In a recent feature by The Philippine Star, the love story of Kylie Celebre, a transwoman, and Jan Pablo, a transman, has captured public attention. Their relationship, celebrated during Pride Month, has been described as a testament to love transcending boundaries. Many have praised their courage and authenticity. But for Catholics seeking clarity, this moment also invites deeper reflection: What does the Church say about love, identity, and truth?
The Story That Sparked the Conversation
Kylie and Jan’s relationship blossomed after meeting on a dating app. Their story, filled with affection and mutual support, has been featured in magazines and social media as a symbol of modern love. Kylie describes Jan as “The One,” and they’ve expressed hopes of marrying someday. Their journey has resonated with many, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community.
But while society celebrates this narrative, Catholics are called to ask: Is all love the same? And more importantly, what is love according to God’s design?
Catholic Teaching: Love, Identity, and the Human Person
The Catholic Church teaches that every person regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation is created in the image and likeness of God and is worthy of dignity, compassion, and respect (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358). However, the Church also affirms that our bodies are not separate from our identity they are part of who we are, male or female, as created by God (Genesis 1:27).
Take note below:
– Gender Dysphoria is a real and painful experience, and the Church urges pastoral care and accompaniment not condemnation.
– But changing one’s biological sex through surgery or hormones does not align with the Church’s understanding of the human person as a unity of body and soul.
– Marriage, in Catholic teaching, is a sacramental union between one man and one woman, open to life and rooted in complementarity.
So while Jan and Kylie may legally marry under civil law, the Church would not recognize such a union as sacramental or valid in the eyes of God.
Love Wins or Love with truth?
The Church does not reject Jan or Kylie. Rather, it invites all people to discover their true identity in Christ, not in self-definition. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The manipulation of nature, which we deplore today where our environment is concerned, now becomes man’s fundamental choice where he himself is concerned.”
The Church’s response is not “Love wins,” but “Truth and love together win.” Love without truth becomes sentimentality. Truth without love becomes cruelty. But when both are united, we find the path to real freedom.
