by Erica Saunders
In the Baptist tradition we trust the freedom of the soul to respond to God’s call. Coming out as a transsexual woman was my “yes” to that call, an amen to the Creator who invites us to share in their holy work. That yes has allowed me to experience love and share it with my neighbor in ways that used to be impossible. It’s no exaggeration to say it saved my life.
Unfortunately, the world too often meets trans people’s authenticity with violence. On this Trans Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor our siblings whose lives have been taken by hatred, poverty, and neglect simply for living in their truth.
Trans Day of Remembrance began in 1999 to memorialize the murders of Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett, Black trans women from Massachusetts. Since then, we’ve seen some of the deadliest years on record for trans folks. This year alone, at least 335 lives have been cut short around the world. In the United States, Black and Brown women continue to bear the brunt of transphobic violence.
As Paul’s disciple reminds us, we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers…against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12). These acts of interpersonal violence are more than individual moral failings. They reflect a larger, violent system of sin. Lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels are actively seeking to deny us life-saving, medically necessary healthcare; revoke important identity and travel documents; and reverse nondiscrimination statutes that protect our access to work and housing. Many scholars call this systemic persecution of trans people a genocide.
The architects of such violence would rather we turn our attention away from the lives, loves, and joys of the unwilling martyrs. They want us to forget. But to follow the radical way of Jesus as a covenant people is to refuse to forget. And to remember is to resist systems of white supremacy, patriarchy, and abusive power.
Our remembrance must not remain mere symbolism and sentimentality, but convict us to faithful action. In the Jesus movement’s earliest days, the Spirit of the Lord led Philip to a transformative encounter with someone who embodied the liminal space between genders (Acts 8:26–40). How will Spirit lead you to remember? Maybe you’ll begin praying for trans people in worship. You might financially support a local, trans-led organization. Your friendship and solidarity might even save the life of a trans person you know.
Trans folks are scared and crying out for help. Scripture teaches us God hears the cries of the oppressed (Exodus 3:7–8). Will you?
The Rev. Erica Saunders is communications manager of BPFNA~Bautistas por la Paz. One of the first openly trans women ordained in Baptist life, she serves on the board of directors of the Alliance of Baptists and Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. Erica enjoys baking for friends; snuggling her cat Biscuit; and taking leisurely walks through the woods and calling it hiking.
Thank you these inspiring words/reflections. Miss you very much. I pray God’s richest blessings on you. Much love!