Marja-Sisko

Director: Reetta Aalto
Release Year: 2010

In 2010, Finnish filmmaker Reetta Aalto released Marja-Sisko, a powerful and deeply personal documentary chronicling the extraordinary journey of Marja-Sisko Aalto, the first openly transgender Lutheran pastor in Finland. Through intimate storytelling, archival footage, and candid interviews, the documentary does more than tell the story of one individual’s transition; it confronts the intersection of faith, gender, tradition, and personal truth in a society that was still learning to grapple with these complexities. Marja-Sisko Aalto, born Olli-Veikko Aalto on July 29, 1954, in Lappeenranta, had served as the vicar of the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Imatra from 1986 until 2010. Her life took a dramatic turn in November 2008 when she publicly came out as a transgender woman while still holding her position in the church. In doing so, she not only broke ground as the first openly transgender pastor in the country, but also ignited a national conversation about identity, acceptance, and the role of religion in personal transformation.

 

As shown in Reetta Aalto’s documentary, Marja-Sisko’s revelation was not just an act of personal liberation, it was an act of immense courage. The film captures the ripple effects of her announcement, from the reactions of the media and the public to the turmoil within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. At the heart of it all is Marja-Sisko herself: thoughtful, reflective, and unwavering in her commitment to her faith and to her truth. The film delves into Aalto’s early life, painting a picture of a child caught between societal expectations and a deep, persistent inner knowledge of her true gender. She shares memories of confusion and alienation dating back to the age of three. Her parents, who had hoped for a daughter and even picked out the name Marja-Sisko, were disappointed by the birth of a son and rejected the feminine traits she naturally expressed.

 

Aalto’s story is a reminder that the journey to authenticity often begins in childhood, long before the world is ready to listen. Marja-Sisko also captures the difficult road Aalto faced within her own religious community. After taking a year-long leave of absence to begin her gender transition, she returned to her post as vicar in November 2009. However, the controversy surrounding her gender identity continued to swirl. The local congregation, grappling with fear, prejudice, and confusion, saw a significant drop in membership, 581 people left the Imatra parish in 2009, a sharp increase attributed largely to the media firestorm surrounding her return. Feeling that the trust necessary to fulfill her role had eroded beyond repair, Aalto ultimately resigned from her position in 2010. The documentary does not shy away from portraying the emotional cost of this decision. While her resignation marked the end of her pastoral career, it also freed her to explore new paths of self-expression and creativity.

 

Following her departure from the church, Marja-Sisko found a new calling as a writer. In 2013, she published her debut crime novel Murha tuomiokapitulissa ("Murder in the Cathedral Chapter"), marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Her second book, Tappavaa lunta ("Deadly Snow"), released on Finnish National Veterans' Day in April 2015, continued the story of her fictional detective and was dedicated to the veterans of the Lapland War. Aalto’s writing career, like her spiritual journey, combines depth, conviction, and a strong sense of justice. These books, much like her public presence, allow her to challenge stereotypes and offer new narratives for what it means to be a woman of faith in contemporary Finland. Despite the backlash, Marja-Sisko Aalto was not without support. In 2009, the feminist organization Naisasialiitto Unioni ry named her “Lyyt of the Year,” recognizing her bravery and significance as a trailblazer in the Finnish LGBTQ+ community. Her visibility and advocacy became a source of strength and inspiration for many struggling with gender identity within conservative or religious settings.

 

Beyond her public achievements, Aalto’s private life reflects resilience and love. She has been married twice and is a mother to three adult daughters. As of recent accounts, she is also a grandmother to eight grandchildren. Her family ties, though tested by her transition, remain a central part of her identity and story. Reetta Aalto’s Marja-Sisko is more than just a portrait of an individual, it is a study in courage, resistance, and the search for spiritual authenticity. The documentary captures a moment in Finnish history when one woman dared to stand against convention and live as her true self, even when it meant sacrificing the vocation she had loved for decades. In doing so, Marja-Sisko Aalto became not only a symbol of transgender visibility but also a reminder that faith and identity do not have to be at odds. For many viewers, her story resonates far beyond the borders of Finland and far beyond the confines of the church. It is, ultimately, a universal tale of human dignity, transformation, and the hope that comes from living one’s truth.

 

via: wikipedia and imdb

Image credits: Facebook