A “Reflection” on Transgenderism and Homosexuality Monday, Mar 31 2008
Catholic Church and Catholic Discussion and Christianity and Life and News and Personal Commentary and Religion and Spirituality and Theology Catholic Church, Christianity, Religion, Life, Catholicism, Gay, Homosexuality, Theology, Lesbian, Transgender, Transgenderism, Gay and Lesbian 5:26 pm
Well, even though this is much more watered down than I wanted it to be, you must remember that I go to a public school…if I really expressed my beliefs then I would get kicked out! 
So we needed to write a one page “reflection” in my psychology class on this movie we watched on transgender children and then on a presentation made by Mr. Lynch-the head of the “gay straight alliance” at my school…
I know it’s not very good but tell me what you think: (Sorry if it is really long *ahem Marc*)
After watching the tragic movie on the stories of transgender children and listening to Mr. Lynch’s presentation on gender issues one would think that an opinion could be swayed. But not mine; in fact my beliefs are even stronger than before. I am a member of a devout Catholic family whose morals are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and I am proud to be part of it. Nowadays it isn’t uncommon to see someone leave the Catholic Church because they feel it is too strict and its views are too old-fashioned. Being Catholic and going to a public school where hardly anyone shares my beliefs can be difficult when it comes to discussing issues such as these; I have been accused of being “hateful, sententious and bigoted” when it comes to my beliefs on homosexuality and transgender issues. Contrary to popular belief, a true Christian, like myself, is not a hateful, sententious and bigoted person and I do not hate anyone even if I am against things like homosexuality. I simply “hate the sin, but I still love the sinner”.
When I heard that 1 in 10 American children have gender issues, as sad as this fact is, I was actually angry when I realized how preventable this issue is. For example, Jazz, the 6-year-old “girl” who wanted to wear dresses at a young age and become a girl just baffled my mind. I could never imagine being the mother of that child and knowing that the male child that I gave birth to was gone! Riley, who used to pray to God because “he was trapped in the wrong body” had a lot of feminine influence from his twin sister and his parents were not on the same page when it came to his gender issue. Many people do not realized that having a stable family and background is vital in a child’s life. Most importantly, having a strong father figure is vital to healthy families…. I wonder how many gender issues come from divorced or single parent families? Marriage is for a man and a woman and that is the way God intended it to be; since a gay couple cannot naturally reproduce then obviously nature didn’t intend for it to happen. And because of this I truly believe that being transgender or gay is definitely developmental and a learned process that can be changed later in life. While some argue that being gay or transgender is genetic, there never has been any scientific proof or direct evidence that there is a “gay gene”. If homosexuality or being transgender were genetic, then the child would have to have a parent who was gay or transgender or who carried the “gay gene”. Although, as Mr. Lynch said, one cannot deny that some people have gay feelings or attitudes, this does not mean that one needs to act on them. Too many “gender confused” children go through counseling, family issues, school and friend problems that one would think make them see that maybe what they were “feeling” wasn’t right or worth it. Like 17-year-old “Jeremy” who went through severe depression and had a lot of family and social problems, many children go through this as well and some are even drawn to suicide. If parents do not play a balanced and healthy part in their children’s lives and teach them to follow their conscience, which is formed by the natural law that God has infused into our hearts, rather than their feelings, then maybe there wouldn’t be as many confused children in our world today. If everyone acted on their mere feelings and sudden urges then only Heaven knows what our society would be like!
Master Paul Xavier
Illustrious marceg
Miss Angela Rose
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 6:07 pm
BENE!!! very good reflection! i hope Mr. Lynch read that, he’s not my favorite guy in the world…. any how, i have often wondered what really causes the confusion of a person’s gender, and my heart do go out to thoes people and especially the kids who suffer with it but i’m not about to condone these types of actions just because i feel bad. a situation like this calls for treating the person like they have a mental disorder, because they do! i’m not and expert on what may cause it but, an absent father, or too much female influence, or situations alike don’t really surprise me. wether these things are possible or even THE reasion why these horrible things occur they only make too much sence, its just that people dont want to own up to the fact that they screwed up!!!
and this one wasn’t so long. i was hannging off the edge of my seat and made finger prints in my chair, it was a nail biting experence and a refreshing pleasurible read!
