On Saturday, February 22, 2014, GLAAD's former intern Summer will be moderating a panel discussion about being transgender and Christian, organized by Natasha Magness for her project "Outreach to LGBT Evangelicals in Orange County," funded by the Strauss Foundation. The event is co-sponsored by the Biola Queer Underground (BQU), an LGBT support and advocacy group at Biola University, a private, conservative, evangelical university located in La Mirada, California. Because LGBT students are at risk for expulsion at Biola, the Biola Queer Underground is an anonymous network of current students and out alumni.
The panel will feature Dr. H. Adam Ackley, the theology professor at the evangelical Azusa Pacific University who was asked to resign after announcing that he is transgender. The BQU has asked Dr. Ackley to share his story and discuss what the Bible says regarding transgender people.
The panel will also include a Q&A discussion with Dr. Ackley and Rev. Megan More, a transgender woman and clergy member at the Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley. They will be discussing topics such as transphobia in the church, faith, and seeking acceptance among Christian friends and family.
Since interning at GLAAD, Summer has transferred to a new university. Last November, she shared her story of being a transgender woman born and raised in Hong Kong with the Huffington Post.
The panel will be held on Saturday, February 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brea United Methodist Church in Brea California. Check out the Facebook Event page for directions and more information. Parking is available at the church. There will be refreshments served afterwards.