New York pastor reveals transgender transition plans during church service
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A Methodist minister in New York announced his plans to convert to a woman last week, saying the 51-year-old now identifies as asexual.
Pastor Phillip Phaneuf of North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester made the announcement during the service on Sunday, Nov. 23. The personal update was delivered from the podium while wearing a rainbow-colored scarf.
“That’s why I’m happy to announce that I’ve made the switch,” Phaneuf said. “I declare to all of you that I am trans. The best way to express this is that I am not becoming a woman, I am stopping pretending to be a man. This is a process and it may be shocking to some as to what this all means.”
Phaneuf added that the priest’s sexuality is now asexual, an orientation in which a person feels little or no sexual attraction to others.
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Phil Phaneuf wears a blonde wig and makeup. (Phil Phaneuf/Facebook)
“I am in the category of what they call asexual,” Phaneuf said. “I’ve been this way since we all got together; I don’t live my life in a way that includes the pursuit of romance.”
Phaneuf said the name will be changed to Phillippa and the preferred pronouns are “she.” Phaneuf confirmed that hormone replacement therapy has been ongoing for the past three months and changes in appearance, voice and hair are expected.
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Phil Phaneuf holds a Sunday service in Rochestor, New York on November 23, 2025. (Phil Phaneuf/Facebook)
The priest stated that the bishop, the church and theology support the transition, adding that the bishop was consulted before the announcement and that any pastoral duties in the church will not be affected. “My deepening love for all of you will remain the same,” Phaneuf said.
However, the 51-year-old’s parents do not support the decision. “They wanted me to tell you that they don’t support me,” Phaneuf said during the sermon. “They wanted me to tell you this.”
Phil Phaneuf announced that the priest will turn into a woman during Sunday service. (Phil Phaneuf/Facebook)
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The United Methodist Church last year reversed rules condemning LGBTQ+ identities in the community, according to its official website. The UMC now affirms human sexuality as a “sacred gift” and says it “applies to all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” according to its official website.
“The United Methodist Church is committed to fellowshipping with and caring for all people, including LGBTQ people, in our churches and communities,” he said.
