Meet our Patrons: Alex Clare-Young in conversation with Sarah Hobbs
OTN Patron Alex Clare-Young and Co-Chair Sarah Hobbs
FOLLOWING the success of our Q&As with our Patrons in 2020-21 (still available on our YouTube channel), new Patron of the Open Table Network Alex Clare-Young, theologian, writer, campaigner and pioneer minister, was in conversation with OTN Co-Chair Sarah Hobbs in the first of a new series of webinars.
If you missed our Q&A webinar with Alex Clare-Young on Wednesday 26th February 2025, or want to watch it again, now you can catch up below or on our YouTube channel (61 mins).
Alex and Sarah recorded a Q&A when they were both Co-Chairs of OTN in August 2021. You can watch it here [57 mins].
Now, three and a half years on, much has changed for both of them - Alex has completed PhD research into the experience of trans and non-binary Christians, and Sarah is preparing to step down as Co-Chair after five years to focus on training to become a priest in the Church of England.
Their conversation picks the story back up and highlights the ongoing challenges for trans and nonbinary people in the church and society today, and how Open Table might respond.
Alex was one of OTN’s founding trustees in 2021 and was Co-Chair of the charity’s trustee board until 2024. As a trans-masculine non-binary person, Alex is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of, and social justice for, trans people. Their books include Transgender. Christian. Human. and Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-Binary Lives.
Alex was in conversation with Sarah Hobbs, Co-Chair of the Open Table Network. WATCH her intro video here [2 mins].
Alex answered a wide range of questions, including:
What was your journey to starting your PhD?
What are you doing currently as a pioneer minister?
Why is it important to encourage more trans people to think about the studying theology?
Where do you think trans theology sits alongside feminist theology, and queer theology?
How can we engage with trans theology, as a trans person or as an ally?
Did your research into the experience of trans Christians show a plethora of views or a harmonisation of opinions?
Was there something in your research that made you think differently about your own practice and understanding?
What do trans Christians have to offer the church?
Since you wrote your autobiography, are there questions you still get asked over and over again?
How do you maintain positivity and balance in a context that is not supportive?
Is there any point in engaging with people on social media about trans issues any more?
What recommendations would you give to someone who is considering transitioning at the moment?
What did you learn from your time as Co-Chair of OTN?
What are your hopes and dreams for your time as a Patron of OTN?
How do you write creative new liturgy?
What can we say or do to ensure that justice is ensured for all?
How can a trans person have conversations with their church about their identity?
How can we be ourselves in the queer community when we might get cancelled if we don't agree with everything that's currently being said?
What does the future hold for you?