Ideas worth spreading

The story of a parent's transition and a son's redemption

1,720,865 views | Paula Stone Williams and Jonathan Williams • TEDWomen 2018

Paula Stone Williams knew from a young age that she was transgender. But as she became a parent and prominent evangelical pastor, she feared that coming out would mean losing everything. In this moving, deeply personal talk, Paula and her son Jonathan Williams share what Paula's transition meant for their family -- and reflect on their path to redemption. As Jonathan says: "I cannot ask my father to be anything other than her true self."

Paula Stone Williams knew from a young age that she was transgender. But as she became a parent and prominent evangelical pastor, she feared that coming out would mean losing everything. In this moving, deeply personal talk, Paula and her son Jonathan Williams share what Paula's transition meant for their family -- and reflect on their path to redemption. As Jonathan says: "I cannot ask my father to be anything other than her true self."

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speakers

Paula Stone Williams

Paula Stone Williams

Religious leader, counselor, advocate

See speaker profile

Paula Stone Williams is a Pastoral Counselor and internationally known speaker on gender equity, LGBTQ advocacy, and religious tolerance.

Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams

Religious leader, storyteller

See speaker profile

Jonathan Williams likes to tell stories and throw parties, so he started a church that allowed him to do both.

Jonathan S. Williams (with Paula Stone Williams) | Westminster John Knox Press, 2019 | Book

She's My Dad: A Father's Transition and a Son's Redemption

She's My Dad is the expanded story of the TED Talk Jonathan and Paula shared at TEDWomen2018. Jonathan writes of the painful and difficult journey from confusion and anger to redemption and embrace. Paula responds with her own perspective about the road she and her son dared to travel. The book is an excellent resource for any family working through the trials brought about by striving to live authentically.

John Leland | New York Times, 2017 | Article

"Faith and Family, in Transition"

This lengthy feature article was first published in the New York Times on Father's Day, 2017. Reporter John Leland wrote of the obstacles and opportunities that presented themselves to Jonathan and Paula as they navigated through the turbulent waters of life as religious leaders in an Evangelical environment.

Paula Stone Williams | TEDxMileHigh, 2017 | Watch

"I've lived as a man and a woman -- here's what I learned"

In this popular TEDxMileHigh talk given in Denver, Colorado in 2017, Paula Stone Williams talks with humor, insight and grace about her many discoveries of gender inequity in her daily life.

| Explore

jonathanswilliams.com

Jonathan Williams's website features musings, past articles, an occasional blog post and speaking clips. Contact Jonathan for speaking engagements via this website.

| Explore

Left Hand Church

Left Hand Church is where Paula serves as pastor of preaching and worship. A dynamic young congregation in Boulder County, Colorado, Left Hand Church is a progressive, post-evangelical congregation focused on working together for the common good. Through the church website you can link to the weekly video messages from Paula and her co-pastors.

| Explore

Forefront NYC

Forefront NYC is a progressive spiritual community striving to cultivate a just and generous expression of Christianity in New York City. We're more interested in asking good questions than having all the right answers. Jonathan Williams is the lead pastor of Forefront NYC.

| Explore

The With Collective

The With Collective is a national organization of post-evangelical churches and leaders that is LGBTQ-affirming and focused on gender equity, racial reconciliation and community transformation.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.