By Teresa Konopka
SAN DIEGO — With a new administration in America have come many new changes. One that is causing a lot of controversy is the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Particularly, there has been a lot of backlash from biologically born females who say that competing against biologically born males (regardless of how said persons identity) is unfair. Even after transitioning, male bodies still retain advantages of muscle mass, bone density, and testosterone levels [1].
The Torah does not specifically mention transgenderism. However, it does talk about cross-dressing, which it frowns upon.
“A woman must not put on men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing. Anyone who does this is detestable in the sight of the LORD your G-d” – from Deuteronomy 22
The Tanakh also discusses the notion that G-d forms each and every one of us.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” – from Psalm 139
How much of our physical reality is from G-d versus from earthly factors? Children have zero say in their birth, what family they are born in, what genetics they inherit, and so on. Even once they enter the world, babies are still vulnerable to external factors. Was Mephibosheth crippled because it was “G-d’s will” or because of external actions made by other humans?
“Saul’s son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled.” – from 2 Samuel 4
No matter how well designed a baby may be from G-d, parents—especially mothers—have an incredible ability to influence the final outcome that is their child. Thousands of years ago, G-d told women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. In our modern times, we understand the impact that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can have on children. Babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can have poor memory, learning disabilities, low body weight, vision / hearing problems, heart / kidney issues, and more [2].
“But he [the prophet] told me, ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food” – from Judges 13
If something as simple as drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to physical issues in children, how can other actions impact children in the womb? How much of our reality is from G-d’s design versus chemical intervention (intentional or not)? With so many chemicals and hormones flooding our supply chain, it is not absurd to hypothesize that some may influence child development, especially in the womb. Fertility medications [3,4], hormonal contraceptives, genetically modified foods, and hormone-laden meat / dairy are just some items that may very well influence a child’s development. In the absence of long term studies, we honestly do not know what impact such products have on fetal development, especially when it comes to biological gender. If someone is born with conflicts surrounding their sexuality or gender identity, who is to blame? While they could blame G-d, the prophets frown on such discourse.
What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,
‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’
Does the pot exclaim,
‘How clumsy can you be?’
How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father,
‘Why was I born?’
or if it said to its mother,
‘Why did you make me this way?’” – from Isaiah 45
Regardless of people’s personal opinions on transgenderism, we are called to love our neighbor. As someone who is content with her biological gender, I can only sympathize with those who feel out of place in their own bodies. I can think of no greater nightmare than waking up every day and not feeling at home in my own skin.
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” – from Leviticus 19
No matter what our struggles are in this life, we each must decide how closely we adhere to the Torah as it is written. Whether someone chooses to fight their impulses or accept them is an individual choice that should be made with much prayer and rabbinical consultation. From womb to adulthood, it is never to late to wrestle with G-d.
Even in the womb,
Jacob struggled with his brother;
when he became a man,
he even fought with G-d.
Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won.
He wept and pleaded for a blessing from Him.
There at Bethel he met G-d face to face,
and G-d spoke to him”– from Hosea 12
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References
- Knox, Taryn et al. “Transwomen in elite sport: scientific and ethical considerations,”Journal of Medical Ethics. 19 July 2019. https://jme.bmj.com/content/45/6/395
- “Basics about FASD”. CDC. 9 Feb 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html
- WTSP Staff. “Can a drug make you transgender?” WTSP Health. 25 May 2016. https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/health/can-a-drug-make-you-transgender/215234337
- Troisi, Rebecca et al. “Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Identity in Women and Men Prenatally Exposed to Diethylstilbestrol,”Archives of Sexual Behavior. 23 Jan 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7031187/
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Teresa Konopka is a freelance writer based in San Diego.