Dear editor:
The Rainbow Sash Movement believes we are community, and that includes transgender individuals. I recognize that our community at times is messy; however, its soul is good. Many in our community live in privilege without recognizing it. Certainly, this has been so throughout our relatively short public socio/political/religious history.
Wein the LGBTQA movement and communityhave, at times, stumbled in our journey for human dignity by forgetting the other. This speaks to our human frailty regardless of who we are.
In short, we have been messy in how we deal with each other and, at times, forgetting that Jesus Christ has many faces, and it is up to us not to forget who our neighbor is: a child of God. We have to learn holy patience and respect as we educate each other.
"Love your neighbor" is the basic blueprint of our relationship with God. Biblically, God never said, "I will fix all your brokenness; rather, that God would be with us in our brokenness." What is important is that we actively listen to each other when we tell our stories, and be able to learn as we listen. Our differences should be cause for hope.
The message I wish to convey to the trans community is that we are all family. Family does not ignore family member's needs and wants. The key is to be found in listening, dialogue, education and focusing on the common ground/good.
Transgender people are not only part of this community. They are a part of who we are as human beings and community. Without the presence of the transgender community, we are not a community nor are we complete.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement ( GLBTQA Roman Catholics )