The Human Rights Campaign reports that 2021 has been the most deadly year on record so far for our Transgender siblings in the USA. This year 45 Transgender people have been murdered as a result of anti-trans violence. November 13-19 is Trans Awareness week, and November 20 will mark the 22nd annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Read about Transgender Day of Remembrance here.
I have written this litany for interfaith gatherings happening this week. And my particular hope is that Christians will wake up to the plight of our Trans siblings, made in the image of God, and lend their collective weight to the effort of creating a safe world for them.
Also, I write this prayer to be read aloud among gatherings of people, most of whom I assume will not be trans. Where noted, please us alternative “we/our” pronouns in place of “they/their” if that makes more sense for your group. I could not figure a way to pray for and about my trans siblings without it feeling at least somewhat “othering” toward them - toward you my beloved human family. It is not my intention to other, but to embrace. If I have misstepped in any of the language in this prayer, I sincerely ask for correction.
It is with great joy that we celebrate our transgender siblings (1),
And great grief that we mourn the violence done to them.
We give thanks for each of our trans kindred
Who embody the uncategorizable and boundary-defining nature of the Divine.
Like all of humanity, they* too are made in the Divine image,
Reflecting the Divine imprint.
We remember our trans siblings who have been lost to violence,
Unjustly sacrificed on the altar of society’s hatred and intolerance.
[We confess our society’s indifference and un-love,
And our own complicity in allowing these tragedies to continue.
We ask that forgiveness and justice bear fruit in us.
We are sorry. ] (1)
We honor them and send love to their spirits,
With prayers for their peace and well-being.
We set the intention to do better:
Provide safety and care,
Nourishment and acceptance,
To the most unique and vulnerable among us,
And to normalize their* place in our communities,
Cherishing the ways they* teach us (2) about goodness and love.
We ask for wisdom in going about creating a world
That is safe and welcoming for humans of all kinds,
Knowing that when the world is safe for trans people,
It is safer for all of Earth’s children.
We ask that the minds and hearts of all people on Earth
Will be open to practicing kindness, hospitality, friendship, and love
Toward those among us who bear the Divine image in uncommon or surprising ways;
And that our governments and systems will work for their protection,
Undoing patterns of oppression and violence,
Fostering liberation and joy for every human being.
May our transgender family be safe, healed, provisioned, and happy,
Sharing in the abundance of Earth,
The blessings of nature, joy, community, and freedom,
And the blessing of home.
May it be so.
*Exchange they/their pronouns for we/our pronouns if the group praying the prayer is made up of primarily Trans people.
1) Exchange “our transgender siblings” for “our community” if the group praying the prayer is made up of primarily Trans people.
2)Omit the bracketed section if the group praying the prayer is made up of primarily Trans people.
3) Exchange us for “the world” if the group praying the prayer is made up of primarily Trans people.