My Church Fired Me After I Came Out As Trans. It Taught Me The Limits Of Its Love.

As told to HuffPost associate editor Connor Garel

When the leadership at Lorne Park Baptist Church in Mississauga, Ont. announced its decision to fire me , a month after I came out as a transgender woman, they said it was because of theological reasons. Those reasons were not made clear.

I always suspected I might lose my job after letting everyone know who I am, but I stayed optimistic. Wed had at least one out gay staff member during my six years at the church, and I had previously advocated for more affirming churches in our denomination, which was met with support from leadership. I let others convince me that firing me would be a violation of my rights .

And for a minute, I thought the congregation had accepted me. I thought that we were making history that I might become one of the first out trans pastors in Canadian Baptist life, signalling to so many people who are hurting that the church could be a space for them. I thought that I wouldnt have to make the choice between my vocation and my gender.

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