TRANSGENDER MINISTRY OF ACCOMPANIMENT
ACCOMPANIMENT ON THE JOURNEY
The Ministry of Accompaniment to transgender and non-binary persons is an expression of our commitment to them as members of the Body of Christ.
Essential to this commitment is an understanding of the many issues that affect their personal and spiritual well-being and that of their families.
Sister Luisa Derouen is a Dominican Sister of Peace and has been ministering among transgender people and their families nationally for decades. It has been the greatest privilege of her life to know hundreds of transgender people and give witness to the sacredness of their lives. It is her desire that these formation sessions be used in service of those who wish to be a supportive presence of God to transgender and non-binary persons in their journey to wholeness.
THE PROGRAM
Each video examines a different aspect of the lives of transgender and non-binary persons. Additional reading materials for each video will be recommended.
Presenters include religious, subject experts, spouses, parents, and transgender and non-binary persons themselves.
TRACKS
The program options include two similar but different tracks.
The first and primary track is the formation of individual pastoral ministers to better accompany transgender and non-binary persons as they embrace their lived reality in the context of their Christian faith. Each formation group should consist of 9-12 persons, to be facilitated by Fortunate Families.
The second track is educational in purpose, designed for groups (diocesan, schools, parishes, medical, parish LGBTQ+ ministries, etc.) who support and desire to understand more about the lives of transgender and non-binary persons. Groups can select all, or a subset of the available videos.
Both individuals and groups will need to apply and be approved for the program. Individuals and Group representative(s) who apply will be further interviewed by phone or zoom by Fortunate Families.
SESSION TOPICS
- Words Matter: Language and terms. What is Different and Similar for Trans/Gay and Lesbian persons
- What is Non-binary?
- Transgender History in the U.S.
- Theological, Moral, and Pastoral Issues In Spiritual Accompaniment of Trans People
- Spiritual Companioning and Counseling
- Faith and Spirituality
- Medical Realities for Trans People
- Workplace Inclusion for Transgender and Non-Binary People: A Primer
- Spiritual Companioning and Spiritual Direction
- Transgender Children
- Family Dynamics
- Psychological Considerations
- Cis-Gendered Partners/Spouses
- Legal Challenges of Transgender Individuals
- Parenting a Transgender Child
APPLICATION
For additional information and to submit an application as an INDIVIDUAL seeking to accompany transgender and non-binary persons and become part of a small group of future pastoral ministers, click here.
For additional information and to submit an application as a GROUP seeking to learn more about the lives of transgender and non-binary persons, click here.
