Transgender activists in the Big Apple are outraged after a Catholic church in New York City held an early funeral for a deceased drag queen last week. Now, a group is demanding an apology from the cathedral.
The controversial interment ceremony, held at the iconic St. Patrick's Church on Fifth Avenue in New York City, was later condemned in court. statement By that archdiocese, according to In the New York Post. The funeral was for the late 52-year-old man known as “Cecilia Gentili,” a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and atheist sex worker.
An official statement from St. Patrick's Cathedral, written by the Rev. Enrique Salvo, said that until the day of his funeral on February 15, staff at the historic church had “no idea” that Gentili was transgender. ”. In a statement, the archdiocese called the ceremony “blasphemous” and said it was organized in a “deceptive manner.”
Now a transgender activist Sayen DorochoFounder and Executive Director of GLITS (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society) told NY1 News The church should apologize.
Doroshaw, who is said to have helped organize the funeral, told a New York City church after the church held a Mass of Penance after the drag queen's funeral, saying, He demanded that he apologize for the denigration and hatred he caused. (Related: GURR: Hispanic Americans need a Catholic education — protect it with school choice)
“She doesn't deserve this. Her husband doesn't deserve this. Her family doesn't deserve this,” Doroshaw continued, NY 1 reported.
According to the paper, activists admitted to the New York Times that during the organizing process, it was never disclosed to the church that Gentili was transgender.
During the funeral mass, Dorocho was caught on camera saying “St. John.” Patrick's Cathedral doesn't have that. Here's a little secret for everyone: They don't know she's transgender yet,'' he said during a speech in the church's plenary room, to loud applause from those in attendance.
One speaker mocked the Christian martyr St. Cecilia, referring to Gentili as “You whore. You wonderful whore. St. Cecilia, mother of all whores!” in a eulogy.
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🚨Anti-Catholic trans “activist” group mocks Christian faith inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York:
“You whore,” the mob held a funeral service for transgender atheist prostitute Cecilia Gentili, praising her as a “whore.” This wonderful whore. pic.twitter.com/7w0wmifzkH
— Catholic Vote (@CatholicVote) February 16, 2024
Other eyebrow-raising elements surrounding the service included the Spanish derogatory term “puta” (meaning “prostitute” in English) displayed above a statue of Gentili that was unveiled at the service. (Related: Two 12-year-olds allegedly tried to set fire to a Catholic church, burning a Bible in the process)
The big question: how? @CardinalDolan Do you allow this to happen? pic.twitter.com/1WwRtIjwOb
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) February 16, 2024
Additionally, the widely attended memorial service was attended by many members of the LGBTQ+ community, including revealing clothing such as thongs and fishnet stockings, Fox News reported. report.
Approximately 1,000 people have reportedly gathered for the service since it was denounced.
The newspaper said the ceremony is likely to be the first-ever funeral for a transgender person held in a cathedral.
