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Posted: 2020-08-13T20:22:47Z | Updated: 2020-08-14T12:12:17Z

As told to HuffPost associate editor Connor Garel

When the leadership at Lorne Park Baptist Church in Mississauga, Ont. announced its decision to fire me , a month after I came out as a transgender woman, they said it was because of theological reasons. Those reasons were not made clear.

I always suspected I might lose my job after letting everyone know who I am, but I stayed optimistic. Wed had at least one out gay staff member during my six years at the church, and I had previously advocated for more affirming churches in our denomination, which was met with support from leadership. I let others convince me that firing me would be a violation of my rights .

And for a minute, I thought the congregation had accepted me. I thought that we were making history that I might become one of the first out trans pastors in Canadian Baptist life, signalling to so many people who are hurting that the church could be a space for them. I thought that I wouldnt have to make the choice between my vocation and my gender.

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