The talk did not go well, and I now understand that it was at that moment that I stepped into a deep, dark closet, closed the door, and bolted it tight.
Although my authentic self pounded on that door often, it would be six long decades before I would emerge from that closet in my own personal exodus. But freedom is never cheap, there is always a price. The cost was not just mine, but the pain was felt by some of the people I love the most, my beloved family.
I am living proof that one can function in an effective way and still not be at peace. During those six decades, I was a pastor, college administrator, director of camps and conferences, marketing director in the religious publishing field, graduated college, earned a master’s and a doctorate, but deep inside I knew something was out of place.
When, at age 69, I came out to my family, they were shocked. There was nothing in my life that they could see that raised suspicion. I’ve been told many times that I am the first transgender person someone knows, to which I reply, I am the first OUT transgender person you know.
In all my lectures and conversations, it is my goal to share deeply from my heart knowing that in any audience there are loved ones of transgender folks and even some closeted transgender persons. Hearing the stories of others were so helpful to me as I was seeking to understand myself. I hope that my story will help others in their journey.
Often when people think of the stories of transgender people, they focus on the journey to transition (gender affirmation) with little attention paid to the new life transgender people experience. Without question, I believe that I may be the most blessed person on the planet. It is a joy to share with gatherings that I am living life as the person I was always meant to be. Following a formal presentation, a time for questions becomes the heart of the group experience. ###

Background, Details, and Nitty-Gritty

Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson is an ordained minister whose credentials are recognized by the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and American Baptist Churches USA. She is a pastor, educator, counselor, and social activist who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education from Barrington College, a Master’s in Religious Studies from Providence College, a Doctor of Ministry from Eastern Baptist Seminary, as well as other graduate courses in business and religious studies. Donnie lives in Providence, RI.

She enjoys the opportunity to present and moderate conversations on the intersection of transgender and community engagement. She is also active in social justice issues of race, poverty, and gender. In Rhode Island, Dr. Anderson is the Co-Chair of the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias, a commissioner on the Rhode Island Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday Commission, and Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus. Previously, she served as Co-Chair of the State Advisory Committee for the United States Commission on Civil Rights Board and as a member of SAGE RI. In New Bedford, MA, she serves on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee.

She is active nationally and regionally serving on boards and committees, including as a board member of the Southern New England Conference, United Churches of Christ, a board member of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and one of the co-convenors of the Jewish/Christian Dialogue sponsored by the National Council of Synagogues and the National Council of Churches. Formerly, Dr. Anderson served as Executive Minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches and the Rhode Island Bible Society for almost 13 years, comprised of churches from eleven Protestant denominations, and numerous other local congregations working in partnership with affiliated Muslim and Jewish organizations.

Previously, she served congregations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island as a pastor. In addition, she has served in executive positions in religiously affiliated organizations in higher education, publishing, and camping/conferencing. Recently, she served as the pastor of the Provincetown United Methodist Church in Provincetown, MA, and now serves as Pastor at Pilgrim United Congregational Church, New Bedford, MA.  ~ ~ ~

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