Dr. Lynn Walker’s life is a luminous tapestry woven from threads of courage, faith, and unwavering authenticity. As an American transgender activist, educator, retired U.S. Army officer, and bishop in the Orthodox Catholic Church of America, she carries a profound grace that quietly inspires everyone she meets. Nestled in her Brooklyn home with her beloved spouse and two gentle cats, Lynn’s days are filled with purposeful work, directing housing programs for those living with AIDS, teaching with heartfelt dedication, and nurturing a community where compassion blooms. Her journey is one of transformation in its deepest sense, not just of the body, but of the spirit. For years, Lynn lived with a truth quietly blooming inside her, a truth that blossomed fully only in her late 30s. She embraced her identity with the strength of one who has weathered many storms, the loss of a beloved career, the tremors of uncertain relationships, and the often harsh judgments of a world still learning to understand. Yet through it all, Lynn’s heart remained steadfast, cradled by the gentle hands of family and friends who saw her true self, and by a faith that embraces diversity as a sacred gift.
To Lynn, gender is not a narrow path but a wide, flowing river, a spectrum as vast and beautiful as the world itself. She sees in this variety the hand of creation, a divine love that celebrates difference rather than fears it. Her voice, soft yet unwavering, challenges the cruelty of misunderstanding and rejection with the warmth of hope and the power of knowledge. Her faith is a sanctuary and a beacon. As a bishop, Lynn stands at the intersection of spirituality and identity, gently breaking down walls of exclusion while weaving a tapestry of acceptance and love. She knows all too well the pain many transgender people endure in their faith communities, but she also carries a vision of churches that can be safe havens, where souls are embraced exactly as they are. Lynn’s life is a beautiful testament to resilience and compassion, a story told not just in words but in the quiet moments of everyday love, the steady march of advocacy, and the courageous choice to live openly and truly. She is a shining example for anyone who seeks to live with integrity in a world often slow to understand. Through her journey, she invites us all to see the divine in every hue of humanity and to celebrate the extraordinary courage it takes to be oneself.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor of speaking with Dr. Lynn Walker , a remarkable American transgender activist, educator, retired U.S. Army officer, and bishop in the Orthodox Catholic Church of America. Welcome, Lynn!
Lynn: Hi Monika. It’s very good of you to invite me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of my journey with your readers.
Monika: Let’s begin with a glimpse into your everyday life. How would you describe yourself and the work you’re currently involved in?
Lynn: I live in Brooklyn with my spouse and two cats, teach occasionally, and direct a couple of housing programs for a non-profit AIDS service organization.
Monika: Some people wrestle with the question of faith in the face of gender dysphoria. Why do you think transgender people are born with a mind and body that seem to be at odds? Is it a sign of divine indifference, or is there another way to view this experience?
Lynn: I don’t necessarily agree that God is merciless. It seems to me that nature and the Creator love variety, and in the last hundred years or so we’re seeing that more clearly. Gender identity is not A or B, but may be better represented as a spectrum, far more nuanced than the scale developed by Dr. Harry Benjamin. It also seems to me that randomness is part of the way the world works, and it’s what enables great creativity as well as great strength of character. I’m not saying that the mind-body thing isn’t a serious matter, for it really is. It’s not at all easy to face the reality or realities of the trans experience.
But struggle is not unique to us, either. There are many physical, spiritual, and psychological situations that present enormously difficult challenges for people all over the world. The part about merciless, though, some people are merciless, perhaps for religious or cultural reasons, or out of fear. Maybe it’s a phobia, or it could have to do with misunderstanding or ignorance.
Lynn: I live in Brooklyn with my spouse and two cats, teach occasionally, and direct a couple of housing programs for a non-profit AIDS service organization.
Monika: Some people wrestle with the question of faith in the face of gender dysphoria. Why do you think transgender people are born with a mind and body that seem to be at odds? Is it a sign of divine indifference, or is there another way to view this experience?
