“Faith, Identity, Resilience: One Trans Pinoy’s Journey”

**Trans Pinoy’s Journey of Unyielding Faith and Identity**

*By Miguel “Migs” Santos | December 29, 2025*

In the active heart of the Philippines, where faith intertwines with daily life as smoothly as enjoying your morning suman, a Trans Pinoy is charting a new path through personal struggles, transforming them into a sign of unyielding resilience. Meet Alex (a pseudonym), a 28-year-old trans man from Quezon City, whose journey through the pain of church rejection and personal conflict mirrors the challenges faced by many in our LGBTQ+ community. “I’ve prayed countless nights to wake up as someone I’m not, yet here I am, proud and still full of belief,” Alex reveals, embodying the indomitable Pinoy spirit.

**The Pain of Being Shut Out by Faith**

Alex was raised with a deep devotion to the Iglesia ni Cristo, attending services religiously. Yet, as he began embracing his true self, he found the church’s stringent rules more suffocating than supportive. He recalls the sting of humiliation among fellow members, a narrative all too familiar for many LGBTQ+ Filipinos with strong religious ties. Often, these individuals encounter discrimination and exclusion, with some religious teachings being wielded to alienate them further. “They used scripture like weapons, making me feel like an abomination,” Alex recounts, his voice steady despite the emotional toll.

Alex’s experience isn’t an isolated case. Research highlights how many LGBTQ+ Filipinos, especially those in non-supportive religious communities, grapple with feelings of shame. This emotional struggle often coexists with a deep gratitude for their faith, leaving them in a state of loneliness within communities demanding conformity. Alex found himself at a low point, questioning his identity and place in the world, a sentiment echoed by many queer Christians in Manila.

**Embracing Strength Amidst the Struggle**

Yet, Alex’s spirit refused to be broken. Inspired by figures like Valmores-Salinas, who boldly asserts that Jesus would stand with the LGBTQ+ community, Alex began to see his faith in a new light. “My relationship with God is personal and not dictated by church gossip,” he asserts. Through prayer, therapy, and supportive communities, Alex navigated his way through the cultural paradox of living in a predominantly Catholic country that surveys suggest is surprisingly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, but still marred by stigma.

Events like the Ati-atihan festival offer moments of hope, where trans performances challenge traditional norms, showcasing resilience and strength within the community. Today, Alex leads a small online group for Trans Pinoy individuals, proving that faith and authenticity can coexist harmoniously. “I may have lost a church building, but not my connection with God,” he proclaims.

Alex’s journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even when faced with institutional challenges, our LGBTQ+ family can rise, their faith undiminished and their spirits fiercer than ever. Alex, your story is the blessing we all need.

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