Working with Transgendered and Gender Queer Students

Chris Dowd Aston University

Religious Responses

•Evangelical

•Catholic

•Liberal

Normal reaction by all is wanting to do the right thing but unsure what it is ................

Gender Identity and Presentation

Sexual orientation

Vulnerability

Confounding Factors

Passing

Medicalisation and the Media

Pastoral guidelines •Actively listen •Respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality•Don’t judge•Don’t jump to conclusions•Examine church teaching in your tradition•Try to find out what the specialists are saying•Refer to specialists when you feel out of you depth •Accept people as they are; let the holy spirit be their guide•If someone transitions it may be a management issue•Transphobia, does serious harm

The transsexual person has to resolve any ethical issues that arise with God’s help. It is your privilege to listen and to pray for them as they do this.( from Christina Beardsley The Transsexual person is my neighbour 2nd revised Edition, the Gender Trust, Brighton, 2007)