Hello everyone.    My name is Christine Zuba (she/her) .  I am a transgender woman from Blackwood NJ, near Philadelphia, in the diocese of Camden. I am also a lifelong Catholic, and a Eucharistic Minister in my parish.

In June of 2021,  I was invited by Father Alex Santora to speak during the homily at the 4^th annual Pride Mass of Our Lady of Grace parish in Hoboken, NJ.  I spoke of my life as a transgender person,  and of my hopes for our Church’s future.

Following the mass there was a reception during which a young woman and her two children approached me and thanked me for my words.  Her two children seemed to be about 8 and 10,  and one of them appeared transgender or non-binary.  The woman spoke with a thick Eastern European accent.  She said that they were from Poland and that “things aren’t so good over there” and that they were flying back to Poland later that same day.  She said they came to Our Lady of Grace specifically that morning to show her children “what is possible”.  

Much has changed for queer persons in today’s political world since I spoke that day almost 4 years ago,  and particularly for transgender and nonbinary persons in the US and worldwide.

I am very thankful to Catholic Women Preach for allowing me to reflect on the readings on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.  Even more so on this day, because my parish in New Jersey is also named Saints Peter and Paul.  

In our first reading we find the apostles and followers of Christ persecuted, imprisoned and executed by King Herod.  James, the brother of John is put to death,  with Peter in prison next to die.   All for being visible witnesses to the life of Jesus.

Today we see discrimination and action taking place in the United States with   immigrants,  legal as well as illegal,  being snatched off our streets and college campuses,  kidnapped so to speak,  many without trial,  some shipped to other countries to be imprisoned.  

People of color therefore live in fear.  Yet despite such threats, many continue their day to day activities, working to support their families. We pray that angels,  like  the one who guided Peter out of prison, watch over and care for them.

The LGBTQ+ community,  and specifically the transgender and gender queer community,  are likewise under attack,  simply for who we are.  At every governmental level,  rights are being denied,  as politicians strive to erase our very existence.

And still,  just as the apostles remained visible witnesses of Christ,  we too remain visible in our neighborhoods and in our faith communities.  We will not be erased.

Our second reading seems very relevant as we hear Paul speak near the end of his life about his journey as a follower of Jesus,  and of the strength he received from God to be an outspoken missionary for Christ.

Similarly, Pope Francis,  realizing the end of his life was near,  was strengthened by the Holy Spirit for one last Easter Sunday blessing,  one last ride on the popemobile  through the crowds of St. Peter’s square.    Francis spent his 12 years as Pope traveling around the world,  spreading the message of mercy, love and inclusion for “todos, todos, todos”, for everyone,  encountering people often rejected by our faith,  including members of the LGBTQ+ community.  

In our Gospel,  we hear Simon Peter proclaiming Jesus as “The Christ,  the Son of the living God”.   Jesus anoints him Peter “the rock upon whom he will build his Church”.  

Pope Francis served our Church,  not only by word, but even more so by example.  Although criticized by some,  Pope Francis met with those on the margins of our Church.  He met with and listened to the stories of queer persons,  including me along with three other transgender women on September 18^thof last year .  

Before meeting Pope Francis we each wrote a one page bio of our lives and our involvement with our Catholic faith and a short message of what we each wanted Pope Francis to know. As much of an honor and blessing as it was to meet Pope Francis,  I believe it was as important for him to encounter “us”.  In my message I wrote:

“Holy Father we bring to you  the prayers, love, gratitude and hopes of thousands of Catholic transgender women and men, non-binary persons, parents of transgender children,  and the families that we represent.  

We are parents and grandparents.  We are children, siblings, aunts and uncles.  We are present in all areas of society.  We are doctors,  lawyers,  engineers,  architects,  and teachers.  

We are not part of any ideology. We are not trying to play God.  Being transgender or non-binary is not a choice. We ask to be accepted as God made us. Diversity in all its forms is a Gift from God.”  

Now 2025 years after Jesus handed Peter the keys to the Kingdom of heaven, Pope Leo XIV follows as that “rock”.  Let us pray for Pope Leo,  that he also leads by both word and example,  an example to all our cardinals, bishops, priests and religious of a more loving, welcoming,  and inclusive Church.    And as the young woman from Poland said to me at that Pride Mass 4 years ago,  we pray that Pope Leo shows the world and our Church,  “what is possible”.