The building up of Christian compassion helps our faith communities to live out their values toward justice and liberation for all people. Currently, LGBTQIA+ issues have been stigmatized with laws on the books of 22 states, restricting access to gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors.
Other states have responded with transgender protections, such as laws requiring every government building with public restrooms to provide at least one that does not specify the user’s gender. Attempts to keep certain books out of schools or public libraries are challenged with a new Illinois law that would block state funding for public libraries that ban or restrict books.
The goal of good mental health is for all of us to grow, by giving grace to every person, and to come with less judgment and more curiosity. Be respectful by honoring pronouns, so that each other’s humanity is recognized and taken seriously.
The Mental Health Committee recommends the viewing of the films, “Little Girl,” and “No Ordinary Man: The Billy Tipton Documentary.” May the body of Christ be better informed of a Jesus-rooted, justice-centered, and radically inclusive work of the church in order to build the Beloved Community and to grow in discipleship and faithfulness.
“Little Girl” or “Petite Fille” (2021) This documentary portrays 7-year-old Sasha, who has always known that she is a girl. Assigned male from birth, Sasha now struggles to be treated like other children in rural France, at her traditionally minded school, and in her gendered dance lessons.
Having come to accept her gender identity and embrace who she is, Sasha’s supportive family now leads the push for her social acceptance — in a constant battle to change attitudes one step at a time. Her mother Karine keeps looking for the best ways to help her child, with the help of her husband, sons, and daughter: RADICAL LOVE. (Available to stream on Tubi, Kanopy, and Plex)
“No Ordinary Man: The Billy Tipton Documentary” (2020) American jazz musician Billy Tipton developed a reputable touring and recording career in the mid-twentieth century, along with his band, The Billy Tipton Trio. After his death in the late 80s, it was revealed that Tipton was assigned female at birth, and his life was swiftly reframed as the story of an ambitious woman, passing as a man in pursuit of a music career. (Available to stream on Hoopla, Kanopy, and Ovid.)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14: Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do, be done in RADICAL LOVE.
Daily Prayer: Creator God, heighten our awareness of those around us, that we may be present and able to show RADICAL LOVE wherever it is needed.
