NY pastor announces gender transition during service with congregation: ‘Giving up pretending to be a man’
A Methodist pastor in New York announced last week that they are transitioning to live as a woman and now identify as asexual.
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, 51, of North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester, shared the news during the Nov. 23 Sunday service, delivering the announcement from the pulpit while wearing a rainbow stole.
“So I get to announce with joy that I’m transitioning,” Phaneuf said. “I’m affirming to all of you that I am transgender. The best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man. This is a process, and it may be shocking for some as to what this all means.”
Phaneuf also revealed that their sexual orientation is asexual, meaning they experience little or no sexual attraction to others.
“I’m in the category of what they call asexual,” Phaneuf explained. “I’ve been that way since we’ve all been together, in that I am not living my life in a way that involves looking for romance.” They will adopt the name Phillippa and use she/her pronouns.
Hormone replacement therapy has been underway for three months, Phaneuf confirmed, and they expect changes in appearance, voice, and hair.
Speaking to Fox News Digital on Tuesday, Phaneuf said the congregation has been extremely supportive. “Since coming out to my congregation, they have been overwhelmingly affirming!” she said.
The pastor added that the bishop, church leadership, and theology fully support the transition, noting that the bishop was consulted before the announcement and that her pastoral duties will remain unchanged. “What will stay the same is my deepening love for all of you,” Phaneuf said.
However, Phaneuf’s parents do not support the decision. “They asked me to tell you all that they do not support me,” she shared during the sermon.
The United Methodist Church reversed rules last year that condemned LGBTQ+ identities. Its official website now states that human sexuality is “a sacred gift” and affirms this applies to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The United Methodist Church commits to befriending and caring for all persons, including LGBTQ persons in our churches and communities,” the church said.
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