64- BISHOP S.F. MAKALANI MaHEE — Transgender activist
Deeply religious, even from an early age, Bishop Makalani-MaHee fought internal demons that have directed his life and defined his career. Born female, into a Pentecostal family in the Bronx, the child struggled with his gender for as long as he can remember, originally thinking that he was a lesbian. When he was unable to find easy answers within the religious that had been taught to him, he struggled to create his own internal guidance system based on a higher power centered of love. Before becoming a Bishop within the Metropolitan Community Church, Makalani-MaHee transitioned into a male, and discovered the hardships that transgenders of both sexes face. His calling within the church has been to provide strength for this often oppressed group. His work with transgender outreach at the Pride Center at Equality Park is more than a job. It’s his passion. “God is love,” Makalani says. Spread the word.
