Trans-Gendered

Trans-Gendered: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith
Justin Edward Tanis

In the introduction to Trans-Gendered, Tanis says: "I intend to write about the ways in which religious communities have contributed to our oppression and occasionally, to our liberation. I want to speak, too, about the beauty and power of our lives. We need to think about how to fight back religiously and spiritually, as well as politically." Tanis largely accomplishes this goal.

The book began as a doctoral dissertation, while Tanis was at the San Francisco Theological Seminary, but it is not designed strictly for the academic world: As Tanis states in the books "I am not particularly interested in theories that do not have practical application for trans lives. Tanis writes in the first person, and weaves his own experience as a transgendered clergy person in with the experiences of other transgender individuals.

The books explores a number of topics, including:

• A somewhat rudimentary introduction to transgender issues
• Gender variance and the Bible
• Transgendered people and faith communities
• Creating a genuine welcome for trans people in communities of faith
• Gender as a calling
• Transgendered body theology
• Transgendered theological start

One note of caution, this book is very focused on the Christian tradition and mentions other faith traditions only briefly. Those expecting a broader analysis may be disappointed. Otherwise, this book is a compelling read, and a valuable and unique contribution to the growing body of transgender literature.

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