Virginia Stephenson is a radiant light in the world of spirituality, activism, and transgender empowerment. A devoted pastor, writer, and spiritual practitioner, she gracefully walks the line between ancient wisdom and modern advocacy. As Director of the Transgender Spiritual Council, she brings heart-centered leadership to communities across the United States, especially focusing on the sacred strength of transgender youth. Virginia is the co-author of Can Christians Be Saved: A Mystical Path to Oneness and Your Heart Is My Home, blending deeply personal reflections with profound spiritual insights. Her life’s work revolves around building bridges, between people, between faiths, and between the self and the divine.
Through rituals inspired by ancient myths like “The Descent of Inanna,” Virginia creates spaces of healing and transformation where pain gives way to power and love. Since her transition in 2001, Virginia has remained a beacon of courage and compassion. Her path hasn’t always been easy, losing a job, facing fears, and navigating a world that often misunderstands, but her journey has become a sacred testament to resilience, authenticity, and love. With her gentle wisdom and open heart, she reminds us all that spiritual awakening is not about perfection, but about embracing who we truly are. It is my honour to bring you this intimate conversation with a woman whose life is her ministry and whose message is simple yet revolutionary: Love is all there is.
Monika: Today, it is not only my pleasure but also a profound honor to welcome Virginia Stephenson to our conversation, a remarkable American transgender activist, pastor, writer, and spiritual practitioner whose life has been dedicated to building bridges of compassion, faith, and authenticity. Virginia serves as the Director of the Transgender Spiritual Council and is the co-author of two moving books, Can Christians Be Saved: A Mystical Path to Oneness and Your Heart Is My Home. Her work inspires many to look beyond dogma and into the sacred truth that lives in each human heart. Virginia, thank you so much for joining me today. How are you?
Virginia: Thank you, Monika. It truly warms my heart to be here and to share this space with you. I’m feeling grateful and grounded, and I welcome the chance to speak from a place of love, spirit, and personal truth. These conversations are sacred to me, they allow us to reflect, to connect, and hopefully to help others feel less alone on their own journeys.
|
| Virginia smiling. |
Virginia: Yes, I spend most of my time trying to build bridges of understanding, love, and trust between people. We have all grown up in a culture that supports the “us and them” mentality, which builds walls between individuals and groups. I have found spiritual ways that we can connect with each other, ways that enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us. I do this through writing: my second book is being published this year; through leading a heart circle in the Oneness community weekly; and through participating in organizations like the Trans-Spirit Council. The Council seeks to support trans groups around the nation, specifically transgender youth.
Monika: Many transgender people, especially in moments of struggle, ask why a loving God would allow them to be born with a gender identity that doesn’t match their body. How do you reconcile spirituality with the experience of being transgender?
Virginia: That is the perspective that many of us have at some point in our discovery that we are transgender. I hope that as we walk our journey, we are able to see it as being more of a blessing than a curse. God, Spirit, Creator can be seen as an ally and a lover, not as a punisher. I know that as a result of my crossing gender, I have learned much about myself and my world, and discovered talents, abilities, and gifts that I can give back to those around me.
Monika: In one of my earlier interviews, Lisa Salazar noted that transgender people are among the least likely to engage with religious institutions, largely because they’ve often been judged or rejected by their Christian families, friends, or faith communities. Do you feel this reflects the experience of many trans individuals?
Virginia: Yes, Lisa is right, especially in speaking of traditional conservative religious institutions. That is why many trans folk look outside of traditional institutions for spiritual involvement. We may participate in native religion, or pagan ritual, or Eastern philosophy, or in deep meditative spaces. Churches, after all, are only one of the many ways to God. I have found that the true “means” for us all to know God is in our own hearts.
Monika: How would you describe the way mainstream Christian denominations generally respond to transgender individuals?
Virginia: Suspicion, persecution, rejection, and resistance. Isn’t it a shame that the Christian Church so deeply fights people who are “different” and tries to make everyone conform to their idea of holiness, or some such thing? Again, I am speaking of the fundamental churches, which seem to have a vendetta against LGBT persons under the guise of “God’s will.” Many of the more liberal churches are “open and affirming” for LGBT persons.
