The church is a better, more faithful place when transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive young people are a part of it. The debate around transgender children rages, making it more important than ever for people of faith to understand God’s call to love and affirm young people in who God created them to be. In this workshop, we will talk about what it looks like to boldly, loudly, and joyfully celebrate the young people in our midst, how to advocate for them in our ministry settings and beyond, and how to create reasonably safe spaces where they can grow in their connection to God and all of God’s children. We’re not always going to get this right, but Jamie will help participants understand how we can show up in faith and grace for ourselves and our communities while protecting the most vulnerable.

Jamie Bruesehoff (she/they) is an award-winning LGBTQ+ advocate, nationally known speaker, and mother of three, including a transgender child. Her family and work have been featured by media outlets and organizations around the world. With a master’s degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary-Gettysburg and twenty years of experience working with youth and adults in and outside of the church, she strives to create a world where LGBTQ+ young people thrive. She is the author of Raising Kids Beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children.