A trans pastor who recently came out to her congregation in a spellbinding sermon has spoken out about the national attention she has received in the aftermath.This is not what I was expecting to happen, Rev. Dr.Phillippa Pastor Phil Phaneuf, told Advocate of the incredible response to her impassioned speech, during which she assured congregants she was still the same person and that shes not becoming a woman but rather, giving up pretending to be a man. Related Gregory Maguire says he never expected Wicked to reflect Americas slide toward authoritarianism Since then, she said she has received far more messages of love than hate. Im surrounded by loving kindness, she said. The affirmations have been amazing.Among the many powerful moments in her announcement was her explanation of what would change and what would stay the same. While her appearance, voice, clothes, andpronounswill change, she said she deeply, deeply believes that what brought us together and has kept us together are all the things found in the stays the same category. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today What will stay the same, she said, is my commitment to the good news of Jesus Christ, our togetherness in ministry, (unfortunately for all of you) my personality, my style of teaching, my style of preaching, my adhd brain type (youre welcome), my sense of humor none of that is changing.She said congregants have since told her that moment helped ground them and make the news feel less overwhelming. She also said she is being patient with those who may take longer to come to terms with her transition. Change, she said, is hard, even when people have the capacity for acceptance. There are some people youre still holding out hope for, she said. When you do it in this sort of way, theres not a lot of angst or anger that you have to then work through when it comes time for reconciliation.She hopes her courage contributed to making her church a safer space.If someone can see even a glimpse of themselves in me, she said, maybe theyll feel theres a place for them too. Thats what church is supposed to be.Phaneuf came out to her congregation at the North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York on November 23.She explained that she already has the support of the United Methodist Church (UMC), the district superintendent, the bishop, and even the scripture itself.Did you know that there are eight different Hebrew words for different gender types? she said, re-emphasizing, In the ancient Hebrew they recognized at least eight different gender types.Phaneufalso praised the UMCs May 2024vote to end its banon LGBTQ+ clergy. On Wednesday, the Upper New York Conference issued a statement of support for Phaneuf, calling her coming out a significant step in her journey of authenticity and faith. I give thanks forRev. Dr.Phil Phaneufscourage and honesty in embracing the fullness of who God created her to be, said Bishop Burgos-Nez. Her gifts in preaching, pastoral care, and service continue to enrich our connection. We stand together in love and prayer as she walks thispath.In her announcement, Phaneuf asked congregants to imagine if their doctor told them their quality and outlook on life could transform exponentially to the positive.Would you listen to that doctor? she asked. If you felt Gods Holy Spirit surrounding you in ways that you havent felt in years, would you have a sense that that might be something that God was okay with?She expressed complete faith in her congregants that even those who might be hesitant will come to accept her with time, especially once they see how happy she is.Thats what we want for the people in our lives, she said. Isnt it? Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.