Monika: While the Bible doesn't mention transgender identities explicitly, do you believe there are passages or figures that could be interpreted through a transgender lens?
Virginia: There are no direct references, but there are many stories in which it could be inferred. For example, eunuchs in the Bible refer to gender-variant persons, so many of these stories could be about trans people. Strong women who occupied traditional male roles, such as Deborah, could have been today’s version of trans men. According to much research, transgender persons were sought after in ancient days as healers, shamans, mediators, priests, and priestesses, and were honored in their ability to “walk between the worlds.” We need to reclaim those ancient traditions and roles.
Virginia: Yes, Lisa is right, especially in speaking of traditional conservative religious institutions. That is why many trans folk look outside of traditional institutions for spiritual involvement. We may participate in native religion, or pagan ritual, or Eastern philosophy, or in deep meditative spaces. Churches, after all, are only one of the many ways to God. I have found that the true “means” for us all to know God is in our own hearts.
Monika: How would you describe the way mainstream Christian denominations generally respond to transgender individuals?
Virginia: Suspicion, persecution, rejection, and resistance. Isn’t it a shame that the Christian Church so deeply fights people who are “different” and tries to make everyone conform to their idea of holiness, or some such thing? Again, I am speaking of the fundamental churches, which seem to have a vendetta against LGBT persons under the guise of “God’s will.” Many of the more liberal churches are “open and affirming” for LGBT persons.
Monika: While the Bible doesn't mention transgender identities explicitly, do you believe there are passages or figures that could be interpreted through a transgender lens?
Virginia: There are no direct references, but there are many stories in which it could be inferred. For example, eunuchs in the Bible refer to gender-variant persons, so many of these stories could be about trans people. Strong women who occupied traditional male roles, such as Deborah, could have been today’s version of trans men. According to much research, transgender persons were sought after in ancient days as healers, shamans, mediators, priests, and priestesses, and were honored in their ability to “walk between the worlds.” We need to reclaim those ancient traditions and roles.
|
| Virginia thinking. |
Monika: You’ve explored Mahayana Buddhism and Zen in your spiritual journey. How do these traditions generally view gender diversity, including transgender identities?
Virginia: It all depends on the local temples, but just look at the representations of Avalokitesvara and Guanyin. This was the same person, but represented as a feminine man or as a woman. Most of the temples recognize women and men to be equal in all respects and allow them to serve in all capacities. This would be true of all genders. Buddhism is more of a way to think… or not think, and a way to live one’s life. In this way, it is not a religion but a WAY.
Monika: You’ve developed your spiritual practice as an Oneness Blessing Giver and created a powerful ritual for transition and healing for transgender people, inspired by the ancient myth “The Descent of Inanna.” Could you please share some insights about this ritual and its significance?
Virginia: In the ancient texts, a transgender person rescued Inanna from the Underworld. As Joseph Campbell said, myth serves to teach us about ourselves and our place in the world. The ritual I created is an exciting play where we can actually feel some of those lessons and places in our hearts. The ritual becomes an initiation into feeling the suffering of the world and stepping into a place of power to help and serve others with love. We are able to feel the suffering of all transgender persons, and ritualistically step out of the place of suffering into accepting and living life.
Monika: In 2009, you became one of the directors of the Transgender Spiritual Council. Could you tell us more about the organization’s mission and the kind of work it does?
Virginia: Leeza Edwards, Wren Walker Robbins, our advisory members, and I have the intention of seeing the world transition from patriarchal control to a partnership between all genders, nationalities, and ethnicities. To that end, we seek to spiritually support all transgender groups, especially the youth in those groups. We present a 2–3 day “convening” where we teach from Native, Buddhist, Pagan, and Christian sources to build community, understanding, trust, and love among all of us. In past convenings, we have done activities such as nature walks, writing workshops, trans rituals, feasting together, and deep listening and heart-space talking. We have been greatly encouraged and impressed with the personal strength and commitment of our trans youth!
Virginia: It all depends on the local temples, but just look at the representations of Avalokitesvara and Guanyin. This was the same person, but represented as a feminine man or as a woman. Most of the temples recognize women and men to be equal in all respects and allow them to serve in all capacities. This would be true of all genders. Buddhism is more of a way to think… or not think, and a way to live one’s life. In this way, it is not a religion but a WAY.
