Those who have commented for a while at Ex-Gay Watch will know the name of Ephilei, a long-time reader who frequently commented and in 2009 wrote an article here as our guest.
XGW is sad to report that Ephilei, whose real name was Johannah, has died in a car crash at the age of 26.
On Facebook, XGW contributor Yuki Choe wrote, “We have lost an incredible ally, friend, sister. Thank you for all the joy, love, and compassion. We will miss you terribly.”
Johanna ran the website Transchristians.org, a resource for transgender Christians and anyone looking for answers on gender and transgender issues.
I am so sorry to hear this. I never knew her, but always respected her wisdom and perspicacity. I would never have guessed she was only 26.
How very very sad.
My sincere condolences.
While I did not often post here, I do keep up with the site, and I always loved her responses on posts. I express my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. Their pain right now must be great. I will keep them in my prayers.
Oh my goodness…this is awful…may her soul rest in peace. She was a great inspiration. How tragic…it breaks my heart. Her family is in my prayers…
Oh my god… she’s only a year older than I… this is incredibly sad.. I can’t find words to describe…
Not only was she a brilliant advocate for trans people, especially those who are Christians; she was also a good friend, a person who have so much to offer, and as a collective there is also so much we can offer her back as a Christian trans female. I have promised to meet her when I get to the US one day. The day will never come. I am out of words to describe how I am feeling. She was always the pure and happy spirit. I could not believe she is gone.
Oh, god. oh, god….this is so wrong, and unfair….damn.
I’ll miss the girl. Young enough to be my daughter. So, so young and with so much that could have been done.
This is a terrible loss. Go with god, dear one. Be with god…
My deepest sympathies to her friends and family. What a tragic loss of a life with so much potential to help the faith community embrace our trans brothers and sister.