A Methodist pastor in upstate New York has publicly shared plans to transition and has also disclosed identifying as asexual.
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, 51, of North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester, announced the transition during the Nov. 23 Sunday service while addressing the congregation from the pulpit.
“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.”
Phaneuf also explained identifying as asexual, meaning experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others.
“I’m in the category of what they call asexual,” Phaneuf said. “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 shared that the new name will be Phillippa and that the preferred pronouns are she/her. Phaneuf said hormone replacement therapy has been underway for the past three months, with changes expected in appearance, voice and hair over time.
Phaneuf told Fox News Digital that the details of the transition are accurate and that the local community has responded warmly.
“Since coming out to my congregation, they have been overwhelmingly affirming!” Phaneuf said.
According to Phaneuf, the bishop, church leadership and theological framework all support the transition. The bishop was consulted prior to the public announcement, and Phaneuf said pastoral responsibilities at the church will continue unchanged. “What will stay the same is my deepening love for all of you,” the pastor told congregants.
Phaneuf also acknowledged that not everyone close is in agreement. “They asked me to tell you all that they do not support me,” Phaneuf said of the pastor’s parents during the sermon.
Last year, the United Methodist Church reversed earlier rules that condemned LGBTQ+ identities, according to its official website. The denomination now affirms human sexuality “as a sacred gift” and states that this “applies to all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” according to the site.
“The United Methodist Church commits to befriending and caring for all persons, including LGBTQ persons in our churches and communities,” the statement says.
