New York Pastor Announces Transition

A Methodist pastor from New York recently shared her plans to transition to female, identifying as asexual as part of this change. Pastor Philip Phaneuf, from the North Chile United Methodist Church in Rochester, made her announcement during a Sunday service.

While wearing a rainbow stole, Phaneuf expressed her feelings to the congregation on November 23, stating, “That’s why I’m happy to announce that I’m transitioning. I want to assure you all that I am transgender. The best way to put this is that I am not becoming a woman; I am stopping pretending to be a man. This is a process, and some may be shocked by what this means.”

Phaneuf clarified that she now identifies as asexual, meaning she feels little or no sexual attraction to others. “I belong to the so-called asexual category,” she noted, explaining that this identity had been part of her experience all along.

In addition to her name change to Philippa, she shared her preferred pronouns are she/her. After beginning hormone replacement therapy three months ago, she anticipates changes in her appearance, voice, and hair.

Phaneuf reassured her audience that the church and its leadership support her transition, stating that she had consulted her bishop beforehand. “What hasn’t changed is that my love for you has deepened,” Phaneuf affirmed.

However, she revealed that her parents are not supportive of her decision. In her sermon, she mentioned, “They asked me to tell them all the things that they don’t support me with.”

Interestingly, just last year, the United Methodist Church lifted restrictions that disapproved of LGBTQ+ identities. The church now recognizes human sexuality as a “divine gift,” applying to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The United Methodist Church aims to create an environment of acceptance and care for all individuals in the community, including those who identify as LGBTQ.