Monika: You’ve developed your spiritual practice as an Oneness Blessing Giver and created a powerful ritual for transition and healing for transgender people, inspired by the ancient myth “The Descent of Inanna.” Could you please share some insights about this ritual and its significance?
Virginia: In the ancient texts, a transgender person rescued Inanna from the Underworld. As Joseph Campbell said, myth serves to teach us about ourselves and our place in the world. The ritual I created is an exciting play where we can actually feel some of those lessons and places in our hearts. The ritual becomes an initiation into feeling the suffering of the world and stepping into a place of power to help and serve others with love. We are able to feel the suffering of all transgender persons, and ritualistically step out of the place of suffering into accepting and living life.
Monika: In 2009, you became one of the directors of the Transgender Spiritual Council. Could you tell us more about the organization’s mission and the kind of work it does?
Virginia: Leeza Edwards, Wren Walker Robbins, our advisory members, and I have the intention of seeing the world transition from patriarchal control to a partnership between all genders, nationalities, and ethnicities. To that end, we seek to spiritually support all transgender groups, especially the youth in those groups. We present a 2–3 day “convening” where we teach from Native, Buddhist, Pagan, and Christian sources to build community, understanding, trust, and love among all of us. In past convenings, we have done activities such as nature walks, writing workshops, trans rituals, feasting together, and deep listening and heart-space talking. We have been greatly encouraged and impressed with the personal strength and commitment of our trans youth!
|
| Dressed up at the ball. |
Monika: When did you begin your own transition journey? What challenges did you face along the way, and did you have a support network to help you through it?
Virginia: I transitioned in 2001, and even though I lost my job because of it, I had a remarkable support system of friends and family who walked with me through it all. My two children have always been my greatest supporters, and me theirs too!
Monika: When you began your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you along the way? Who did you look up to during that pivotal time in your life?
Virginia: Eva Hayward, Nancy Nangeroni, Wren Robbins, Penn Baker, and many others. Their courage and authenticity helped illuminate a path forward for me when things felt uncertain. I am deeply grateful for the work they did, often quietly and at great personal cost, to make space for those of us who came after them.
Monika: Looking back on your coming out journey, what would you say was the most challenging part of it for you emotionally and spiritually?
Virginia: Fear. I had never faced fears like that. Fear of losing friends and family, fear of losing my job, fear of losing my life! But it was through that experience that I discovered what the Buddhists meant about losing “attachments,” and I experienced a newfound freedom when I lost my fears and accepted things as they were. It was a spiritual awakening for me, and a journey that I cherish to this day.
Monika: The transgender movement is often grouped under the larger LGBT umbrella. Given that “T” comes last in the acronym, do you feel the transgender community has enough space and visibility to advocate for its own unique concerns within that collective?
Virginia: Well, we try. But fortunately, our LGB allies have stood by us and supported our cause, too. Keep in mind that we are bringing notice to ourselves to gain rights of equality, which, when we receive them, will enable us to recede into the mainstream to live lives like everyone else. I see us as about halfway up the slope to the pinnacle of full equality, so we can then start the journey down to be like everyone else. As a longtime participant in our political struggles, the help of gays and lesbians has been important to our achievement of the rights we have. I know that we can all cite examples when we have not been helped by certain organizations, but I can cite many allies that have stood up for us.
Virginia: I transitioned in 2001, and even though I lost my job because of it, I had a remarkable support system of friends and family who walked with me through it all. My two children have always been my greatest supporters, and me theirs too!
Monika: When you began your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you along the way? Who did you look up to during that pivotal time in your life?
Virginia: Eva Hayward, Nancy Nangeroni, Wren Robbins, Penn Baker, and many others. Their courage and authenticity helped illuminate a path forward for me when things felt uncertain. I am deeply grateful for the work they did, often quietly and at great personal cost, to make space for those of us who came after them.
Monika: Looking back on your coming out journey, what would you say was the most challenging part of it for you emotionally and spiritually?