†
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Marc,
Haha thanks for your “refreshingly pleasurable” enthusiasm!
Yes..so many people like this are “screwed up” and as much as I feel bad for what they go through, there is no way to knock some sense into them! I have tried wayyy to many times. They are just so stubborn and are so sure that their feelings will guide them..psshhh no! If people just learn to swallow their pride and admit that they are living a lie and just repent, no one will care in the end!
After all, we are all sinners..
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Wow! Great Post Angela! It’s true that we get called bigots because we oppose homosexuality, and even when we disagree with certain people, they always seem to throw in the prejudice card. You are absolutely right in stating that the parents are responsible for rearing the child, and it is that devotion and nurturing that create the child’s personality. I highly doubt that any of these people with gender ‘problems’ were brought up in a proper, loving, and caring family. Where the Mother would rear the children in femininity, and the father teach his son the responsibilities of being a man, and the importance of strong fatherhood.
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Let us not confuse by unfair association those who have medical issues…
Every ten minutes a child is born, 1/2500, in which the doctor cannot determine the sex, or gender. This is not talking about homosexuality, but tragically a congenital condition of birth which can be caused by endocrine agents and chemicals. These children are Intersex; they are born into a life of not male or female. Likewise in similar fashion the Transsexual is identified with a Bioneurological congenital condition, and they too are locked into something not quite so clearly defined as male, or female. The best we can do is live as close to what we seem to believe we are. That may preclude the wants, and often ignorant and bigoted beliefs of others. In what case do we ignore this issue and abandon the children who now cannot hide? How can anyone continue in hate and prejudice so as to deny simple equality and justice? It is either time for change and understanding, or simply wheedle out the transgender element as inhuman and adopt the final solution as Hitler visualized? Not an easy thing to resolve, but one that is present and will not go away.
I can appreciate another’s opinion, and the freedom to express same, but I would hope they would be with regard to the children, teens, and emerging adults, and all who are not so fortunate to have been born by someone’s idea of “normal.” As a Conservative, Christian, Parent, and “Transsexual”, law should be equal for everyone, or it is not fit for anyone.
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Hmmm you are speaking on two ends of the spectrum. You say there is a physical disorder when a child would be born ‘intersex.’ But I strongly disagree with you. You seem to be once again waving that ‘prejudice’ card, saying that it is a Catholic idea of ‘Normality.’ None the less, there are things which we know to be normal. When a person has the proper metabolism and such. He is healty. But say, he is sick the with flu. We all know, from plain reason, that something is wrong, and that the person is not ‘normal’ in the current state. It is the same here: That person is not ‘normal’ in the sense of what a normal human being ought to be, but none-the-less, they are still human, and must treat them with love. But on the point of men and women who think themselves the opposite sex, and dress like so, there is a grave perversity present. Why perversity? Because men are supposed to be men, and women are supposed to be women. A father cannot be a mother, and a mother cannot be a father. In both the physical and phsycological sense.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Wow touchy subject but handled very well!! Xaiver touched on great points as well as Angie. The fact we all know is the difference between transgender and homosexuality. Now to distinguish the reason is another. I belive the way society has “progressed” in the last 100 years lays the foundation for a chemical infused civilization. The disorders documented today can only be the root of the tree we’ve planted with the legal drugs of today. There is no way of knowing what will come out of pandora’s box till time reveles it. We live in a society of drugs. Women taking birth control, children on more drugs than ozzy, society is reaping what it has sewed! Like J.R.R. Tolken said the worst thing to happen to man was the invention of the motor. We’ve become addicted to find a way around the truth! God is the only truth! A world without God is a world without truth! God has a plan for everyone and when we walk our own path we create our own path of destruction. To be named husband and wife is nothing more than a tax break these days! When you marry for your want instead of God’s will, you allow satan to dictate whatever he see’s fit! Broken homes is just the start. Angie couldn’t have hit the nail on the head any better! Our male and female role models of today are the complete opposite of what they should be. Homosexuality is a contradiction to procreation. Period.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I didn’t see the report personally but, I was told that on the news today there was a report of a man who gave birth. What I herd happened is that this lady got a sex change and then later after the operation found out that she was with child. Poor kid.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 11:45 am
Yeah, the world is becoming a scary place. We have willingly let down our defenses to the enemy, and he has taken advantage of infiltrating every nook and cranny of society.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Just for the record, stellewriter is right when he says that occasionally there are children born in which it is extremely difficult to determine which gender they are. (Physical features says one thing, genes say another). I read in article in a Christain magazine about the struggle that a family had when their son was born without certain distinguishing features (and I think some chemicals missing or added too that would cause added feminine characteristics), and the doctors encouraged them to raise him as a girl. The family had to study the issue and do lots of praying before deciding to raise him as a boy, since that is what his DNA proclaimed him to be. (These are the facts as I remember them, but it has been quite awhile since I read the article. But you get the point.)
