Soul-diers

My transgender child was baptized on Pentecost 18 years ago and here we are again; today is Pentecost aka the birthday of the Church.  Pentecost commemorates the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit in the form of fire and wind, 50 days after the resurrection of Christ.  In addition, all those gathered could hear the sermon in their native language.  It must have been a mind-blowing experience.  Instead of going to church to observe this Christian feast day, we decided to be the church.  We traveled to Austin to stand in solidarity with other parents of transgender children and their allies at our state capitol.

About 125 of us made signs to protest the anti-transgender legislation being considered by the Texas Legislature.  Then we made our way to the entrance of the House Chamber to line the stairs and hallway as the members reported for a rare Sunday session.  It was an exercise in visibility, no words were spoken as we stood in silence holding our flags and placards.   I watched the small area fill with lobbyists with hungry eyes, backslapping and gladhanding.  Some laughed with legislators as though nothing unusual was going on.  The laughing seemed forced, as if they were trying to distract themselves.  It was a stark contrast – those appearing carefree while we silently pleaded for freedom from persecution. 

And then I heard a lone violin.  A hush fell over the space for a bit, a sort of respect in the chaos.  The mournful music was like a soundtrack that told our sad stories without lyrics.  And it felt holy.  And sacred.  And it was church.  Jesus always stood against the powerful who used the law to exclude others.   

I was carrying one of two homemade, religious-themed signs, mine simply stating:  Christians for Trans Rights.  One of the lobbyists suddenly looked at me and said “and today is Pentecost!  God poured out his spirit on all flesh – on everybody – all nations!”  I just said, “that’s right.”  It was surreal to be standing in this hall, asking for all people to be treated equally on this particular day.  On the day when Christians celebrate the divine in all of us and the ability to truly hear one another, here we stood knowing that our oppressors are Christians. 

My local House representative gave me a hug and offered words of encouragement while other supportive legislators stopped to cheer us on and take photos.  I looked around and saw parents whom I’ve come to know these past months and many new faces, all there with their stories and fears and hopes.  These amazing advocates are what I call Soul-diers.  While the State of Texas continues to objectify my daughter, these people understand that the soul, not the body, is the most important part of a human being.  Whether someone is male or female or neither, is secondary to the soul God gave each person.   They see the sacred person inside.  They are Soul-diers for justice. 

Part of the Episcopal liturgy for baptism requires parents/guardians to “name this child.”  My daughter was baptized in a name she no longer uses.  But the priest also pronounces to each new Christian, “you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever.”  Amen to that.  She is created by God, known by God, loved by God and will belong to Christ always.  My prayer is for our legislators to do some soul searching this week and find a way to honor the holy in all people.  The Soul-diers are standing by.