Transgender. Christian. Human. by Alex Clare-Young - Review by Sarah Hobbs
Without trying to sound like a clichéd version of a Gothic horror novel: it was a dark and stormy November night in the middle of nowhere, at the foot of the Snowdon mountains, in the cluttered library of an old Jesuit spirituality centre that the name, Alex Clare-Young, first reached my ears.
A fellow retreatant asked if I’d ever heard of him. Only a year into my own transition and still getting back into the swing of church life after a period of absence, my answer was no.
The subsequent conversations made me regret that fact. it was clear that Alex was someone they thought of very highly, and hugely respected. Plus, they said, Alex had made some compelling videos and was planning to write a book. I added this information to my mental to-do list and as often happens in my world, it was lost in the fog.
Fast forward eighteen months and imagine a Zoom call. I was discussing the role of trustee and possible Co-Chair for the Open Table Network with Kieran Bohan when Alex’s name, once again, was brought to my attention. Now with said book having been published, I realised that I was going to cross paths with Alex sooner than I could read the book - Oops!
After several meetings and a lunch with Alex and their lovely wife Jo in Scarborough, I finally understood the hype. And to be honest, it is the main reason for this self-indulgent preamble.
I have reviewed books before. The books are often wise and funny, but it could be that the author was having a good day or that they had a fantastic editor. How often do we get to review something knowing the actual writer ourselves? Before you read this book - and read it you most certainly should - you need to know that you are being invited on a journey with not just a very funny and engaging human being, but with someone whose authenticity in life is 100% aligned to the words and sentiments they capture on the page.
Be prepared to be changed by Transgender. Christian. Human.
One of the most striking themes of the book is the idea that the lived experience of trans people brings something very different to the party. Our understanding of personal transformation and self-discovery, while not necessarily unique, provides a very different perspective. The book captures this perfectly and so it becomes a genuinely powerful and emotional read. Having now, finally read it (!), I can honestly say I was moved from joy and laughter to reflection and tears as Alex’s words stirred me up and motivated me to be true to myself and to be the kind of person who positively impacts the lives of others.
Reading it felt like I was being given a privileged look inside the mind and experience of someone who, over the course of 138 pages, is searingly honest about the highs and lows of their life. So willing to lay it on the line for us, that at times even Alex signposts parts of the book that the reader may find triggering. Words that traditionally a publisher would revel in and turn into a poster strap-line, Alex, with their typical courtesy and care, wants to make sure the reader is ready to digest fully, and engage with some difficult and deeply personal material.
Told in chronological order, Alex treads with us through their life highlighting the experiences that have shaped the minister we see today - from growing up in Scotland, being bullied for being different, grappling with gender confusion at school, experimenting with different personas through their teens to try and fit in, to finally realising that transition might be part of the answer to a deep-rooted sense of dysphoria. Add in a journey through education, a love of trans theology, two ordinations and a wedding and you have a roller-coaster of experiences packed into Alex’s life so far.
The book is punctuated along the way with a helpful collection of questions, exercises, poems and Bible verses that serve well for personal reflection as well as working for youth or adult study groups to engage with themes of gender and identity.
My final observation mirrors the way Alex closes the book. In a brave move, Alex gives the final words to his mum, Pam, and his wife Jo. Giving them space to offer a different perspective on Alex’s story is not just innovative and a testament to Alex’s authenticity, but makes for further compelling reading. I challenge you to get through Pam and Jo’s sections without accidentally getting some dust in your eye.
Speaking as another person who is transgender, Christian and human, I really would encourage you to spend time soaking up and learning from this inspirational account written by a very special person.
Transgender. Christian. Human. by Alex Clare-Young (Iona Books 2019), £8.99.