Lynn: I don’t necessarily agree that God is merciless. It seems to me that nature and the Creator love variety, and in the last hundred years or so we’re seeing that more clearly. Gender identity is not A or B, but may be better represented as a spectrum, far more nuanced than the scale developed by Dr. Harry Benjamin. It also seems to me that randomness is part of the way the world works, and it’s what enables great creativity as well as great strength of character. I’m not saying that the mind-body thing isn’t a serious matter, for it really is. It’s not at all easy to face the reality or realities of the trans experience.
But struggle is not unique to us, either. There are many physical, spiritual, and psychological situations that present enormously difficult challenges for people all over the world. The part about merciless, though, some people are merciless, perhaps for religious or cultural reasons, or out of fear. Maybe it’s a phobia, or it could have to do with misunderstanding or ignorance.
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| At the Philadelphia Transgender Health Conference, with her friend and colleague, Bishop Tim and her spouse Francesca. |
Monika: Many transgender individuals have shared stories of spiritual exile, feeling unwelcome or even condemned by religious communities they once considered home. Do you believe that organized religion, particularly Christian institutions, has played a role in alienating trans people from their faith?
Lynn: Certainly, I’ve known many trans folk who have been rejected by family, friends, and faith communities based on what seem to me to be errors in understanding scripture, tradition, and history. Yet at the same time, there are a good number of trans people whose religious faith has been constant, steadfast, and sometimes strengthened by the ties they have with their families, friends, and religious communities.
Lynn: Certainly, I’ve known many trans folk who have been rejected by family, friends, and faith communities based on what seem to me to be errors in understanding scripture, tradition, and history. Yet at the same time, there are a good number of trans people whose religious faith has been constant, steadfast, and sometimes strengthened by the ties they have with their families, friends, and religious communities.
The Philadelphia Trans Health Conference has, for several years, had a spirituality track and has attracted a number of religious people and clergy, trans people, along with their families and friends. One thing that is so very sad for me is that so many trans folk have had such an awful experience with their faith communities. Here and there the situation is different, and many faith communities that identify as reconciling, open, and affirming are, in fact, trying to be exactly that.
Monika: Christianity encompasses a wide spectrum of beliefs and interpretations. From your experience, how have various Christian denominations responded to the presence and reality of transgender people?
Lynn: Within Christianity in general, there is such a wide variety of attitudes, from outright rejection and condemnation to acceptance and celebration, among the many communities of faith. I’m not sure I could say whether there’s a general attitude. In the Christian churches with which I’ve been associated, the general attitude has been exceptionally positive, friendly, and encouraging.
Monika: Some people claim that everything we need to know about gender is written in the Bible. From your perspective, does Scripture contain any insights or references that relate to transgender identities?
Lynn: Not precisely, for the idea of transgenderism, as we experience it in the 21st century, is not an idea likely to be found in ancient documents. Of course, life has changed in serious ways over the last several thousand years. In this twenty-first century, our domestic and public lives can’t really be compared with people in first-century Greece or Israel.
Monika: Christianity encompasses a wide spectrum of beliefs and interpretations. From your experience, how have various Christian denominations responded to the presence and reality of transgender people?
Lynn: Within Christianity in general, there is such a wide variety of attitudes, from outright rejection and condemnation to acceptance and celebration, among the many communities of faith. I’m not sure I could say whether there’s a general attitude. In the Christian churches with which I’ve been associated, the general attitude has been exceptionally positive, friendly, and encouraging.
Monika: Some people claim that everything we need to know about gender is written in the Bible. From your perspective, does Scripture contain any insights or references that relate to transgender identities?
Lynn: Not precisely, for the idea of transgenderism, as we experience it in the 21st century, is not an idea likely to be found in ancient documents. Of course, life has changed in serious ways over the last several thousand years. In this twenty-first century, our domestic and public lives can’t really be compared with people in first-century Greece or Israel.
There are references in the Bible that may be used to support or condemn us, and of course there are the usual dozen or so “clobber passages.” Over the last decade or so, though, there have been a number of writers who have addressed those passages, and these have been of great help and support to so many of us who have been perplexed.
