A transgender woman says she was left feeling hurt after a Red Deer church refused to let her emcee an event earlier this month.
Mandylaine Solana Ruben was set to serve as host for a Dec. 2 concert featuring performances by Filipino singers Janno Gibbs and Jinky Vidal at the Legacy Place event centre, which is owned and operated by Home Church.
Shortly before the event was set to begin, the concert organizer approached her and said church representatives wouldn’t allow Ruben on stage because she is transgender. Ruben then spoke with church representatives and they said she would not be allowed to go on stage, citing the church’s statement of faith.
Legacy Place’s website states the following under the Statement of Faith section:
“We believe that all persons are created in God’s image and are made to glorify Him; that God’s design was the creation of two distinct and complementary sexes, male and female; that this design is perfect and integral to the very biology of the human race; that sexual intimacy is intended for marriage (defined as one woman and one man joined in a lifelong, legal union) and sexual intimacy outside of this protective bond is contrary to God’s good design for our humanity.
“Because of our love for the Gospel and urgency for the Great Commission, we must include the declaration of the whole counsel of God, proclaiming what the Holy Scriptures teach regarding the creation of both male and female persons and their distinctive design, created in His image and for His glory.”
Ruben left after speaking with church representatives.
“I was super hurt and super upset. I didn’t show it – I wanted to process my feelings, process my thoughts,” she told The Advocate on Saturday.
When she got home, she posted a video detailing her experience.
“I’m hoping in the future, the world will be a better place for everyone. When we say equality, we aren’t asking for anything extra special, we just want equality. We want equal rights,” she said.
“Being transgender is not an experiment, it’s a reality. Everywhere in this world, you’ll see LGBTQ (representation).”
In a statement, Pastor Bryce Birmingham said Home Church has “sacred spaces” that are available only in accordance with the statement of faith.
“Legacy Place has public spaces where we welcome all individuals, regardless of religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender expression, race, or any other protected characteristics,” Birmingham said in a statement.
“Like many religious buildings, it also includes sacred spaces that are not customarily available to the public. While all are welcome in our public spaces, certain sacred spaces, including the altar, are available only in accordance with our statement of faith.
“We respect and acknowledge the rights and freedoms afforded to all, including the freedom of belief and religion afforded to our members. In accordance with those freedoms, our Legacy Place rental agreements require renters to respect the principles outlined in our statement of faith – including the use of sacred spaces within Legacy Place.”
Ruben works at the Red Deer Resort and Casino, but also takes hosting gigs on the side. Additionally, she’s a content creator on social media, with more than 100,000 TikTok followers.
She was asked to serve as host for Dec. 2’s concert by the organizer the day before the event. She had to get someone to cover her shift at the casino in order to take the hosting job.
A week later, she said she’s been feeling better because of the support shown by friends, family and co-workers.
“They supported me all the way,” said Ruben, who has lived in Red Deer since 2012.
“I’m still in pain, but it’s way better than it was before. I feel like I’m loved. I am thankful for that. They’ve helped me get through it.”
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