I certainly agree with Angela otherwise, I just wanted to make sure that we were clear about that particular issue.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Yes, there may be some birth defects and such as that, but none the less, your story is a perfect example of how the DNA defined him as a boy. The problem with Transgenderism is not the defect at birth, but with the perverts who believe themselves to be other than what they truly are.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 6:22 pm
A well written article. Just two things:
1) When a condition is described as genetic it means we can identify the gene which caused the condition. It does not mean that the parents had to have had this gene - it could have been a genetic error which occurs for various reasons. For example, in one type of Muscular Dystrophy (MD) 2/3 of the cases can be traced back to a gene in mother’s family (X-linked recessive gene). However, in 1/3 of the cases it is a spontaneous mutation.
2) DNA cannot completely identify the sex of every child with an intersex condition. There are children born whose external appearance is 100% female but whose DNA is 100% male - they have XY chromosomes. The children and their family are often unaware of their condition until they fail to start their menses during puberty (these girls have no internal female organs and are infertile). While rare, one case in 20,000, this still means there are 10,000 people in the US with this condition. In Texas, because of a court ruling that sex is to be based 100% on the X and Y chromosomes, these women are not allowed to marry a man, though they could marry a woman. If they had married without knowing about their condition the marriage can be ruled illegal even though they had spent their entire life as female!
Certainly God has made us all. I think current Catholic teaching is that we are ALL made in God’s image and for His purposes (it used to be common to believe that birth defects in children were due to the sins of their parents). Perhaps God’s intent in allowing these defects to occur is to increase our understanding of “normal” and to challenge us to love, not just tolerate, our “unlovely” brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 9:38 am
None-the-less, it is still a physical defect and not exactly an issue where a boy wants to be a girl, or where a girl wants to be a boy. As Christians, we are called to love one another, even the sick and defected. Like St. Francis embracing that of the Leper. There is no sin involved in being born with a defect, and we must take care of our poor brothers and sisters who suffer in such cases, but we must in no way tolerate the idea of men and women wishing to be the opposite. Love and Toleration are two different things. We must love one another, but there is no place where it says “Tolerate Sin.” Like the peoples in Africa who commit Genocide to their own people, why don’t we ‘tolerate’ it? IT’S WRONG! THATS WHY! There are things which can be tolerated, and things which must not be tolerated. But to say that we must tolerate those who are born with defects is incorrect, because we must love them! Once again, the story of St. Francis and the Leper.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Though not especially optimistic that it will have any positive effect, I feel compelled to offer my thoughts as a Christian Transsexual brought up in the Catholic faith.
Having struggled with my gender issues my entire life, as most of us have, I eventually came to recognize my T status as a gift from God. It’s taught me a lot of lessons that quite likely I’d have otherwise never learned. Chief among these is an attitude of non judgement (the Bible is quite clear on this) and the ever-present knowledge that ‘there, but for the Grace of God, go I’.
I understand and accept your judgemental attitudes, recognizing that you’re following your heart and your God, as you’ve been taught, in a loving and faithful way to the best of your abilities. How could ANYONE fault you for that?
That said, I only humbly request, that you at least consider, even if only for one moment, that your judgement may be, out of ignorance, incorrect.
Had I not been Trans, I have little doubt that I might be submitting letters similar in tone to yours rather than the one I’m writing today.
But, again, I’ve been given this gift that’s help me to recognize my ignorance of others and what they’ve been through, or who they are in Christ.
