The photo the church apparently submitted to Google Maps in June 2008 – I know, right?Tonight I visited one of Dulin United Methodist Church’s youth groups – the one for the oldest youth, there is also one for the children – to talk with them about transgender issues and social justice. I was joined by a young trans member of the church. Dulin UMC is in Falls Church VA, where I had never been before.
One of DUMC’s pastors contacted TransFaith -- where I am a member of the National Council -- looking for a trans guest speaker, and we weren’t easily finding anyone in Virginia – and the church isn’t actually far from our home in Gaithersburg MD, and offered an honorarium. My partner Julia was raised United Methodist, and was with me the whole evening.
We joined both youth groups for a dinner made by their parents (lasagnas, salad, other veggies, dessert, and more), then the children went to their meeting while we regrouped with the youth and two of their fathers. My fellow speaker and I told our stories and took questions, and then joined the group in an activity that explored the spectrum of gender. They also reflected on their own gender expressions, and we closed with a Bible passage and prayer.
