A Christian LGBT+ charity group is helping transgender people access gender-affirming surgeries by encouraging fellow Christians and people of all faiths to donate a portion of their wages in the month of September.
FaithfullyLGBT notes that the life-saving surgeries can cost between $10,000 to $90,000—a price tag that's often too high for members of a community that’s disproportionately living in poverty.
“For the month of September, we are challenging Christians (as well as other people of faith and non faith alike!) to give at least one week's worth of tithe money (preferably the entire month's worth) towards this campaign,” the group says.
“We are calling for Christians because of the historical and current disparagement of trans bodies and their promotion of faux theology rooted in transphobia. If you've ever said, 'well not all Christians' this is the time to actually prove that.”
The group will be donating all money raised to the Jim Collins Foundation—a non-profit trans-run organisation that supports transgender health and raises money for those who require surgery for gender transition.
FaithfullyLGBT founder Eliel Cruz that the campaign was started so every day Christians could begin supporting transgender people, noting that transphobia is often rife in church communities.
“It’s hard for Christians in general to make reparations when far too many Christians are still actively promoting theology that harms trans people,” he said.
“But for the growing number of Christians who have come to a better understanding of scripture around same-sex relationships and gender identity ― an understanding that is life giving and affirming ― this is a way to tangibly give back.”
The campaign—entitled #TitheTrans—has so far raised nearly $2000, with hopes to raise a six-figure amount.
Cruz told that he hopes Christians can understand the “various disparities that the trans community face”.
“From poverty, to violence, to lack of access to basic healthcare needs," Cruz said.
"I also hope Christians, who may be affirming of LGBT people, understand that being affirming is not enough. If important for allies to give back in tangible ways.
I hope #TitheTrans to be a way for Christians to show up and be allies by giving their tithe money to gender affirming surgeries."
