Reverend Phil Phaneuf Reveals She is Transgender, Will Now Be Known as Phillippa Faye

A New York pastor has stunned members of her congregation after publicly announcing her transition to a woman and adopting she/her pronouns.

Reverend Phil Phaneuf, 51, revealed the news during Sunday service at North Chili United Methodist Church (UMC), explaining that she has been undergoing a gender transition.

“I get to announce with joy that I am transitioning. I am affirming and saying to all of you that I am transgender,” Phaneuf said while wearing a rainbow stole. “The best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man.”

She also shared that her new name will be Phillippa Faye Phaneuf, although she will continue to be addressed as Reverend Phil.

“I’m not going to be the pronoun police,” she added, assuring the congregation that no one will misgender her out of malice.

Phaneuf explained that the changes related to her transition will be physical. She has already been on hormone replacement therapy for three months but emphasized that her faith and commitment to ministry remain unchanged.

“My commitment to Jesus Christ and to the ministry will remain the same,” she said, reassuring members that her spiritual leadership and service will continue undisturbed.