Stacey Baird

Steve Baird had what seemed like a normal childhood, two loving parents and an older brother, a home in the suburbs of Houston, good friends and a strong Roman Catholic faith. While junior high posed some struggles, life in high school was exciting and exhilarating as Steve juggled the desire to become a doctor with that of becoming a Catholic priest. He went on to college and ultimately entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in August of 1986. He professed his vows in August of 1988 and after studies was ordained a priest on June 15, 1996.

Still his life was not complete, as there was something he had been keeping to himself since childhood. The secret was the fact he felt more like a woman than a man. Once this secret was revealed to his Jesuit superiors the fear of scandal surfaced quickly. After a six-month intensive therapy program Steve was convinced there was no place or home for him anymore in the Jesuits or religious life. A woman certainly can’t be a priest in the Catholic Church, even if she was born a man.

Today, Steve Baird is known as Stacey Baird and has returned to what she loves most, talking about spirituality and life. Stacey is a priest in the Apostolic Johannite Church and works with St. Mary of Magdala parish in Denver, CO.