A Community United in Faith and Hope: The Story of Migrant Transgender Women in Torvaianica
Introduction: A Community Praying for Their Champion
In the quiet coastal town of Torvaianica, Italy, a group of migrant transgender women gathers at their parish church, united in prayer for Pope Francis as he recovers from pneumonia. These women, many of whom are from Latin America, share a deep connection with the Pope, who has been a beacon of hope for their marginalized community. They have met him personally, and his outreach has meant the world to them. Their prayers are not just for his recovery but also for the continuation of the inclusive path he has paved within the Catholic Church. Moira Camila Garnica, a 47-year-old transgender woman from Argentina, expressed their collective fear: "The biggest fear is that you never know how things will be in the future, should he no longer lead the church, that it might go backwards." These women hope that the church will continue to embrace empathy and remain open to everyone, especially to those who have been doubly marginalized due to their identity and immigration status.
The Church as a Lifeline: Finding Support During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Italy, many of these women found themselves in a desperate situation. As sex workers, they were unable to work during the strict lockdowns, leaving them without income or access to basic necessities. It was during this dark time that the Blessed Immaculate Virgin Church in Torvaianica became their lifeline. The parish priest, Rev. Andrea Conocchia, opened the church doors to provide food, medicine, and financial assistance. He invited the women to write letters to Pope Francis, outlining their needs, and the Vatican’s almoner office responded with support, even arranging vaccinations for them. Some were later invited to a lunch for the poor hosted by the pope, a moment that deeply touched their lives. For women like Carla Segovia, a 48-year-old of Indigenous Bolivian descent, this gesture was a profound acknowledgment of their humanity. "In this COVID period, it was important that Pope Francis got inside the mind of transgender women, in the mind of the human beings that we are, and started to treat us like human beings," she said.
A Pope’s Compassionate Legacy: Breaking Barriers for the Marginalized
Pope Francis has been a champion of inclusion throughout his papacy, and his approach has had a significant impact on this community. While gender transition remains a controversial issue in many parts of the world, including the United States, Francis has taken steps to create a more welcoming environment for transgender individuals within the Catholic Church. The Vatican has stated that, under certain circumstances, trans people can be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents. This stance has been a source of hope for women like Garnica and Segovia, who have faced rejection and discrimination throughout their lives. "A trans girl would have never imagined in her life that she could see the pope receive her, welcome her, and help her," Garnica said. These women see Francis as a leader who has taken bold steps to bring marginalized communities into the fold, and they fear that without him, the progress made might be undone.
Challenges Beyond the Church: A_fragile Existence
Despite the support they have received from the church, the transgender women of Torvaianica continue to face significant challenges. Many of them migrated to Italy decades ago, fleeing economic crises or social persecution in their home countries. Sex work has been a means of survival, but it has also exposed them to violence, discrimination, and societal judgment. Segovia, who left Argentina during its financial crisis over 20 years ago, described the hardships she has endured as a "tough test of your potential to survive." Even within the church, their journey has not always been easy. Many of these women were raised Catholic but felt pushed away by the church due to their identity. It was not until they found the Torvaianica parish that they experienced acceptance and support. "We Latin Americans are very Catholic, but being trans, many doors close, and people walk away from us, and we walk away too," Garnica said.
Father Andrea Conocchia: A Priest Walking the Walk of Inclusion
Rev. Andrea Conocchia, the parish priest of the Blessed Immaculate Virgin Church, has been instrumental in providing a safe space for these women. His approach exemplifies Pope Francis’s vision of a church that reaches out to the margins. "We put the poor back at the center, we put people back at the center, and that’s the Gospel," Conocchia said. For him, it is about seeing the humanity in each person, regardless of their background or circumstances. He has helped the women integrate into the community, challenging prejudices and encouraging acceptance. Minerva, a 54-year-old Peruvian woman who asked to be identified only by her professional name, shared how Conocchia’s support transformed her life. "We had no work, we had no money to buy food. A friend told me to go to the parish and knock, ask for Father Andrea. He opened his arms, and now he’s still helping us," she said. Through his actions, Conocchia has shown that inclusion is not just a concept but a lived practice.
Conclusion: A Testament to Belonging and Transformative Acceptance
The story of these transgender migrant women in Torvaianica is one of resilience, faith, and hope. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of acceptance and compassion. Through the support of Pope Francis and Rev. Andrea Conocchia, they have found a sense of belonging within the church, which has been a source of strength in their struggle for dignity and recognition. As Minerva, who now practices singing in the church choir, put it, "I am church – not part of the church, I am church because each one of us is church." Their story reminds us that faith can be a powerful force for inclusion and that even in the darkest times, hope and love can light the way forward.
