity. Atheist people tend to respect human dignity better than religious people.

[@gemzlens]

We do not hate trans people for they are still human and deserve to feel loved. we just don’t support their actions. Love the sinner, hate the sin. The Catholic Faith is truly a really beautiful thing if only you take the time to learn about it from actual good sources :)

[@jessiebear6080]

GemzMyLens I strongly disagree that it’s beautiful. Why does the Church hate the actions so much? And from what I heard on websites, the line “hate the sin, love the sinner” is bad.

[@WhatWouldLubitschDo]

“Google is free, now back to our feature presentation.” I really appreciated this PSA 😂

[@lousunny5682]

Awwh you can see the compassion in the black pastors eyes. That is real.

[@a7ewald]

„We only know God, because we know each other.“ WOW, what a great sentence, what a truth! (Grace, I love your videos!)

[@danielamoreno3536]

I thought this was going to be a sad video but I was so moved and happy to see u showing us these amazing and beautiful religious communities, I literally cried several times during the video this series is amazing 💚❤💜💙💛

[@maegenluna3255]

The fact that the pastor kept bringing up the loss of money says a lot about that churches overall mission.

[@daniellaquewea8193]

“Not everyone who says lord lord will inherit the kingdom of heaven”- Jesus

[@thedizzyparker]

I think I’ll stand beside you in this statement.

[@MyLifeWithChrist]

AMENNNN

[@ensuenoproducciones7333]

The people say: "I was born this way" but Jesus say: "you most born AGAIN"

[@aneutralopinion1712]

I am an atheist but this is so nice.

[@lousunny5682]

I believe that “god” is genderless. Although he holds both what we understand as feminine and masculine qualities.

[@justabitofamug6989]

"a catholic feminist" two words I never thought would come together

[@xx_somescenecath0lic_xx888]

How? If ur Catholic ur supposed to be a feminist.

[@DeeNailsX]

As a straight woman, I think I got a crush on Grace

[@Eat_shit--die_mad]

Me to

[@merciful9114]

*laughs in pansexual*

[@ambercasey9275]

I also find myself attractive to her

[@liesbethpostma2468]

you ain`t straight

[@Alina-fx1ck]

rebekah is such a wise young girl! loved hearing her talk about what she does to deflect any hate directed towards her, her family, and her community. & her parents are awesome!

[@cassidyloos6292]

4:49 - 5:11 made me cry. finally, someone gets this. the popular arguement where i'm from is that god gave us our bodies and our genitals and they never make a mistake so it's wrong to change that. i am a firm believer that god does not make mistakes, but provides transgender people with the ability and strength to find their true selves, whether they medically transition or not. cases of gender dysphoria and the desire to not conform to the gender binary is nothing new. it's not a trend. and i hope one day our churches and unaccepting families will finally understand this and have this same reaction, just love and compassion and thankfulness that we have a god who has given some of us the opportunity to recognize a need for change.

[@PhoenixFireKMS]

I once read a quote from a rabbi about why God would make a person transgender. I don’t remember the exact words, but it was something like “Why did God make grapes and not wine? Why did God make wheat and not bread? So we could share in the act of creation. So too is a transgender person who discovers who they truly are and becomes themself.”

[@nicolefields5917]

Thank you for continuing to shine the light of knowledge in the sometimes dark moments of our times.

[@vilanyas.1808]

THIS👏🏾WAS👏🏾PROFOUND 👏🏾 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 Honestly, I think if I grew up around these types of people, this awe inspiring view of GOD, I probably NEVER would have left the Church!!! I LOVE the sense of COMMUNITY that Church provides, but if all that community preaches is HATE, (even if that hate is tied up with a pretty bow 😑) if all they preach is non-acceptance, then I want NOTHING to do with it!! I became a PAGAN for those reasons. Because I found that LOVE and ACCEPTANCE in the Pagan community and NOTHING in my Church community, I left it when I was young, and I NEVER looked back...... until NOW 😱😱😱😱😱 So thank you AGAIN, Grace, for another beautiful, impeccably presented, INSPIRATIONAL video!!!! 🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄😻😻😻😻😻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@arayv3ia950]

When she said close your eyes and imagine god I thought of morgan freeman💀

[@tiffanyw3064]

This is fantastic!!! I was in big denile, I was condemning to the LGBT community and being myself behind closed doors. During one of my many prayers of "God take these feelings away", God asked me if I would praise Him for them, I said yes and did that for about a month. About a month later I was praying the same prayer again, and God said "Ok now embrace it and transition", so I obeyed God and it was like a breath of fresh air, and a weight lifted off me. my big sin was living to peoples vision of me and not of who I truly am.I asked God where does this get affirmed in His word, God directed me to Samuel, Samuel is at Jesse's to anoint a new King, he messes up many times. Then God says to him, "man judges by the outside, but He looks at the heart", it is in our heart and soul where we truly are not between our legs. You also talked of how the church doesn't reflect Jesus. I've seen this not only in the LGBT community but also with people who are different or make us uncomfortable.It hurts me when I see people turning from God who loves us so immensely to other things. One young trans girl turned to Satanism because she saw more love there, another trans woman turned to Buddhism. Another woman who just had a lot of tattoos just became an atheist because she couldn't see God anywhere. To me it seems like some Christians are blind or deaf because Jesus said " Do to others as you would have them do to you, love your neighbor as yourself, and what you have done to the least of these you did to Me."

