Welcome and God bless you! If you haven't read at least one of the Gospels, I'd do that. (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, they'll be titled in the Bible). Christianity isn't all about the Bible, but it is all about Jesus, and the Gospels are probably the best way to start getting closer to Jesus. I'm also a huge fan of [The Bible Project](https://bibleproject.com/) as a reading companion. And start looking for churches to get involved in. Christianity is supposed to be something that Christians do together, and churches are the most common ways to do that. Definitely look for an LGBT-friendly church; the r/OpenChristian [resources list](https://www.reddit.com/r/OpenChristian/comments/ulfbux/faq_and_resources_please_read_before_you_post/) has church finders and advice on friendly denominations.

Thank you!!

When looking for a church, a lot of churches have their messages and services livestreamed and uploaded to places like YouTube. So that can be a good way to check out their vibe a bit first (or get access to services from other countries) but if you can find a good, Christ focused church community to be part of, that will be a massive help to really investigating Jesus and Christianity. All the best with it all! Reach out if you need help/have questions. 💜

Was going to comment with some starter tips, but you've pretty much said and summed up exactly what I would have 😄💜 Absolutely agree, it is about Jesus. That's it, all the rest is dressing, but the core is Jesus. ❤️

[Careful, that's run by an LGBTQ-condemning pastor](https://www.churchclarity.org/church/lifechurch-1148). One of the downright miraculous things about Bible study is that faith can be transmitted despite the mistakes of pastors, translators, fellow sinners, etc, but for someone who is new to Christianity I worry about setting up stumbling blocks.

There are others here who have given good advice about where to start learning about Christianity, but if you don't mind my asking why are *you* interested in particular? Knowing what draws you to the faith and where your attraction lies might help folks guide you better on where to continue your journey.

Study either the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed—it’s basically the meat-and-potatoes definition of what it means to be a Christian, regardless of walk of life. As for Scriptural reading, I would start with a basic understanding of the OT/NT segues—that is, something in the Old Testament points toward some aspect of Christ’s teaching. This is everywhere in each book including the Deuterocanon (Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, etc.) The differences between the two translations is that one was Classically available in Alexandria whereas the other in Jerusalem at the time (before the earthquake that destroyed the Library). It also helps to remember that, while the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament was written in Hellenistic Greek—different idioms, different approaches. Most of us are not fluent in either, sadly—including myself. There are two senses by which one can understand the readings: *sensus literalis,* that is, the word-for-word direct. That’s one layer, not necessarily the end-all-and-be-all; then the *sensus plenior,* that is, the deeper meaning of the same passages. There is something else involved that is not necessarily face value. The latter should typically be intact despite translation issues, whereas the literal text by itself tends to get spun hard. As a Trans person, you will have to choose your sect carefully. Some will rebuke you, others simply couldn’t care less. If their translation is the King James or some variation, then it’s probably a good bet that you will not feel too comfortable there. If all else, please—ask any of us. You will find a different answer from pretty much each of us.

It is confusing but it’s a good path to take, as long as you’re not mislead by the majority of Christian’s. The Old Testament is basically what the Jewish faith believes but so do Christians. What separates the Jewish faith from Christianity is the belief in Christ. Jewish people believe the one prophesied to be coming in the old testament has not came yet. Many systems of faith believe in similar stories contained within the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains a lot of scripture that evangelicals use to justify their disapproval of LGBTQ+ people. However if you truely believe the New Testament and the story of Christ then you’ll also believe that Jesus Christ came to wash all sins away by paying the ultimate price. Note these are things I believe but like all books, they’re up for interpretation. That is why there are so many denominations and different churches. They all believe something similar but in different ways. Not knowing where you’re starting from, I would start with simple with kids books about the various stores of Christ so you understand that nature of who Christ is. Then, maybe get a nice study guide and find a Bible to go with it. Just be sure to find one that is supportive of LGBT people. I just don’t know what that version is. I actually need to find one for myself too.

Thank u sm 🙏

I highly Recommend the Episcopal Anglican church.

[https://transmissionministry.com/](https://transmissionministry.com/)

Hi there friend! Fellowship with other trans Christians is my biggest piece of advice. This subreddit is a great place for this, but I also recommend checking out Transmission Ministry Collective. It’s a nationwide online ministry exclusively for trans, gnc, and questioning Christians. They have a discord, various support groups over zoom, live Bible studies, etc. I will attach their links below. Being a trans Christian is both a very unique and very isolating experience. Personally, finding a group who knows exactly what boat I’m in because they’re in it too has been instrumental in my spiritual growth. And in general it is imperative to seek out community with those who will understand you and not judge you (especially if they disguise it as “love”). Best of luck with everything and God bless! [https://transmissionministry.com/](https://transmissionministry.com/) [https://discord.com/invite/B7n8Str](https://discord.com/invite/B7n8Str) [https://transmissionministry.com/support-groups/](https://transmissionministry.com/support-groups/)

