The Passion of Trans Folks
In its earliest forms, Mark's gospel ends with a terrified silence. When the disciples meet a robed man in Jesus' tomb who announces the resurrection, they "fled from the tomb ... and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid" (16:8).
Like the disciples that first Easter morning, trans folks in the United States are terrified. One prominent conservative pundit has called for “the eradication of transgenderism from public life entirely.” Lawmakers have proposed or adopted 492 bills in 47 states that would prevent trans people from receiving basic healthcare, legal recognition, and effectively the right to exist in public. At least eight trans people have been killed this year in hate crimes motivated by their gender; several recent years have set records with 38 fatalities tracked in 2022 and 59 in 2021.
Transphobic violence continues beyond the physical and the structural to the existential level. A “constant state of panic” makes it impossible for one trans woman I know to concentrate on work or leisure activities. Another advises her online followers to live as “stealth” as possible (that is, not disclose your gender history) in order to protect their health and safety.
In the midst of such persecution, trans folks become what liberation theologian Ignacio Ellacuría calls “a crucified people.” Suffering under unjust social conditions and economic structures, crucified peoples relate to Jesus, whom religious and state authorities violently executed. The Christ stands in solidarity with them, beckoning his followers to do the same (cf. Matt 25:31–45).
As peacemakers we can live into BPFNA’s vision of peace rooted in justice by listening with openness to trans folks about their suffering and what they need, resisting cooperation with the structures that cause their hardship and suffering, and insisting on their rights to those with power. Write to your elected officials and demand they oppose any legislation that discriminates against trans folks. Donate to organizations led by trans people, especially Black or Indigenous trans people, like the Sylvia Rivera Law Project or Trans Lifeline. Befriend a transgender or nonbinary person: hold their story in your heart, share your vulnerability with them, show up for each other and each other’s healing.
During the Eastertide season we remember and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. We sing alleluia and proclaim that love, drowned in death, shall never die. Loving one another, we can bear witness to the living God that still resurrects crucified peoples in our midst.
