Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Progressive Christian
Religion News
Trans Day of Remembrance: Standing With the Marginalized

Trans Day of Remembrance: Standing With the Marginalized

Last updated on: November 21, 2024 at 8:41 am by Matthew Distefano

0 Comments

Trans Day of Remembrance: Standing With the Marginalized 2024-11-21T08:41:17-06:00 Matthew Distefano

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Every year on November 20th, we pause to observe Trans Day of Remembrance, a solemn occasion to honor the lives of transgender individuals lost to violence and hatred. It’s a day of grief, reflection, and, hopefully, a catalyst for change. Yet, as I reflect on the state of the American Christian church, I can’t help but acknowledge the collective failure to protect and uplift some of the most vulnerable in society.

Jesus commanded his followers to care for the marginalized, yet the response of American Christianity to non-heteronormative identities has been nothing short of abysmal. Rather than extending compassion, too many Christians have contributed to the very systems of oppression that put trans lives at risk.

Jesus and the Marginalized: A Forgotten Mandate

Let’s start with Jesus himself—the radical, boundary-breaking teacher who made it clear that the “least of these” are at the heart of God’s kingdom. He dined with outcasts, healed the sick, and challenged the religious elite who clung to power at the expense of justice. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Who are the least of these today if not trans folks who face higher rates of violence, homelessness, and discrimination? According to a 2021 study by the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly one in five trans people experience housing insecurity, and the murder rate for trans individuals—particularly Black trans women—is horrifyingly disproportionate.

If Jesus walked among us today, there is no doubt in my mind where he’d be: standing shoulder-to-shoulder with trans folks, speaking truth to power, and calling out the hypocrisy of those who claim to follow him but refuse to defend the marginalized.

The Church’s Failure to Follow Christ

And yet, where is the American church? Too often, it’s busy lobbying against trans rights, banning books that depict queer joy, and feigning pseudo-compassion through harmful practices like conversion therapy. The result is a culture where trans people are not only excluded but actively vilified.

This failure is not benign. It emboldens violence. When pulpits spew hatred or politicians push anti-trans legislation under the guise of “traditional family values,” the signal is clear: trans lives are expendable. This rhetoric trickles down, emboldening racists, homophobes, and bigots who now feel justified in their hatred.

With an administration–one that couldn’t give two shits about those same “traditional values”–coming into power that thrives on division and fear-mongering, the stakes are even higher. Trans individuals already facing staggering levels of violence will likely see this hatred amplified. The church’s silence—or worse, its complicity—makes it a co-conspirator in this ongoing harm.

The Cost of Hatred

This isn’t just about policies or theology. It’s about lives. Every time a trans individual is brutalized or killed, the blood is on the hands of those who refuse to stand against hate. (I call them the fence riders.) We cannot claim to worship a God of love while enabling a culture of violence.

The cost of inaction is staggering. Families are torn apart, communities are left grieving, and the church loses whatever moral authority it pretends to have left. If Christians won’t protect the vulnerable, then who will?

Pick a New Mascot

This is where I’m going to say something that might sting a little: if you claim to be a Christian but refuse to stand up for trans folks, it’s time to pick a new mascot. Jesus is not yours to co-opt. He’s not the figurehead of a political movement or a weapon to wield against those who make you uncomfortable.

To follow Christ means to stand with the oppressed, not to become their oppressor. If you’re unwilling to do that, drop the label “Christian” and stop pretending. Call yourself a cultural warrior, a fascist, a nationalist—whatever fits. But leave Jesus out of it.

A Call to Action

Trans Day of Remembrance is not just a day to mourn—it’s a day to act. For those of us who claim to follow Jesus, that action must include standing up for trans lives. This means:

Advocating for policies that protect trans individuals from discrimination and violence.
Challenging hateful rhetoric wherever it appears, whether in the pulpit, on social media, or around the dinner table.
Supporting organizations like the Transgender Law Center and the Trevor Project that are doing the work the church should be leading.

It’s not enough to say you love Jesus. Your actions must align with his teachings. That means putting yourself on the line for the marginalized, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it costs you something.

Final Thoughts

Trans Day of Remembrance isn’t just about remembering—it’s about repentance. Repenting for the ways we’ve failed to protect trans lives and committing to do better. If the American church wants to have any relevance in this conversation, it must reckon with its sins and choose to stand on the side of justice.

Jesus said his followers would be known by their love. And while the time to prove it is well overdue, perhaps Christians can start repenting now and actually start loving their trans neighbors.

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Also, if you’ve been digging my work on here, and want to see me be able to continue writing as close to full-time as humanly possible, please take a look at my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/mjdistefano. Even $1 a month helps bigly!!!

Politics and Religion

American church and trans rights

Christian response to transgender rights

Faith and LGBTQ+ inclusion

Jesus and marginalized communities

Progressive Christianity and justice

Trans Day of Remembrance 2024

About Matthew J. Distefano

Matthew J. DiStefano is a writer and business owner dedicated to exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and social justice. He is the author of The Wisdom of Hobbits and the host of the High Minds Podcast, as well as co-host of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast. Matthew engages in open and thought-provoking conversations that challenge conventional beliefs and promote inclusivity. His work centers on dismantling harmful ideologies and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and a more compassionate understanding of spirituality. As a farmer and owner of Happy Woods Farm, Matthew also embraces the joy of cultivating the land and nurturing a sustainable lifestyle. With a unique blend of humor and insight, he invites readers to question, reflect, and ultimately find freedom in their beliefs You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

November 20, 2024

Breaking Free from Harmful Beliefs: A Review of Finally Free

Next Post

November 22, 2024 The Problem with “Homosexual”: Let's Change Our Language

Which Christian group is known for monasticism?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Baptist Methodist Orthodox Evangelical

Books by This Author Books by All Set Free

See All Titles »