I am transgender and genderqueer which means that I do not identify as male or female. I know that can take some time to wrap your brain around. Because I am not male or female, that can make language difficult. For example, the pronouns he and she do not work, so I use the pronouns ghe and gher in reference to myself.  An example is- ghe went to the store to by gher cat some food.

     Also, I am comfortable with other pronouns such as they and their.  If it was good enough for Shakespeare, then it is good enough for me. Many people just use Sunshine wherever they would use a pronoun- which is harder than you might think.  It takes 9 months to get comfortable using these pronouns, so I don't mind if you slip up if you don't mind my quietly correcting you. You will slip up. I forgive you now for any slip ups you make and ask that you please forgive yourselves.

     The people who have learned these new pronouns with me in congregations and the hospitals share that I am gracious and kind about people learning this and they express their gratitude.  As the Chaplaincy Director said, “You create a feeling of safety wherever you are.”  That is what I strive for and it is my deepest hope that all who encounter me experience the same.  Thank you for your support in this.