The Transient Theology Project is an undergraduate research project focused on examining the intersections between Christianity, process philosophy, queer theory, and the lived experiences of trans+ Christians.

Given the ways in which non-cisgender identities and expressions have been understood as not only ‘abnormal’ but supposedly immoral in many Christian spheres, this research aims to offer a constructive theology which suggests that not only is it not immoral to be trans, but that transness is an actualization of what it means to be made in the image of God.

This project is critical and timely, especially due to the current onslaught of anti-trans legislation which directly impacts the quality of life for transgender individuals. This legislation, in tandem with anti-trans rhetoric, is understood to emerge from a particular fundamentalist notion of religious ethics; thus, this project aims to provide inspiration to trans+ Christians who may be struggling with reconciling their faith lives and gender identities within the current socio-political climate.

The main goal behind this project is to provide trans+ Christians with the affirmation that they don't have to choose between their faith and their gender identity. While many trans people have suffered trauma & abuse at the hands of Christian institutions & individuals, some have found that in embracing their gender identity, their relationship with God has been strengthened, and vice-versa. This project is meant to illustrate that those people aren't alone in that experience & that they don't need to pick between themselves and the God they believe in.

In an effort to be made as accessible as possible, rather than be presented in a formal, academic paper, this research will be compiled into a zine — a small-circulation, self-published magazine — that will feature art by transgender Christians and will aim to serve as a guide for those who are trying to navigate the tensions between their Christian faith and their non-cisgender identities and expressions.

Genderqueer Christians are invited to submit their art (of ANY and EVERY medium) to be shared in the zine by this Friday, August 18th at 12:00 noon EST. The link to the submissions form can be found here.

If you're cisgender and/or not Christian, consider spreading the word! Share us with any genderqueer Christian artists you may know, and stick around for more updates & the final zine release by following us on Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok.