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I thank the BDN for extensive coverage on July 28 regarding trans issues in the politics and culture of Maine, including religious traditions. Alongside Rev. Gwen Fry who was quoted in the article, and many other devoted leaders nationwide, I am both transgender and a clergy person, living out faith and identity with authenticity.
People have asked me, “How do you and God manage that?” It’s a spiritual question that deserves a real, not a political, answer. The long version is found in my memoir, “Reading Secrets: A Queer Inheritance of Life and Scripture.” Not everyone will be thoughtful about such things, but I encourage those with open hearts and questions to read it.
My prayerful little book about the Bible came out this summer. At the very same time, well-funded theocrats on the political right were busy bullying a diverse democracy through back channels toward the Big Beautiful Bill, misusing Christian theological language to cast the federal government in an authoritarian mold.
If there is one thing my faith has taught me, it’s that scripture has to be read and interpreted in dialogue with those most impacted by poverty and violence, who are nearest to God’s heart.
Malcolm Himschoot
Orono