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| With Francesca on Pride Sunday 2013 at the Church of St Luke in the Fields. |
Monika: When did you first begin your transition, and what challenges did you face along the way? Were there people in your life who stood by you during that time?
Lynn: I suppose I could say that I was always female, but just happened to have a body with an XY chromosome configuration and a masculine shape. But in terms of transitioning to what I believed to be a more authentic way of life, I was in my late 30s, having lived with the questions, doubts, fears, and uncertainties for many years.
Around the time I retired from the Army, it was time to make a positive shift in terms of work and social life. There were a number of difficulties, largely around employment and loss of income. I have been blessed with a network of supportive friends and a loving family. Looking back, I realize how crucial that support was to sustaining my hope and resilience.
Monika: During your transition, were there any individuals, transgender or otherwise, who inspired you or helped guide your path?
Lynn: Among my friends, I had a number of people who served here and there as role models, not only trans people, either. There are people of courage and resilience all around us. Around that time, though, I was active in the International Foundation for Gender Education, and in the Gender Identity Project at NYC’s LGBT Community Center. I was also active in the Imperial Court of New York. There, I had the friendship of a great many good people. Their presence reminded me that chosen family can be just as powerful as the one we're born into.
Monika: Looking back on your coming out journey, what were some of the most challenging moments you faced along the way?
Lynn: There is not just one thing. Leaving a job that I enjoyed enormously and taking a serious pay cut was difficult. Taking a big chance when telling family and friends was frightening. Requesting an indefinite leave of absence from my church was another. Divorce was yet another.
Monika: How would you describe President Obama’s approach to transgender rights during his time in office? Did his administration bring meaningful progress for the trans community?
Lynn: In general, the administration seems actively to support equal rights for all U.S. citizens, and I’m very glad about that. There seems to have been a serious shift at the federal level in the direction of commitment to equality of opportunity for more people. In a very few places, there is a move to require health insurance companies to cover trans-related health care, and this is encouraging. The administration might exert some influence in this area, so that this might become the general rule.
There are still places in the U.S. where trans people can be fired from their employment because they are trans. I would like to see more in the direction of better medical care in the VA Medical Centers, and I would like to see the U.S. follow the example of other nations and make it possible for trans people to serve in the military.
Lynn: I suppose I could say that I was always female, but just happened to have a body with an XY chromosome configuration and a masculine shape. But in terms of transitioning to what I believed to be a more authentic way of life, I was in my late 30s, having lived with the questions, doubts, fears, and uncertainties for many years.
Around the time I retired from the Army, it was time to make a positive shift in terms of work and social life. There were a number of difficulties, largely around employment and loss of income. I have been blessed with a network of supportive friends and a loving family. Looking back, I realize how crucial that support was to sustaining my hope and resilience.
Monika: During your transition, were there any individuals, transgender or otherwise, who inspired you or helped guide your path?
Lynn: Among my friends, I had a number of people who served here and there as role models, not only trans people, either. There are people of courage and resilience all around us. Around that time, though, I was active in the International Foundation for Gender Education, and in the Gender Identity Project at NYC’s LGBT Community Center. I was also active in the Imperial Court of New York. There, I had the friendship of a great many good people. Their presence reminded me that chosen family can be just as powerful as the one we're born into.
Monika: Looking back on your coming out journey, what were some of the most challenging moments you faced along the way?
Lynn: There is not just one thing. Leaving a job that I enjoyed enormously and taking a serious pay cut was difficult. Taking a big chance when telling family and friends was frightening. Requesting an indefinite leave of absence from my church was another. Divorce was yet another.
Monika: How would you describe President Obama’s approach to transgender rights during his time in office? Did his administration bring meaningful progress for the trans community?
Lynn: In general, the administration seems actively to support equal rights for all U.S. citizens, and I’m very glad about that. There seems to have been a serious shift at the federal level in the direction of commitment to equality of opportunity for more people. In a very few places, there is a move to require health insurance companies to cover trans-related health care, and this is encouraging. The administration might exert some influence in this area, so that this might become the general rule.
