Dear Marleen,
Hello! I am not entirely sure of your point, so I hope this reply is
constructive. I know from firsthand experience of a person who changed
his/her gender via surgery, etc., and was allowed to subsequently marry.
My understanding is that the person was under a doctor's care whose
diagnosis was that the person was a true transgender, not gay. In fact,
I don't believe the surgery and treatment (from the doctor's point of
view) would've gone ahead otherwise. I am not an expert in these things,
but I suspect that, since we must rely on the expertise of physicians,
the House has accepted that a person in such a condition really is of
the other gender in every mental and emotional way. Yes, it does raise
questions, but one must do one's best within the Teachings, and include
as much compassion as possible.
I can but imagine that an already-married Baha'i would have FAR more to
consider before undergoing such an operation, in light of the Faith's
view of the importance of marriage. Maybe this would have changed the
House's view, also--but I don't know of any examples of this to go by.
And, by this reasoning, if a person who is already transgender (in their
full identity) were to come into the Faith, I don't see a problem with
them, per se. Again, the marriage issue is different, but we know that
two same genders are not married in the Faith, regardless, so perhaps we
will learn of such a case. I believe that would, indeed, invalidate the
marriage in the eyes of the Faith, but I am only guessing. Marriage
issue aside, if someone were in some transitional process where s/he was
still identified under the original, physical gender, I would suggest
(my own view) to complete the process before signing a card, if
possible. That would avoid all the private discussions up the
Administrative ladder necessitating that what s/he was doing would be
understood. Plus, one would prefer not to change all one's Baha'i
records again. ;-)
With these current Teachings, my impression is that the Faith
understands that, while God is unchanging, the created world is full of
great diversity (i.e., shades of gray), requiring that some situations
be handled on a case-by-case basis. No matter which decision is made,
there are always future implications.
Yours,
Jeanine
M Chase wrote:
The writings and all governments already recognize marriage between a
man and a woman. Just because after marriage one spouse chooses to
physically alter their body by surgery wouldn't invalidate the
marriage, which even states that prohibit gay marriage are bound to
continue to recognize. After all, chromosomally the couple remain
different. Many men have come home from war less than completely
intact; it doesn't invalidate their marriage. Some men like to wear
women's clothing; it doesn't invalidate their marriage. Add the two
together. Given the Faith's acceptance of diversity and respect for
medical advice, it's only a matter of time before there is a married
couple in the Faith with one or both spouses who are transsexuals. In
fact, there already may be one whose marriage is accepted! When
people are legally married who can question it or disprove it? Who is
going to check their physical gender characteristics or their
chromosomes?
Marleen
Susan, transferred at your request.
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