A Methodist pastor in New York has announced plans to transition, telling worshippers during a Nov. 23 service that the change marks an end to “pretending to be a man.”
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf of North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester delivered the message from the pulpit 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.”
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Phaneuf also disclosed identifying as asexual, saying: “I’m in the category of what they call asexual. 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.”
The pastor said the new name will be Phillippa and the preferred pronouns are she/her. Hormone replacement therapy has been underway for three months, with changes to appearance, voice and hair expected.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Phaneuf confirmed the details and said the congregation had responded positively. “Since coming out to my congregation, they have been overwhelmingly affirming!” Phaneuf said.