I still struggle with negative judgements of those I know nothing about, but have learned to make every effort to “put myself in their shoes”. I realize I have no idea what it’s like to be a rich white man born with a silver spoon, a poor black from an inner city, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Latino, or any of a host of others I all too often find myself sitting in judgement of. Often, many of “these people” fail to live up to ‘my’ expectations of them, but then, who the heck am I to judge them? Or for that matter, anyone?
Master X (an intersting name choice, btw) writes:
“I highly doubt that any of these people with gender ‘problems’ were brought up in a proper, loving, and caring family.”
Again here, this is an honest assumption, but one based on an almost complete lack of knowledge. How many of “these people” does Master X know, or has even ever personally met to draw such a conclusion? My guess would be less than three and most likely zero. He only knows that HE is not one of ‘those people’, nor is anyone that he knows (of), so he’s able to, and somewhat logically and quite understandably conclude that the cause is somehow rooted in the upbringing.
Had Mr. X actually been blessed, or I’m sure to his current state of mind, cursed with some degree of trans (or homosexuality for that matter) he’d be enlightened and aware that it is, for at the very least the vast majority, NOT a matter of failed upbringing or personal choice, but rather an inborn trait, no different that say, red hair or blue eyes.
Please, take a moment to consider this as a possibility, especially since as I speak from first hand knowledge, I know it to be the truth! Imagine it was you, or perhaps a sibling, your child, grandchild, a best friend, someone you love unconditionally. How would finding out they were gay or trans affect your opinion of them?
I was brought up in a very “proper, loving, and caring family”. A mother, father, 3 brothers, 1 sister, a dog, a cat, church every Sunday, the whole bit. No one did anything ‘wrong’. I am who I am, and who I’ve always been, a child of our wonderful and ever loving Creator, with the body of a male and the mind, soul, and spirit of a female.
Through the benefit of counseling and now the internet I’ve learned I am not alone. We’re definitely a small minority but we ARE out there. It’s genuinely fascinating to hear and read about others with stories that parallel mine so closely. All with no knowledge of each other or any life template of how ‘we’ as trans were ’supposed’ to be, yet lived eerily similar lives. And again Mr. X, NOT from some perverted or deprived upbringing.
I understand that this is WAY beyond most of your comprehension that this could be possible, but I’m here giving you my testimony that it is.
As to the cause - who knows? I’ve struggled personally seeking the answer to that very question and have witnessed my brother and sister trans and gays desperately try to determine it as well. I’m finished trying. It doesn’t matter. God has assured me, as He ALWAYS has tried to (incl. all that time I tried to figure out “why?”
that He loves ME- just the way I am!
More to the point, I am absolutely convinced that it would make absolutely no difference to those who choose to sit in judgement if they found an iron-clad scientific ‘explanation’ (or excuse) for why we are who we say we are. ‘Proof’ would likely not change your minds any more than my sincere plea here.
JosephAnthony states:
“God is the only truth! A world without God is a world without truth!”
Amen to that! I spent, no, wasted, a significant time of my life hiding the truth, from my friends, my family, and even to myself. God knows the truth, that he created me in His image, His child, His daughter in a male body.
I know… sacrilege! Fortunately, I don’t need to defend myself to you or anyone else as to who, what, or why I am who I am. I need only to answer to God. Come that day when we meet face to face I KNOW He’ll welcome me into His kingdom with the loving arms of a father welcoming His daughter. We talk all the time so that day will simply be a long awaited union of two great friends, not strangers.
In fact, my biggest fear on meeting him on that day? Without question, it’s the fear that I will have disappointed Him in not being public enough, having not found the courage, the faith, the trust in Him to openly live my life as His daughter Heather, opening the eyes, hearts, and minds, of my friends, my family, and yes, good people like you, who long to know Him and His perfect plan for each of us.
As I stated at the outset, I’m not optimistic my post will open any closed minds here, but, my dear God, I tried.
Wishing you all His Peace and understanding,
Heather
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I would like to point out that I have never ‘judged’ anyone who was born with such a defect which Elena mention. But, I shall firmly oppose those who were born a boy, without any birth problems, and willingly believe themselves a girl, and live as such. There are fine lines between the defect and someone who tries to be something they are not.
The Bible says “Judge not, and thou shalt not be judged.” In reference to the issue of saying such and such a person is in Hell. Are we to judge others in that sense? By no means, no. But if someone is doing something wrong, it is our obligation to tell them so, and to help them with their situation.
