Every year on November 20th, we pause to observe Trans Day of Remembrance, a solemn occasion to honor the lives of transgender individuals lost to violence and hatred. It’s a day of grief, reflection, and, hopefully, a catalyst for change. Yet, as I reflect on the state of the American Christian church, I can’t help but acknowledge the collective failure to protect and uplift some of the most vulnerable in society.
Jesus commanded his followers to care for the marginalized, yet the response of American Christianity to non-heteronormative identities has been nothing short of abysmal. Rather than extending compassion, too many Christians have contributed to the very systems of oppression that put trans lives at risk.
Jesus and the Marginalized: A Forgotten Mandate
Let’s start with Jesus himself—the radical, boundary-breaking teacher who made it clear that the “least of these” are at the heart of God’s kingdom. He dined with outcasts, healed the sick, and challenged the religious elite who clung to power at the expense of justice. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Who are the least of these today if not trans folks who face higher rates of violence, homelessness, and discrimination? According to a 2021 study by the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly one in five trans people experience housing insecurity, and the murder rate for trans individuals—particularly Black trans women—is horrifyingly disproportionate.
If Jesus walked among us today, there is no doubt in my mind where he’d be: standing shoulder-to-shoulder with trans folks, speaking truth to power, and calling out the hypocrisy of those who claim to follow him but refuse to defend the marginalized.
The Church’s Failure to Follow Christ
And yet, where is the American church? Too often, it’s busy lobbying against trans rights, banning books that depict queer joy, and feigning pseudo-compassion through harmful practices like conversion therapy. The result is a culture where trans people are not only excluded but actively vilified.
This failure is not benign. It emboldens violence. When pulpits spew hatred or politicians push anti-trans legislation under the guise of “traditional family values,” the signal is clear: trans lives are expendable. This rhetoric trickles down, emboldening racists, homophobes, and bigots who now feel justified in their hatred.
With an administration–one that couldn’t give two shits about those same “traditional values”–coming into power that thrives on division and fear-mongering, the stakes are even higher. Trans individuals already facing staggering levels of violence will likely see this hatred amplified. The church’s silence—or worse, its complicity—makes it a co-conspirator in this ongoing harm.
The Cost of Hatred
This isn’t just about policies or theology. It’s about lives. Every time a trans individual is brutalized or killed, the blood is on the hands of those who refuse to stand against hate. (I call them the fence riders.) We cannot claim to worship a God of love while enabling a culture of violence.
The cost of inaction is staggering. Families are torn apart, communities are left grieving, and the church loses whatever moral authority it pretends to have left. If Christians won’t protect the vulnerable, then who will?
Pick a New Mascot
This is where I’m going to say something that might sting a little: if you claim to be a Christian but refuse to stand up for trans folks, it’s time to pick a new mascot. Jesus is not yours to co-opt. He’s not the figurehead of a political movement or a weapon to wield against those who make you uncomfortable.
To follow Christ means to stand with the oppressed, not to become their oppressor. If you’re unwilling to do that, drop the label “Christian” and stop pretending. Call yourself a cultural warrior, a fascist, a nationalist—whatever fits. But leave Jesus out of it.
A Call to Action
Trans Day of Remembrance is not just a day to mourn—it’s a day to act. For those of us who claim to follow Jesus, that action must include standing up for trans lives. This means:
- Advocating for policies that protect trans individuals from discrimination and violence.
- Challenging hateful rhetoric wherever it appears, whether in the pulpit, on social media, or around the dinner table.
- Supporting organizations like the Transgender Law Center and the Trevor Project that are doing the work the church should be leading.
It’s not enough to say you love Jesus. Your actions must align with his teachings. That means putting yourself on the line for the marginalized, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it costs you something.
Final Thoughts
Trans Day of Remembrance isn’t just about remembering—it’s about repentance. Repenting for the ways we’ve failed to protect trans lives and committing to do better. If the American church wants to have any relevance in this conversation, it must reckon with its sins and choose to stand on the side of justice.
Jesus said his followers would be known by their love. And while the time to prove it is well overdue, perhaps Christians can start repenting now and actually start loving their trans neighbors.
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