I spent 30 years in the Kairos prison ministry which is non-denominational and ecumenically based. I developed many close friendships with people of all faith backgrounds. It has recently come to an end when I revealed to the community that I was a transgender woman and began transitioning. People have been polite, but the disapproval from many has been palpable. It's taken more the form of shunning than outright condemnation. I essentially was treated as if I ceased to exist.

Over the last year I have become acutely aware of the bigotry embedded in much of the Christian tradition. Hate the sin love the sinner is a favorite polite condemnation. I find it ironic, especially in the context of prison ministry, where we dealt with some of the worst of the worst - sexual predators and unrepentant mass murderers. We loved and encouraged them all, sometimes with dramatic, indeed miraculous, results. People just being themselves? Not so much. It warms my heart, and I am sure God's as well, that you were able to find such an accepting community. It gives me hope that Christianity may continue to be relevant as it sheds its historical bigotry and becomes the all-inclusive faith that Jesus envisioned. I am saddened by your loss, but am glad that you found an opportunity, at least for a brief time, to experience a more authentic and loving community.