Listening to people tell their stories-- "Just Like You" at Barking Legs Theater

Listening is powerful . When we listen, we learn. Not only do we learn, but our perspective and our world expands. Our understanding, compassion, and empathy can increase. We are able to find similarities between ourselves and "the other", whoever that "other" might be. 

Last night I had the opportunity to listen to 9 (I think) individuals share their story. The setting was a theater, so it wasn't like having a conversation, listening, and being able to ask questions. It was pure and simple listening. Listening to individuals share their joys, their heartaches, their journey. Each person shared from their personal experience of being them, being human. Each story was as unique as the individual. 

There were some common themes expressed between them. One was "hate"-- how families, friends, and society had responded to them with hatred, rejection, fear, etc. That made me sad on many levels. 

As a follower of Christ, hate has no place in my world. Yes, it creeps in at times when things are horribly wrong, unjust, corrupt, etc. But it's not so much "hate" that wells up within me, but rather anger, disgust, hurt, etc. No matter the situation, I attempt to still show love and grace.

The stories I heard last night were those of transgender people. 

I do not believe that transgender people are mistakes. I believe that all people are created uniquely by the Creator (Psalm 139), are loved by the Creator (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10) and that Creator God IS love (1 John 4:8b, 1 John 4:16).

I realize that not everyone believes as I do. As you can see above, Scripture has led me to this belief that transgender people as humans created by God. Additionally, experience has led me to this belief, as have reason and tradition. If you happen to be of the Wesleyan background, you will notice that I have mentioned the four foundations of Scripture, experience, reason, and tradition. These have allowed me to form (or rather re-form) my theology and thinking.

Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community have been hurt by churches and Christians. Some have worked their way through that hurt. I know many strong LGBTQIA+ followers of Christ. They love God and love others as themselves, as we are called to do by Jesus as we live out the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40).

Last night wasn't the first time I have listened to transgender voices. However, it was the first time for me to hear so many voices and stories at one time and in one space.

There is another opportunity tonight at 8pm (Saturday, March 28) to hear these voices. They will be at Barking Legs Theater.

Here is the link to get tickets in advance: "Just Like You [Transgender Voices on Being a Human]"

I invite and encourage you to go, to listen, to go and listen with an open mind and an open heart. I invite you to listen for the human traits from each voice. I invite you to allow your understanding, compassion, and empathy to expand.

Thank you for listening to my voice, 

Deb

(image courtesy of The Seed Theatre)