Trans people of faith often struggle to reconcile their religious teachings and their identity. This has led many to leave their Jewish identity behind. Others opt to ignore their core identity, frequently choosing obedience over authenticity. Fortunately, those aren’t the only two choices. Transgender and other queer Jews are finding that they can reconcile their identity with their religion. Many are finding a supportive and affirming home in Reform congregations.
The Growth of Reform Judaism
According to Pew Research, Reform Judaism is now the largest denomination and is seeing the fastest growth. The only other category growing faster is that of Jews who consider themselves to be culturally or ethnically Jewish, but do not identify with any particular denomination.
Much of this growth is due to an increase in politically progressive views among younger Jews in the United States. They are seeking a religious community in a place that aligns with their worldviews, and the trans community is a subset of this group.
An Evolving Faith Tradition
The Reform Movement attracts trans-Jews because it works to reconcile social and cultural evolution with teachings that are centuries old. Rather than demanding congregants adhere to rules that are irrelevant at best and harmful at worst, Reform Judaism embraces diversity.
Truly Welcoming Transgender Individuals
Faith traditions across the globe have had to answer the question, “Where do trans people fit in our community, and do they fit at all?” Reform Judaism has answered this question in no uncertain terms. Not only are trans people welcome as members. They may be ordained, and otherwise fully participate in their religious communities. Further, Reform leadership supports legislation that protects the rights and ensures the safety of trans-Jews.
A Place Where Faith And Identity Don’t Conflict
Because Reform congregations have become such a welcome place, trans individuals are able to worship and take part in their faith community without internal conflict. The Reform movement welcomes them while allowing them to use dating apps/chats like this transgender chat by Taimi and present themselves as they truly identify. This is understandably appealing for Jews who are seeking something more than begrudging tolerance.
How Reform Congregations Are Creating a Space For Trans Jews
In a time when people are becoming increasingly wary of religion, faith leaders must be proactive in building welcoming, progressive congregations. Here are just a few steps that Rabbis and other Reform community leaders have been taking:
- Directly affirming that their congregations welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Holding events in support of LGBTQ+ congregants
- Offering a path to conversion for those interested in the faith
- Ensuring accessibility to marriage in the Jewish tradition to trans-Jews
- Establishing a presence at LGBTQ+ community events
- Officially Supporting laws and ordinances that affirm trans rights
For many trans individuals, the path to Judaism or the return to Judaism is one they take with great trepidation. Because of this, many Reform congregations offer classes that allow people to study and explore the faith before they take the potentially triggering step of entering a Synagogue.
What About Other Congregations?
In other congregations, the shift toward acceptance has been slower. So slow, in fact, that many trans individuals have left the Orthodox and Conservative communities they were raised in to find a new spiritual path. That’s if they haven’t abandoned religion entirely.
Still, progress is undeniable. 78% of Rabbis polled indicated that they believed children of LGBTQ+ parents should be included in change of life celebrations. Also, more progressive Orthodox leaders have firmly encouraged congregations to welcome queer congregants fully.
Spaces For Trans People of Faith
Thanks to the evolution of the Reform Congregation, Trans people don’t have to abandon their Jewish faith to live as they wish. This along with progressive moves in Orthodox congregations stands as good news to both trans-Jews and their allies.
