A Transgender Calling Of Faith

Reverend Otto O’Connor has become the first openly transgender minister of the First Parish Malden & one of the first openly transgender religious leaders in the Boston area. O’Connor’s appointment ended a two-year search becoming the 36th minister at the Unitarian Universalist First Parish Malden in Massachusetts. Reverend O’Connor stated, “I’m ready to get started on the work we’re doing together to achieve a more just & compassionate world. From DACA to hurricanes, I see a world that is so in need of healing & care. Worship is a place where we’re reminded of how we can live out those values in our daily lives. For me in my journey in order to feel integrated enough to lead a congregation, I needed to go through with that process of transitioning & the self discovery that happens as part of it.” O’Connor grew up in Canada & moved to New York to attend Cornell University. For the last seven years he has lived in Massachusetts serving our LGBTQ community at MassEquality before going to theology school. O’Connor attended Andover Newton Theological School completing a two-year residency at First Parish in Sherborn, Massachusetts. His gender transition took place during his time at school which he describes as a physical & spiritual awakening. Reverend O’Connor concluded, “One of the things that I feel I’m brought here to do is help folks live out their vision. I’m looking forward to being that force in Malden & for people who are interested in progressive change & inclusive religious communities.”
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