LGTBQ Pastorin Alexandra Wilken
ussr.win
This is the home page of LGTBQ Pastorin Alexandra Wilken.

https://ussr.win/channel/lgtbq Bremerhaven Germany

In the baptism conversation, 9-year-old Michael expresses the desire to be called Michaela, as he is seeking hormone therapy. As a pastor, I face the challenge of changing the homophobic views of the parents and helping them understand the importance of accepting their child’s identity.

As a transgender pastor, I am addressing an extremely important and sensitive issue: the support of children in discovering and accepting their gender identity. 9-year-old Michael, who wishes to identify as Michaela, underscores how crucial it is to support children in their self-perception and to enable them to live their identity.

The challenge I am confronted with is both personal and societal. Parents are often caught off guard or troubled by such wishes, which can lead to resistance, misunderstandings, or even discrimination. Deeply rooted homophobic or transphobic views place a significant strain on the relationship between parents and child, especially regarding the understanding of gender and sexuality.

It is essential to convey to the parents the importance of identity acceptance. To do this, I pursue several approaches:

  1. Education: I inform the parents about gender identity and clarify the biological and psychological aspects of gender identity. Research shows the positive impact of support and acceptance on children living their gender identity.

  2. Fostering Empathy: I invite the parents to express their own feelings and fears in discussions. In a safe space, they reflect and develop a more empathetic attitude towards their child.

  3. Providing Resources: I offer information about organizations and support groups that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and family support. This enables parents to build a network of support and connect with others who have had similar experiences.

  4. Utilizing a Religious Perspective: I introduce biblical and theological approaches that promote acceptance, love, and compassion. Many religious texts emphasize the importance of embracing and valuing every individual, regardless of gender identity.

  5. Offering Long-term Support: I reassure the parents that they are not alone on their journey. They can continue to receive support and guidance as they contemplate the challenges ahead.

Through these approaches, I contribute to changing the attitudes of the parents and create an environment where Michaela is accepted and loved. This is critical for her emotional and psychological well-being. The path to accepting gender identity is often complex, yet it is a fundamental prerequisite for the growth and development of confidence in transgender individuals—especially at a young age.