Testimony is a documentary that explores the similarity in experience between evangelical Christians who accept Jesus Christ and that of gays and lesbian who come out for the first time. This documentary takes a unique look at people who have had both experiences in their lives – coming out and accepting Jesus Christ. As well as their struggle to accept themselves in spite of God’s seeming condemnation of their life style.
This is not a transgender movie
But there are still many parallels with the transgendered experience. The transvestite who struggles with her disillusionment at the church’s lack of acceptance. The crossdresser who has to cross an untraveled spiritual road, sometimes alone.
No, this movie is not a transgender movie, but rather a movie that captures the troubled journey so similar to ours, as told through the lives of our gay brothers and sisters. Rather than a deep cry against religion, the Testimony movie seeks to offer hope and encouragement to others who are struggling to live as who they are and love the God they know exists.
You can view a mini-film version of Testimony here, which provocatively opens with the question: “Is it possible to be religious and queer?” Where the answers range from the life affirming “Absolutely, I think that Jesus loves us all” and “Love knows no gender” to the hurtful “The people that I grew up with no longer speak to me”.
In my life it has been a struggle to reconcile being transgendered with following Jesus Christ. After many years of agony and soul searching I believe that crossdressing has made me more human. That I have a greater capacity for love and tolerance because I was blessed with being different. In accepting who I am, my soul has had to bend and shape itself to accept others for who they are.
How has being transgendered affected you?
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If you are struggling to reconcile your religious beliefs with being transgendered I strongly encourage you to take a look at the wonderful resources at transfaithonline
