Kori Pacyniak – What can the church learn from trans Catholics?

Conversations among Catholics about trans people and the church often center on questions of inclusion and belonging in relation to church life and teachings. Can trans people be baptized into the church or partake in other sacraments? Should trans Catholics be allowed to join religious orders? The conversations often proceed as though trans Catholics are fundamentally a problem to be solved. 

Even when the intention is to be welcoming, making this the primary discussion among Catholics fails to recognize that trans Catholics are already part of our families, communities, workplaces, and parishes. Trans Catholics are already a part of the church. 

Some theologians and pastoral leaders suggest that shifting the focus of these discussions could lead to a broader understanding of church life. As well as considering what we owe to trans people, we should also consider how trans people enrich the church—how their active participation in church communities might help us deepen our theology and pastoral witness. 

On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to guest Kori Pacyniak about what the church can learn from trans Catholics. Pacyniak is a queer, nonbinary, and trans Catholic who is a doctoral candidate at the University of California Riverside. They studied religion and Portuguese at Smith College and have a master of divinity from Harvard and a master’s degree in theology and trauma from Boston University. Ordained as a priest through Roman Catholic Womenpriests, Pacyniak focuses on creating sacred space and liturgy by and for queer and trans Catholics.

Learn more about this topic and read some of Pacyniak’s writing in these links.

“Gender diversity has always been part of the church,” by Emma Cieslik
Gender diversity has always been part of the church - U.S. Catholic

“As a transgender Catholic, I don’t see gender diversity as a threat to our faith,” by Maxwell Kuzma
As a transgender Catholic, I don't see gender diversity as a threat to our faith - Outreach

“Trans and Catholic: A parent’s perspective,” by Deacon Ray Dever
Trans and Catholic: A parent’s perspective - U.S. Catholic

“We cannot abandon trans Catholics,” by Father Bryan Massingale
We cannot abandon trans Catholics - U.S. Catholic

“Pope Francis Calls for the Inclusion of Trans People in Catholic Church Practices,” by Dallas Knox
Pope Francis Calls for the Inclusion of Trans People in Catholic Church Practices | GLAAD

“God Doesn’t Want You to Be Miserable,” by Kori Pacyniak
"God Doesn’t Want You to Be Miserable.” - New Ways Ministry

“The Women Who Want to Be Priests,” by Margaret Talbot
The Women Who Want to Be Priests | The New Yorker

Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.