Prejudice has no foundation in Bible, says transsexual author
The playwright whose depiction of Jesus as a transsexual woman sparked a Christian protest has spoken out against her critics, claiming their prejudice has no foundation in the Bible and revealing she is a regular churchgoer herself.
Jo Clifford, 59, said she had been upset by the demonstration outside the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, where about 300 objectors congregated on the opening night of Jesus, Queen of Heaven.
Ms Clifford, who is both a transsexual and a churchgoer, said she wrote the play to examine the roots of prejudice faced by both gay people and those who have crossed genders.
She said: “I would say about 95% of the play has the most profound respect of the gospel and the figure of Jesus. I really have no wish to offend anybody, which means that it is a big shame that everyone has taken great offence. That was genuinely not my intention.
“I think there is a great deal of prejudice against transsexuals and I am really sorry to see that. I don’t think that this prejudice has any foundation in the Bible.
“I should also say that I have shown the script to committed Christians, people who know a great deal about theology, and they supported what I have done.”
• Full story at The Herald.
• Posted in Arts, Glasgow, West + Ayrshire, Sexuality