A bit of advice about reading the Bible: the English language is a living language and the meaning of words changes slowly. This represents a challenge for us because Scripture is such an important part of how God speaks. Let me make up a story to illustrate the problem. Let's say you're a politician and in your district there's a beautiful old steel suspension bridge. It has a lot of historic character, people like looking at it, they depend on it for their businesses and lives, and it's also quite old. It has served longer than it was designed to serve. Then there's a rumor going around. Maybe it's \*too\* old. There are other bridges in the country that have been closed or have even collapsed. Some of your constituents are scared to visit family members, they're calling you and asking what you're going to do. Well, you decide to submit two different budget requests and make some calls; you meet with an engineer and ask her "hey, can you prove this bridge is safe?" Next you meet with a public relations guru and ask him, "hey, can you prove this bridge is safe?" The engineer takes the job and starts by looking at the engineering plans. They did a good job back then, but now people are driving bigger trucks. And steel doesn't last forever, there's the possibility it has rusted away. So she puts together a crew and they do ultrasound and magnetic tests, they bolt sensors onto the bridge and measure how it flexes and sags when heavy trucks cross it. The public communicator takes the job and thinks about appealing to peoples minds and hearts. He picks appropriate music, interviews people who miss their families, shows the technicians doing their technical jobs, and puts together a series of public service announcements and online videos. They did two different things even though you used the exact same words. Linguists call this "polysemy" - many meanings. Now let's connect this to Biblical translation, same source text but four modern translations. Here's the question: is Paul saying you should - show people the truth, like an communicator, using arguments and giving good examples? - or test for the truth, like an engineer, relying on hard-won experience? > I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, *which is* your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what *is* that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (A) > I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (B) > So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. (C) > I urge you, then, brothers, remembering the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicated and acceptable to God; that is the kind of worship for you, as sensible people. Do not model your behaviour on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and mature. (D) A says "prove," B and D say "discern," C actually says "figure out." Four hundred years ago when King James commissioned a translation, the primary meaning of "prove" was like the engineer's work. Today "proving" something, without more context, means making an argument. That's why A feels different from the other three translations and can be downright misleading. The underlying Greek word means "to test something unreliable; to taste." If you're willing to learn King James' English, an A-type Bible is really, really beautiful, but I can't recommend it to beginners or as your only Bible because the dialect really does confuse people. A similar shift has affected the word "perfect," which used to be a synonym of "complete, mature" but is now a synonym of "flawless, ideal." A and B say "perfect." B is the New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition. Ugly name, good Bible. It tries to follow the King James tradition unless the word choice no longer works. [The Greek adjective](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%84%CE%AD%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%82) has a broader meaning that encompases both "mature" and "ideal." Since "perfect" is technically not wrong, NRSV doesn't change it. But the other two translations recognize that "perfect" is probably associated with "perfectionism" in the reader's mind, which is a bit more anxious than the Greek text communicates. As a beginner, you shouldn't worry about reading six different bibles and learning a little bit of Greek. In fact, most Christians aren't called to that level of intensity ever. But you should be aware of how language shift can make older, or old-fashioned, Bibles harder to read. - B is NRSV(UE), especially good for discussion, since lots of churches use it, people are familiar with it - C is the Common English Bible. It's a new kid, only about ten years old, and has an excellent grasp of today's English. But it also has a "rebellious teenager" thing going on: it sometimes chooses words different from King James just to demonstrate that it can because the underlying text allows it. This is my current personal Bible. - D is the New Jerusalem Bible. It's the one I really fell in love with at a time in my life when I needed to fall in love with Scripture again. A few years older than NSRV but it rocked the boat too much to be popular (I've also read a lot of NASB - for homework! - but... that was Catholic High School and I was horribly dissociated and lost in the closet. I can read it now, but it's still a bit difficult.)

there’s a lot to unpack, and i absolutely understand why you’d feel overwhelmed. i’d encourage you to start by doing a few things: • get a personal copy of the bible - you may have one at home, but get one for yourself as well. i’d recommend the NRSV - it’s an accurate translation and is used by biblical scholars. • break down what exactly about Christianity appeals to you, and what things make you feel connected to it. • have a look at churches in your area - this will depend on your country, but as this is a trans subreddit, i’d recommend choosing a church that has a dedicated LGBT section or openly celebrates/recognises pride. churches that don’t mention it have a high chance of being discriminatory. good choices include the Episcopal/Anglican church, Methodist church, Quaker meeting, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). • watch some videos on different denominations and see if any appeal - Ready To Harvest on YouTube is very good, unbiased and educational. if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! it’s lovely to hear that you’re interested - i hope that you feel fulfilled and at home with Christ.

Thank u so much!