A New York pastor recently surprised her congregation. She announced her gender transition. She will now identify as a woman. The pastor will use she/her pronouns.
Reverend Phil Phaneuf, 51, shared this news during a Sunday service. This took place at North Chili United Methodist Church (UMC). She confirmed her ongoing gender journey.
The seasoned pastor delivered her message with joy. She stated, “I am transitioning.” She also affirmed, “I am transgender.” The pastor wore a vibrant rainbow stole. She clarified her experience. “I am not becoming a woman,” she explained. “I am ceasing to pretend to be a man.”
Phaneuf shared her new chosen name: Phillippa Faye Phaneuf. She will still be known as Reverend Phil. She addressed pronoun usage. “I will not act as the pronoun police,” she assured. “I believe no one will intentionally misgender me.”
Her transition involves only physical changes. She has been on hormone replacement therapy. This treatment has lasted about three months. She reassured church members. Her faith and ministry commitment are steadfast. Phaneuf declared, “My dedication to Jesus Christ and my ministry stays constant.”
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