The Gender Accompaniment Project with Abigail Favale

In our final episode, we explore an ancient image and a very modern story of conversion. Special thanks to John Cavadini and Njada for being a part of this episode.

Meet Seda: a fellow Christian who identifies as a transgender woman. Today, we’ll not only hear Seda’s story, but about how Abby and Seda first crossed paths and became friends. This episode is about what lies beyond the obstacles of fear that keep us from one another.

How can we accompany people if we don’t understand what they are experiencing? When cultural forces are eager to put a label on everything, what do we do with experiences that don’t fit neatly into one particular box? And what should Christians do about the question of preferred pronouns? Fr. Raphael Mary Salzillo, O.P., Dr. Julia Sadusky, and Ollie help us find out.

We are into the final four episodes of our series. While we have learned key terms and witnessed powerful stories, a big question still remains: when it comes down to it, what does authentic accompaniment actually look like, for those seeking to serve persons with gender discordance? And what sorts of alienating pitfalls do we need to avoid?  In this episode we’ll hear from lay minister Marlyn Bat...

In today’s episode, we’ll meet Honorata and hear about her experience with medical transition, an experience which – quite mysteriously – coincided with her finding her way back to God and back into the Church. Honorata’s story doesn’t fit neatly into culture war narratives about gender and transition; rather, it offers a beautiful, honest look at the often enigmatic ways  God moves in our lives....

In today’s episode we hear from Sean about his experiences of transition, detransition, and conversion. We’ll explore the concept of personal fragmentation and how the varied, seemingly disparate parts that make up each of us can find integration and unity in Christ’s loving gaze. Dr. Greg Bottaro joins us to offer a psychologist’s perspective, and we’ll revisit our conversation with Sr. Maria Gem...

In this episode, we hear from Quinn as she shares her journey with gender discordance. From a young age, Quinn experienced a fragmentation of her identity that spurred years of wrestling. Today, we’ll learn how she has come to reconcile her call to self gift with her gender discordance. We’ll also talk to Anna Carter of Eden Invitation about their unique approach to ministry. Special thanks to Ann...

What story is God telling us through our bodies? Today we explore the power of story in understanding ourselves and the ambient, cultural forces that can shape our perception of gender and the body. We’ll hear Katy’s journey towards understanding her own femininity and learn from Dr. Angela Franks. Special thanks to Dr. Angela Franks and Katy for appearing in today's episode. We talked about:...

What is gender, anyway? In this episode, we'll take a deeper dive into the concept by looking at the various understandings on offer in our cultural moment and comparing those with a Catholic Christian understanding. So stick with us, and let’s take a little tour through the many lenses of gender. Special thanks to Dr. Angela Franks and Fr. Christian Raab for appearing in today's episode. We talke...

The discourse surrounding gender is tense. When the stakes are so high and everyone seems squared off into opposing camps, how can we remain grounded in truth and walk in the way of love? We talk to a religious sister, a philosopher, and a lifelong Christian who experiences gender discordance to find out. Special thanks to Sr. Maria Gemma Salyer, Jake Thibault, and Gene for appearing in today's ep...

Introducing the Gender Accompaniment Project, a new podcast series from Abigail Favale and the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. When the cultural discourse surrounding gender is heated and divisive, how can Christians  respond in truth and love? Join author and academic Abigail Favale for a ten-part exploration into this timely question. This is a documentary-styl...