By Lewis Reay (From Seeds October – November 2025)

On the weekend of 11-13 July, 28 trans and non-binary Christian activists from all over Europe met in Zurich, Switzerland, to worship together and explore the theme of Trans Joy.

People came from all over Europe, including from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Switzerland and Latvia, sharing stories of the lives of trans and non-binary in their respective countries.

There were four of us from the Metropolitan Christian Church (MCC): Kuisma Savisalo and Ipa Kivinen from Finland, Lewis Reay and the Revd Elder Maxwell Reay from Scotland. Sharing with others the inclusive and affirmative experiences that we have had as part of MCC was a moving experience.

We realised that there was much that we had in common. Both in relation to the struggles that trans and non-binary people face across Europe and the worsening human rights record of many countries. The withdrawal of gender-affirming care for young trans and non-binary people was a common experience.

There were workshops, space for creative activities, panel discussions to learn from one another’s experiences, and worship. There was time for lament and time to express trans joy and gender euphoria.

Kuisma Savisalo from Elävä vesi MCC (Living Water MCC), Helsinki in Finland, said, ‘To meet people who face the same problems in life and share the same joy as us was precious … Getting to know young people from all over Europe was interesting.’

Maxwell Reay, from Our Tribe at Augustine United Church, reflected on the impact of MCC. He said, ‘It is clear we have had great influence in encouraging other denominations to become more inclusive but there is still a place for us, with lots more to do’.

Creating hope in difficult times is so important to give trans and non-binary people the strength to carry on and live authentic lives. Coming home to our bodies and finding trans joy is a wonderful experience. Meeting other trans and non-binary Christian activists was a deeply spiritual experience and friendships were forged. We all hope that this will be the first of many such gatherings.

Trans Joy was organised by the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups in partnership with Reformierte Kirche Zürich, with the support of LGBTIQ Fachstelle of the Reformed Church of Zürich, Transblessing (Sweden) and Sybils (UK), and funding from the Dutch Government.

A Prayer for Trans Joy

Loving Creator, Holy One, we celebrate your Love and the joy that this brings.
We are beautiful, made in Your marvellous image.
Brothers, sisters and siblings – all our chosen family, a family made by You.
A place to share love and comfort, to laugh and to cry out.
A place to celebrate our joy and a place to mourn as well.
Safety is in Your unchangeable Love, more and deeper than we can know.
Acceptance is a glorious place where hatred falls away, replaced by wholeness.
Risen One, You bring us the joy of new life – renewed and remade.
This is our trans joy in You.
Thank You, for Your boundless Love.
Thank You, for our trans siblings.
We live in the name of the Creating One, the Life-giver and the breath of Spirit.