Virginia: Fear. I had never faced fears like that. Fear of losing friends and family, fear of losing my job, fear of losing my life! But it was through that experience that I discovered what the Buddhists meant about losing “attachments,” and I experienced a newfound freedom when I lost my fears and accepted things as they were. It was a spiritual awakening for me, and a journey that I cherish to this day.
Monika: The transgender movement is often grouped under the larger LGBT umbrella. Given that “T” comes last in the acronym, do you feel the transgender community has enough space and visibility to advocate for its own unique concerns within that collective?
Virginia: Well, we try. But fortunately, our LGB allies have stood by us and supported our cause, too. Keep in mind that we are bringing notice to ourselves to gain rights of equality, which, when we receive them, will enable us to recede into the mainstream to live lives like everyone else. I see us as about halfway up the slope to the pinnacle of full equality, so we can then start the journey down to be like everyone else. As a longtime participant in our political struggles, the help of gays and lesbians has been important to our achievement of the rights we have. I know that we can all cite examples when we have not been helped by certain organizations, but I can cite many allies that have stood up for us.
 |
| "Fireside chat with Buck Rhodes and Virginia Stephenson" (YouTube) |
Monika: How do you perceive the current social and political climate for transgender women in the United States today?
Virginia: Isn’t it amazing how the trans men have come into the political and social arenas of activism and are being so effective? Years ago, there were very few trans men involved, and now there are more trans men than trans women involved in my city. In fact, the out, active, and visible trans women are now young persons, and some of the older trans women like myself are finding other causes and just living our lives. I think a main issue for trans women is the expectation people have that we all must “pass,” and this expectation holds us back from acceptance of our individual gender places and spaces.
Monika: Do you believe the struggle for transgender equality represents the next frontier in the broader fight for human rights?
Virginia: Honey, I have been fighting this issue for almost 20 years, I feel like I am past the frontier. But I understand the issue is still new for some… like Republicans?? That said, every generation brings fresh energy and vision to the movement, and that gives me hope. I’ve seen progress I never imagined, even if it often feels like two steps forward and one step back.
Monika: Have you been involved in political advocacy or lobbying efforts? What has your experience been like in influencing policy? In your view, how can transgender women shape the political landscape and bring meaningful change?
Virginia: I was the main trans lobbyist during the 2003 NM legislative session, where we became the first state to have a non-discrimination act and a hate crimes law pass with gender identity in both bills. I believe that transgender women can play any part they choose in politics, but know this: it is a lot of work, and we still have to earn our way into places of power by supporting a party or a group faithfully for a period of time.
|
| With her son Josh. |
Monika: How would you describe the role of love in your life and spiritual journey? Has your understanding of love evolved over time, especially in relation to self-acceptance?
Virginia: Love is all there is. I try to practice unconditional love for myself, and then out of that wonderful place, to love others unconditionally too. Love for self means that we love ourselves with the parts that we may want to change. Many of us wait until we think we are perfect to love ourselves, and very few of us reach that place. The key is to practice love for self now.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you believe they help challenge stereotypes, or might they reinforce certain misconceptions about transgender people?
Virginia: I have never seen one myself. Again, while I think they may support some unfortunate stereotypes, I certainly support and love those trans persons who want to participate and wish them the very best in their lives.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their journeys. Have you ever considered writing your own personal memoir, or do you prefer sharing your experiences in a different format?
Virginia: My first book, Can Christians Be Saved: A Mystical Path to Oneness, included many of my personal stories. I preferred to write a spiritual book with supporting personal stories, rather than a formal autobiography. My second book, being published this year with my co-author Buck Rhodes, is about the steps to finding the Authentic Self.
Monika: What advice would you offer to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria and trying to find their own path?
Virginia: Find a good, experienced counselor. Do a lot of research, you will find there is no one way to transition or to be who you truly are. “Full” transition is not “better” than crossdressing. Each path is different, and there is no relevant hierarchy. Find who you truly are and be that person. Your own personal goals and path come first for yourself, and then so you can effectively help others and the world. Journey to find that place where you totally accept yourself just as you are.
Monika: Virginia, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Virginia Stephenson.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
No comments:
Post a Comment