There are still places in the U.S. where trans people can be fired from their employment because they are trans. I would like to see more in the direction of better medical care in the VA Medical Centers, and I would like to see the U.S. follow the example of other nations and make it possible for trans people to serve in the military.
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| At a competition in Fort Lee, New Jersey, enjoying ballroom dancing. |
Monika: The transgender community is often included under the broader LGBT umbrella. Being the last letter in this acronym, do you think the trans community is able to effectively promote its own unique cause within the larger LGBT movement?
Lynn: Sometimes I wonder. It takes lots of people in crowds to attract attention, and it takes money. There are so few trans folk, and a good many of us don’t care to engage in advocacy. Further, a good many of us don’t have much money to support causes, even if the causes are our own.
Monika: How would you assess the current situation of transgender women in American society today?
Lynn: We’re doing a lot better than 20 years ago. There are advantages to living and working in NYC, and I believe our situation here is generally pretty good. At the same time, we continue to witness and experience countless murders, assaults, and incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence. There are many hostile work environments, and trans folk often encounter unfair treatment.
Monika: Do you believe that in our lifetime we might see a transgender woman become President of the United States?
Lynn: (grin) Well, it could happen. It seems unlikely, but we can hope.
Lynn: Sometimes I wonder. It takes lots of people in crowds to attract attention, and it takes money. There are so few trans folk, and a good many of us don’t care to engage in advocacy. Further, a good many of us don’t have much money to support causes, even if the causes are our own.
Monika: How would you assess the current situation of transgender women in American society today?
Lynn: We’re doing a lot better than 20 years ago. There are advantages to living and working in NYC, and I believe our situation here is generally pretty good. At the same time, we continue to witness and experience countless murders, assaults, and incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence. There are many hostile work environments, and trans folk often encounter unfair treatment.
Monika: Do you believe that in our lifetime we might see a transgender woman become President of the United States?
Lynn: (grin) Well, it could happen. It seems unlikely, but we can hope.
Monika: Could transgender rights represent the next crucial frontier in the ongoing struggle for human rights?
Lynn: Certainly, it is one of many new frontiers. It is interesting that Facebook has just recently made a change to enable people to choose among a large number of gender and sexual identities, around 50, I think.
At the same time, we should remember that the struggle for gay, lesbian, and bisexual human rights continues. Recent legislation in Russia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda makes it clear that we need to keep pressing for equal rights for everyone across all LGBT communities.
Monika: Are you involved in political activism or lobbying efforts? And do you believe transgender women have the power to make a meaningful impact in the political arena?
Lynn: I am not actively involved in politics, though I have participated in lobbying efforts supporting HIV/AIDS services and advocating for gender expression non-discrimination. And yes, I believe that when trans people are willing to stand up and be visible, when we engage with political leaders, and become politically active, we can exert enormous influence.
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| Wedding with Francesca. |
Monika: How has love shaped your life, and what role does it play for you personally?
Lynn: It’s very important to me. I’m in a wonderfully supportive, loving relationship with another woman. We got married this year.
Monika: What is your perspective on transgender beauty pageants and their significance?
Lynn: They could be as good as any other beauty pageant, if they support the truth that trans women possess great talent, imagination, intelligence, passion, courage, and wit. So, they need to be about more than just physical beauty, eh?
Monika: Many transgender women have shared their journeys through memoirs. Have you ever considered writing your own story?
Lynn: As you just said, many have written. What’s one more story? Of course, I’ve thought about it, because I believe I have a good story to tell, but to what purpose? I wonder if it might be better to write a few essays focusing on the spiritual and religious issues that touch our lives.
Monika: What advice would you offer to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Lynn: I’d start by suggesting it might help to step away from the term ‘dysphoria’ and instead embrace the idea that nature thrives on diversity and variety. At the same time, I must acknowledge the enormous struggle many of us endure, simply to survive, simply to live authentically. Far too many of us face violence, insult, assault, and discrimination.
The most important step, I believe, is to reach out to others within the trans community for support and friendship, and then encourage their healthcare providers to seek up-to-date information, perhaps even to consider joining WPATH.
Monika: Lynn, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Dr. Lynn Walker.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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