Church Service

The church service, held at St. Edwards Church of Newark was a powerful and healing time. It was hard at first to get into the mood. There were many police officer there to ensure a peaceful service. There was an incredible amount of media both print and TV outside the church. As the family and hearse arrived the media swarmed all over them. A path was cleared for the family to enter the church. Angles were setup on either side to protect their privacy as they entered. The camera men raised their cameras above the wings and shot over the top of them, even as the angles shouted “stop filming”.

I did not go inside St. Edwards for the service. I was raised Catholic and have many bad memories of the church I was raised in. The Catholic church has a long history of anti-transgender policies. This is not to say that the congregation inside the church was insincere. I felt they were having a meaningful, loving ceremony. I just couldn’t be part of that.

Gwen’s older sister, Pearl, courageously met with the press. She was accompanied by her new born child Isabel, and Gloria Aldred, the family attorney. She spoke with the press even though she was emotionally having trouble talking about it.

After the family was inside things settle down somewhat outside. The Angles started forming a circle. They began singing Amazing Grace. The crowd joined the circle and sang along. There were spontaneous outbursts of songs. Gwen had chosen her name because of her enjoyment of songs by Gwen Stefani and the No Doubt Band. She used to sing along with Stephani. Her friends sung some of her favorites songs.

Gwen loved butterflies and had them everywhere. As they loaded the casket into the hearse they released 17 butterflies. One for each year of her life. I had long since put my camera away and so I did not tape it. I felt bad that I didn’t have that footage. Gwen’s mother specially asked about it. For the movie I created an animation of the butterflies. I start the movie with one and I end it with 17.

Angles trying to block the cameras

Peal and Allred talk with press

Gwen arriving....

Everyone made a circle and started singing

Many signs were made to express how people felt.