The Rev. Dr. Phillippa Phaneuf knows that a church can ask people to believe in transformation. She also knows what it means to live it out.
Phaneuf entered United Methodist ministry in 2006 and was ordained an elder in 2018. At North Chili United Methodist Church near Rochester, New York, she has built a congregation around belonging and “loving kindness.”
In November 2025, Phaneuf came out as transgender from the pulpit, telling worshippers, “I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man.” Her district superintendent, bishop, and congregation supported her. Some friends and relatives did not.
She endured those losses by deepening relationships with people who wanted to love her authentic self — and who allowed her to love them in return. This year, Phaneuf has helped other transgender pastors while teaching cisgender people about trans lives.
“HRT and visibility save lives!” she says. “They certainly saved mine!” Phaneuf credits Rochester Planned Parenthood’s medical professionals with affirming care that was instrumental in saving her life.
At home, Phaneuf is raising her 12-year-old daughter, Fiona, and is engaged to Liz, her high school sweetheart. Her ministry continues with the same invitation: Come in, be known, and celebrate kindness.
