TRANSGENDER MINISTRY OF ACCOMPANIMENT
FORTUNATE FAMILIES INC ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL MINISTRY FORMATION SESSIONS FOR AFFIRMING TRANSGENDER ACCOMPANIMENT AND EDUCATION.
Fortunate Families Inc, of Lexington, KY, is launching additional ministry formation sessions using a series of 15 videos on the lives of transgender and non-binary persons. The facilitated program is designed for the formation of individual pastoral ministers to enable the participants to affirmingly accompany transgender persons as they embrace their lived reality in the context of their Christian faith. Sessions will be facilitated by Fortunate Families, Inc. Integral to the program is discussion among cohort participants and discernment of recent events and resource materials.
The program can also be designed for groups (dioceses, schools, parishes, medical, parish LGBTQ+ ministries, etc.) to help understand the many issues that affect the personal and spiritual well being of transgender and non-binary persons and of their families. Interested groups should contact Fortunate Families directly.
Recorded between 2021 and 2025, the videos were created by Sister Luisa Derouen, OP and Fortunate Families. 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. Upon her retirement Sister Luisa has documented her life’s work and to share her years of knowledge, experience and professional relationships, so that these sessions can be used to help educate and train those who wish to be a supportive presence of God in their lives.
Topics Include:
- Words Matter: Language and Terms
- Transgender History in the U.S.
- Spiritual Companioning, Counseling, and Spiritual Direction
- Our Sacred Bodies: Medical Realities for Trans People
- Conscience, Development of Doctrine, and Catholic Teaching Related to LGBTQ+ People
- Transgender Children
- Psychological Considerations
- What is Non-binary?
- Theological, Moral, and Pastoral Issues In Spiritual Accompaniment of Trans People
- Faith and Spirituality
- Workplace Inclusion for Transgender and Non-Binary People
- Family Dynamics
- Legal Challenges of Transgender Individuals
- Cis-Gendered Partners/Spouses
- Parenting a Transgender Child
To help defray program costs, there is a $200 per person fee for the ministry program, as you are able. We also ask you to consider making a recurring donation to Fortunate Families, via our website or by sending a check. Donations for any groups who wish to register will be based upon a sliding scale. The priority deadline to register for these sessions is July 31, 2026. Sessions will begin in early September.
To Apply Click HERE. For additional information visit the Fortunate Families Inc. website at fortunatefamilies.com; or contact:
Stan “JR” Zerkowski, Executive Director
Fortunate Families
PO Box 22317
Lexington, KY 40522-2317
859-327-1047
Info@fortunatefamilies.com
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WEBSITE: www.fortunatefamilies.com
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