Fortunate Families is launching a series of weekly webinars using a series of 13 videos on the lives of transgender and non-binary persons as they embrace their lived reality in the context of their Christian faith.

This webinar series is designed for individuals or groups (dioceses, schools, parishes, medical, parish LGBTQ+ ministries, etc.) to help them understand the many issues that affect the personal and spiritual well-being of transgender and non-binary persons and of their families. Both Catholics and non-Catholics are welcome to participate.

Recorded in 2021, 2022 and 2024, the videos are facilitated by Sister Luisa Derouen, OP, and a team of Fortunate Families presenters. Having served the Catholic Church for over 50 years, for over two decades Sister Luisa has been an advocate on behalf of transgender and non-binary persons, ministering among them and their families, and giving witness to their dignity and worth as human beings and to the sacredness of their lives. Upon her retirement Sister Luisa has documented her life’s work to share her years of knowledge, experience and professional relationships, so others can better understand, support, and be a welcoming presence in trans lives.

Sessions will begin on June 17th and run through September 9th, each Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 PM ET. Each video’s presenter(s) is listed in italics after the video title. Fortunate Families Trans Ministry team members will lead Q&A after each video.

· June 17: Words Matter: Language and Terms (Sr. Luisa Derouen, OP)

· June 24: Transgender History in the U.S. (Dallas Denny)

· July 1: Our Sacred Bodies: Medical Realities for Trans People (Dr. Jamie Buth)

· July 8: Conscience, Development of Doctrine, and Catholic Teaching Related to LGBTQ+ People (Dr. Craig Ford)

· July 15: Transgender Children (Dr. Michele Angelo)

· July 22: Psychological Considerations (Dr. Maureen Osborne)

· July 29: What is Non-Binary? (Frankie Kuehnle)

· August 5: Theological, Moral, and Pastoral Issues in Spiritual Accompaniment of Trans People (Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP)

· August 12: Faith and Spirituality (Maureen Rasmussen & Michael Sennett)

· August 19: Workplace Inclusion for Transgender and Non-Binary People (Stephanie Battaglino)

· August 26: Legal Challenges of Transgender Individuals (Courtney Sharp)

· September 2: Cis-Gender Partners/Spouses (Jill Gaumer, Rhonda Williams Byrd, Dr. Maureen Osborne)

· September 9: Parenting a Transgender Child (Emily Garvey)

Registration is free. (A free will offering can be made on the Fortunate Families website). Choose a ticket for each webinar in which you wish to participate.Participants will receive an automated email with the Zoom link for each session upon registration.