The blog by Tina Beardsley, the first trans trustee of Changing Attitude England and Alex Clare-Young, trans minister, both former members of the LLF co-ordinating group, posted on 20 May asked why discussions about the need for a working group on gender identity and transition have not included consultation with either of the trans people who were members of the LLF co-ordinating group. They have now written to the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Sarah Mullally, bishop of London and chair of the LLF Next Steps Group, asking her to confirm that the new working group on gender identity and transition will be composed of a wide range of trans members, including transfeminine, transmasculine and non-binary people together with those who are recognised specialists in the field of gender identity and in overseeing people’s transitions.
Dear Bishop Sarah,
Living in Love & Faith Next Steps Group to reconsider gender identity and transition
We write to you following the Church of England’s press release for the House of Bishops’ meeting held on Tuesday 18th May, which informs us that ‘The House discussed additional working groups related to the LLF process and agreed in principle to the formation of a working group on gender identity and transition under the auspices of the LLF Next Steps Group, details of which will be announced in due course.’
As trans people who were members of the LLF Co-ordinating Group we are disappointed that any proposal about the need for a working group on gender identity and transition, let alone a discussion in the House of Bishops, did not include consultation with either of us. Why has such a working group become necessary now? It is deeply regrettable that gender identity and transition were not fully addressed when we were members of the COG. Alex in particular raised the lack of proper attention to trans identities and theological anthropology and instances of over-simplification of trans identities and experiences. Despite this, his expertise was not fully drawn on, and parts of the material do not reflect the comments he did make.
Gender identity is mentioned 95 times in the Living in Love & Faith book. In Chapter 5 Society (pages 92-97) there are sections on ‘Gender Identity’, ‘Gender & sex’, ‘History of trans identities’ and ‘Transgender: statistics.’ In Chapter 6 Science (pages 109-112, 115-116, 118-120) there are sections on ‘The science of gender identity’ covering the ‘Origins of gender identity’, ‘Gender transition’, ‘Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children and adolescents’, ‘Sexual orientation and gender identity as diagnoses’, ‘Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts’, and ‘Gender transition procedures.’ In Part 5 of the book (pages 397-404) there is a ‘Conversation about gender identity and transition’.
Trans people are also represented in LLF’s film stories, controversially so: as the Next Steps Group is aware, several of us have complained about the negative impact of one of the LLF Course videos which contained a section of film story of a trans person widely known for disseminating anti-trans views (not expressed in the video). For some people the use of this person’s film story in the LLF Course raises serious safeguarding concerns. Is the proposed working group on gender identity and transition intended to address these particular concerns? In addition to the misuse of the film ‘Alex and Jo’ by Christian Concern, this highlights the way in which lack of attention to the safeguarding complexities around trans identities has caused clearly evidenced harm. We are disappointed that the safeguarding team has refused to reflect on either of these issues.
We have several reservations about the proposal to form a new working group on gender identity and transition.
As the Bishops note, at the end of the LLF book (page 422), its contents have ‘exposed the depth of disagreement between Christians’, including the Bishops themselves, in terms of opposite sex relationships, gender and pastoral provisions for transgender people, and ‘most pressing ... around same sex relationships.’
Trans people are the current targets of misinformation, hatred and oppression in public, political, and ecclesial discourse. Multiple government consultations have been used to increase the hostility that trans people experience every day. As such, yet another process of consultation would give us cause for concern. It is vital that organisations, including churches, begin to listen to trans people, instead of debating the validity of our authentic, God-given identities.
There is an urgent need for clarity therefore regarding the aims of this proposed group and its membership. The group should include a wide range of trans members, including transfeminine, transmasculine and non-binary people. The group must not be yet another source of polemical debate between those with lived experience of oppression due to gender identity and those who falsely equate theological opinion or position with said lived experience. Both of us would have much to contribute to this group, given our roles in LLF and our theological experience. There are so few trans theologians it would be odd if our expertise were to be ignored and both of us may be willing to be involved. The group must also include specialists in the field of gender identity and in overseeing people’s transitions according to the Standards of Care issued by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
That trans people can be poorly treated in churches is well-documented and something those responsible for LLF should be fully acquainted with following one campaign group’s deliberate misgendering of a participant who appeared in LLF’s launch video. The July 2017 General Synod witnessed a successful attempt to remove gender identity from the proposed ban on conversion therapy, and in 2019 there was considerable pushback to the House of Bishops’ own Guidance on prayer to mark gender transition. Both were attempts to problematise trans people despite the fact that, in launching what was to become LLF, our Archbishops assured us that no one is an issue or a problem.
Trans people are currently experiencing unprecedented attack in our society rendering us vulnerable in our churches. We need the Archbishops, Bishops and everyone involved in the LLF project to speak up on their behalf. A working group on gender identity and transition – properly informed about trans people’s lives and the medical and therapeutic consensus that supports our flourishing – would be an opportunity for the Church of England to do precisely that.
We look forward to receiving confirmation from you that the proposed working group on gender identity and transition will be composed of a wide range of trans members, including transfeminine, transmasculine and non-binary people together with those who are recognised specialists in the field of gender identity and in overseeing people’s transitions.
The Revd Dr Christina Beardsley, Co-author, Trans Affirming Churches
The Revd Alex Clare-Young, Author: Transgender. Christian. Human.