Conscience, Development Of Doctrine An Catholic Teaching Related To Lgbtq+ People

Psychological Considerations

Gender dysphoria is a diagnostic term that describes a sense of unease that a person may have because of a poor fit between their sex assigned at birth and their experienced gender identity. Understanding the internal struggle and emotions that transgender persons experience is essential to those who want to accompany them.

Transgender Children

At an early age, transgender children know they are different, that their sex assigned at birth does not match their internal identity. As ministers to transgender persons and their families, it is extremely important to understand the complex issues.

Legal Challenges of Transgender Individuals

The transition process for transgender persons involves a myriad of legal matters, including name change, driver’s license, social security, finance and credit, each of which vary from state to state. This session will outline the increasingly politicized legal issues for transgender people and the outlook for the future.

What is Non-binary?

In viewing the physical appearance of Non-Binary persons, one may initially categorize them as simply transgender. Non-Binary persons however, may identify as male, female, both, or neither. This session will discuss the additional challenges that Non-Binary persons face, to provide a better understanding and accompaniment of their lives.

Theological, Moral, and Pastoral Issues In Spiritual Accompaniment of Trans People

Finding consensus within our Church on appropriate care for transgender persons and their families can be difficult and confusing. How do science and human experience inform the evolving teaching of the Church in that care?

Faith And Spirituality

Transgender persons are often characterized as rejecting God and faith. Because of this mischaracterization they are often rejected by their faith communities. In this session, two transgender persons describe what their belief and trust in God has meant to their lives in the context of their faith journey.

Workplace Inclusion for Transgender and Non-Binary People: A Primer

Within the transgender and non-binary community, barriers to employment and workplace discrimination still exist. This session will review historical and current issues, legislation and challenges to the employment of transgender and non-binary persons

Family Dynamics

Transgender persons do not transition in a vacuum, but interact with families, friends, work colleagues, and institutions. The understanding and support of family is critical to health and spiritual wellness.

Cis-Gendered Partners / Spouses

When a spouse or partner declares him or herself as transgender, the entire relationship and family dynamic is profoundly affected. In this session two wives of transgender partners describe how their partner’s transition has affected their lives, their children, their families and friends, and their faith.

Parenting A Transgender Child

When a child declares themself to be transgender, in a milli-second a thousand things run through a parent’s head. It poses a challenge, to balance the role of parent with that of a faithful Catholic. In this session you will hear from a mother of a transgender son, and how her faith sustains her in their journey together.

Spiritual Companioning, Counseling, and Spiritual Direction

This session looks at the ways formal therapy is like and unlike formal spiritual direction as we seek to support transgender people in their faith journey.

Our Sacred Bodies: Medical Realities for Trans People

It is important to understand both past and current practices of medical care available to transgender persons. What causes a person to be transgender ? What are the options for care ? Is there regret ‘after’ transition ? Know the basics. Learn the facts.

Transgender History in the U.S

To better accompany transgender and non-binary persons, it is important to know and understand that their lived reality is not something new. This session will help you understand past and recent history, in order to better walk with and accompany them in the future.

Words Matter: Language and terms

It is more important to be understanding, than to fully understand transgender terminology. We are asked to respect the way each transgender person uses their own language and consistently use the words (e.g. names, pronouns) they request us to use in order to respect their inherent dignity.