WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington National Cathedral has welcomed a transgender priest into its pulpit for the first time.

The Rev. Cameron Partridge, the Episcopal chaplain at Boston University, was the guest preacher on Sunday. Partridge recalled being an openly gay woman 13 years ago before transitioning to a male identity, and said transgendered people often have suffered “intense oppression, isolation and despair.”

The Right Rev. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, presided at the service. It was part of the cathedral’s celebration of LGBT pride month. Robinson said “the cathedral has come out to the world in new and bold ways.”

The service included readings and prayers from members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The Rev. Gary Hall, dean of the cathedral, says he hopes Partridge’s appearance “will send a symbolic message in support of greater equality for the transgender community.”

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