[@chiaradamore-klaiman8692]

I am so glad to see CSJB! I grew up spending many happy days exploring the beautiful grounds, underground tunnels, and secret passages of the convent as my mother worked on restoring and cataloguing the sisters’ collection of vestments. My mother still goes on retreat there each year. These sisters are authentically loving people who represent the best of what faith can do.

[@tatertoodles]

I absolutely adore this series. I haven't felt like I belonged in a single church for all of my life, so I haven't gone to one in over two years. There's not one I've gone to where I feel accepted or one that would tell me that being supportive of my LGBTQ+ friends is un-Christianlike. I'm scared to keep trying but it makes me so happy to know that somewhere, they do exist. Maybe I'll find them one day.

[@cbm_playgaming8066]

I am so glad they made this video because I felt I was thinking I was giving up my faith to God but being trans. Now I realize the truth

[@searchjesus2123]

The truth is in the bible, not this video.

[@searchjesus2123]

@Krista Star well if your not going to follow an "unscientific" book then don't be a Christian. A church is built off the bible aka the word of God.

[@PhoenixFireKMS]

I’m so happy for you!!!

[@someoneofgods2620]

Have you asked God directly ?

[@sempiternallila2715]

I love, love, love this. Love what the protestant pastor said about knowing God by knowing each other.

[@twiddlemc9993]

In traditional Judaism, there are six genders. The most often quoted 'Anti gay' verse in the bible "Man Shall not lay with man" most likely was "Man shall not lay with boy" in the original. The religions that christianity grew up alongside of (Greek, Roman, Norse pagan-) were much more free when it came to sex and gender. Christianity made sure it distanced itself from those religions, and demonized those features.

[@mymyscellany]

This is literally just misinformation to my knowledge. What source says there's six genders in traditional Judaism? Basically positive that is false

[@twiddlemc9993]

@@mymyscellany Sorry if I was a bit oversimplistic- I meant to say Classical Judaism, as in directly from their scripture- gender ambiguity is definitely recognized by their laws! They more reference Descriptions of intersex conditions- I can get into it more specifically If you'd like but no, I'm not spreading misinformation.

[@mymyscellany]

@@twiddlemc9993 Yeah I'd like to see evidence to support that claim.

[@squashedshibber2684]

The six genders are literally just intersex criteria they use to discriminate against people attending their services lol Jews love to gender segregate. Why i'm glad i'm not practicing.

[@drrrr.__2742]

Thank u for sharing this video it make me understand more about these things

[@refinery29]

+daraampadu You're so welcome! Thank you for being here!

[@JeroenDeWitQHHT]

I love hearing of Grace’s and anyone else’s journey of empowerment and finding their truth. As a gay and non-binary person I consider myself lucky that I did not belong in what society and religion portrayed was right, because it allowed me to discover that I am part of God - as I think everyone and everything else is - and thus do not need any man made institutions to tell me what God is. Especially institutions that historically have been used to suppress knowing God: Knowing God is done through self love and acceptance, not through wrongmaking, judgement and instilling self hatred. We are all unique expressions of God and here to do just that: expressing God in the authenticity of who we are. If that wouldn’t be what we are here for we would all look the same and have similar lives. Instead of trying to fit into any perceived standard of ‘rightness’ (according biases of sexuality, race, gender, religion, etc) I think we are all here to come out of all of our closets and fly our own personal freak flags in celebration of acknowledging God in ourselves and others.

[@StillWatersASMR]

Grace you nailed it when you spoke about how you couldn’t have a personal relationship with God until you started being true to yourself. To have a relationship with God we need to be honest - with Him and with ourselves. When we try to hide who we are or force ourselves into a box that was never meant for us we can never grow as Christians. Also although I refer to God as “Him” for simplicity I’ve always been a firm believer that God incorporates both male and female qualities. I’ve always believed that every relationship we can have here on earth teaches us something of God’s nature. Whether it’s father, mother, teacher, friend, lover, all of these relationships we experience here on earth teach us more about God.

[@anni1642]

that little girl laughing about getting death threats is so sad. a child should never have to have skin that thick. i appreciate what she’s doing and i wish people would just be decent.

[@maaidalena]

I love Grace's proud face at 3:10. Look how far we've come c:

[@annawessman4029]

I think Grace is doing such amazing work and I love when she posts new videos with R29.

