A New York pastor delivered a Sunday announcement that left her congregation stunned, emotional, and ultimately supportive. During a recent service at North Chili United Methodist Church, longtime pastor Rev. Phillip Phaneuf revealed a deeply personal update: they are transitioning, now living openly as a transgender woman.
The New York pastor stood before the congregation wearing a rainbow stole, signaling the importance and symbolism of the moment, per New York Post. With calm clarity, she told churchgoers, “So I get to announce with joy that I’m transitioning… I’m affirming to all of you that I am transgender.” She added that the experience wasn’t about suddenly becoming someone new, but rather finally stepping into her authentic identity. “The best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man.”
The heartfelt declaration reverberated through the New York church sanctuary. At 51 years old, Phaneuf explained that her orientation is asexual, something she says has been true long before this revelation. “I’m in the category of what they call asexual,” she shared. “I’ve been that way since we’ve all been together.”
New York Pastor Announces Gender Transition
Going forward, the pastor will use the name Phillippa and the pronouns she/her, noting that hormone replacement therapy has been underway for three months. Physical changes, she said, are expected in her voice, appearance, and hair, but emphasized that one thing won’t shift: her role as pastor. Phillippa assured the congregation that her ministerial duties remain unchanged, stating, “What will stay the same is my deepening love for all of you.”
What happened next is something you don’t always see in stories like this: overwhelming support. Phillippa later confirmed that the New York community has embraced her, calling the response “affirming” and full of grace. She even noted that the church bishop, theology, and official Church stance all back her transition. The bishop was consulted before the announcement, and the denomination’s updated rules now welcome LGBTQ+ identities, calling human sexuality “a sacred gift.”
However, the journey wasn’t without emotional weight. Phillippa revealed that her parents do not support her decision. “They asked me to tell you all that they do not support me,” she said, acknowledging the painful contrast to the church’s acceptance.
The Congregation Was Supportive
New York has always had a way of turning personal truth into a kind of quiet revolution, and this pastor’s story is no exception. As she continues her transition with her church behind her, her story serves as a reminder that while family bonds may falter, chosen communities often rise up.
Hopefully, this New York pastor’s honesty inspires more conversations, more compassion, and more moments where people feel safe being exactly who they are.
Kendra Quinn 
Hunter Spears 
Sabrina Russell 