[@claireedelman5414]

What a great video. I liked that you didn’t interview anyone hateful, they have so much power and don’t need any more.

[@ZoeySaysTransRights]

Thank you Refinery team for making this.

[@simonekraus7401]

Phenomenal series, always look for Grace's next video.

[@haloking9809]

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

[@thedizzyparker]

Preach preach preach. These are the days when people who don’t understand truth will just choose to create their own.

[@rubi-pe5vj]

Exactly. Pastors are trying to spread false prophesy. God made it explicit that following your flesh can lead you to hell

[@PhoenixFireKMS]

Citing Paul? Nice to know I can completely disregard everything you say then lol.

[@someoneofgods2620]

@@PhoenixFireKMS why

[@someoneofgods2620]

Deceiving themselves... this is why we have to be reborn to see the Kingdom..John 3:3. and receive the Holy Spirit.

[@nateto]

Thank you. I've never heard a Christian say that realizing you are trans is becoming aware of who you truly are. Thank you so much.

[@loveborders5779]

For sometime I have had to put god aside to try and be comfortable with who I am. I am just now starting to feel okay and take the steps to reclaim a relationship with god and hopefully the church. Thank you for your reporting grace!!

[@katielively9107]

My eyes are sweating, looking at Rebekah and her activism and her super cool family.

[@borninthewrong_734]

I'm dont believe in god but the existence of these people restore my faith in humanity . I was raised as an orthodox Christian and one think i learned was that jesus taught love . These people are real christians.

[@marianaazeredo6575]

Thank you for this serie, you guys are doing an incredible job here! Keep it flowing!!

[@supitssyd8483]

I’m an atheist but I love to watch these videos, it’s super interesting to learn about people who have different beliefs than you.

[@elliot3889]

Where are my fellow trans people in the comments? (To trans people of color: here's a hug because I know how it is to be in your shoes 🤗) Stay strong everyone, keep going!!! 🏳️‍🌈❤️

[@hunterellis9319]

Not to be a grammar Nazi, but the word 'transgender' is a verb, not a noun. No one is "a transgender," or "transgendered," they just ARE transgender. So someone who is trans is a 'transgender person.'

[@samanthapatrick4345]

🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@elliot3889]

@@hunterellis9319 Don't worry!! Thank you for correcting me. English isn't my first language so I appreciate you correcting my grammar. I'll try to re-word it!

[@elliot3889]

@A Girl Has No Name Color as in race :)

[@elliot3889]

@@samanthapatrick4345 🤗🤗🤗💕

[@mickblock]

Grace's reporting work really brings me peace.

[@bleuberry9636]

I love this series SO much!!! Thank you, Grace and Refinery 29!

[@carolinecameron4840]

I still don't consider myself religious for personal reasons but i grew up in an Episcopal church which I will always be proud of because I've found Episcopalian belief is very open and welcoming and that's what I've always been taught from it. My church even hosted many of the funeral and memorials for the victims of Orlando's Pulse shooting

[@magicalfluffybunny]

I love Rebekah's mom so much.

[@rachelchen2644]

Love grace!!!

[@ashleybrown8718]

Grace, I have only recently found your series, but I just want to say that I so appreciate the work you do. Thank you for having a curious and humble spirit. I pray that God continues to work in and through the work that you do.Thank you for being such a light to everyone!

[@kennisthemenace8163]

Rebekah is so well spoken, more than many adults I know

[@xxlizziezxxful]

This was so beautiful.

[@terrywetherelt1833]

Grace, I just discovered your amazing series on youtube. You are the most amazing person. My cousins and I grew up in an ultra born again family. Most of us turned against it in our teens as we soon realized we could think for ourselves and see other points of view. For me that was being born again. My cousin is a lesbian and to this day she is unable to be open about it to her Mom. She is a wonderful caring person who has to live a secret life even as we approach 60! We love our parents but know we can't live by their ignorance. We have to understand that was their upbringing and we just can't change their point of view!

[@green.bean.cosplay]

Thank you Grace. I’ve felt so out of place at my catholic school because of my identity. But this video makes me feel more secure about myself and sure that who I am is ok! Thank you so much!

[@amescot1]

I absolutely love this series. Find myself crying through most. I want to support all people through love. I’m believing for a safer more loving church for all xoxox

[@AlexSmith-ix4oe]

Dang. I needed this! Thank you 🙏

[@gracie1901]

I would give anything to be able to talk to Jackie. Her faith and wisdom is amazing.

[@hannahkelly2284]

Thank you so much for creating these videos. It’s often hard to find beautiful stories like these in the Christian world. So thank you for shining light onto such an important topic

[@PX_Xaver]

It moves me so much and balms my soul to see so many supportive parents and people💙 Thank you so so much!