In my statement in the upbringing in the Family, I was referring to the fact that many people who are now homosexuals, transvestites (transgender) came from an improper Upbringing. Now, I speak in the sense of a man being a true fatherly figure, a woman being a true motherly figure, and the two working together to raise their children in a moral manner, according to God’s Law. There are often scenarios when people are raised properly and still stray, and we are all human, so that is possible; but none-the-less, a strong family is important in properly raising a child.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Wow……..Wow. Heather, it is obvious that your response is the result of a tough life of doubt and opression. The story laid before this room allows people including myself to feel a part of what a trans goes through. Be careful who you call out as “judges” though. To feel disreguarded is one thing, but to directly attack one for their views on society is another. I feel I speak for everone when I pointed out the diference between transgender and homosexual. Your arguement is with the people associated in your lives journey, not Master Xavier or any of us. We all want in a way what you want; to know that we aren’t alone, to know were not the only one’s in this crazy world to be opposed to the impure evil associated with homosexuality. Your simply digging too deep for direct attacks. By stating in the conclution of your letter we all have “closed minds” completely contradicts everything written on this blog! The open minds of this blog discuss issues with the morals of society. You made the example earlier “imagine if you or a family member was gay or trans” spells out to me that your desire blinds you. Do not fear on bringing your beliefs to the public young man, god is not calling you to deny your gender.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I think that this post does not focas on the physical disablity as is does on a mental disablity. People who are born transexual, meaning that they biologicaly have both male or female orgins or whatever the case may be, i am no expert, are indeed blessed by God in the fact that they can save many souls by offering up there suffering for the holy souls in purgatury, the conversion of poor sinners, or which ever you have a devotion to. God did make them the way they are for a reasion and that reasion is to suffer. Now don’t be alarmed when I say that a person is created to suffer, great joy can be found in suffering. The reasion for Christ’s birth was to suffer for us so that we can gain eternal life. And look at the lives of the saints. St Francis had a great devotion and love for suffering, as did Saint Joseph of Cupertino, no one wanted this poor guy, not even his own mother because he was too stupid, he had no common sence or book smarts but he became a wonderful man. And we are all made to suffer. Thoes who know me will agree that I am one of the perfect living examples of this, and it is hard but we must overcome it joyfuly. Through suffering we draw closer to Christ, He Himself said, “Pick up your cross, and follow me.” We must hold our cross and embrace it but, we must be careful to not only do it to show other people that we are suffering only for there pity. I myself have learned to be careful of this the hard way.
As for the mental disablity, where one is clearly a male or female and where he/she wants to be the other, is where it is caused by a poor up bringing as it is with mental disablities such as ADD. This was not caused by God (He made you what you are, His thoughts and plan is much more profound than we can ever immagine so it’s best not to mess with it) but is rather, the person’s sorroundings and wether or not the person bought into their influences (if at the age of reasion). No one is to hate or look at these people scornfuly though, and I think that, so far, we are doing a good job at being non judgemental. As Master X has stated, if one doing wrong it is ones duty as a Christan to bring it to there attention, so that ignorence does’t prevail. God did give us our judgement too, to use it to protect our selfs and others. †
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7:02 pm
JosephAnthony- I didn’t see your comment before i wrote mine, I took so long trying to write the stupid thing because I have keys missing on my keybord :). WELL SAID!!
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I fear I have very little to add to this discussion. You all are doing a good job of making your points in a loving, thoughtful manner and I just wanted to congratulate you all for that. This is a very sensetive subject and Angela is being quite brave in putting her thoughts out there (you all are) because so often these discussions turn extremely nasty. Anyhow, this has been quite interesting to read. Thank you all for taking the time to write down your thoughts!
Friday, April 4, 2008 at 11:29 am
Marc, great comment. That is exactly the situation! Has anyone else besides me noticed that Transgenderists are hiding behind the physical defect? As if to say, well, your attacking those poor people who are sick. No! We are not. We are protesting the situation where a man thinks himself a girl, and where a girl thinks himself a man. In several emails with a friend, we’ve discussed how suffering is redemptive. A powerful thing to contemplate, when thinking of all the souls which may be saved, if we don’t allow our suffering to go to waste.
Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 10:07 am
Firstly, I am not a “he”, but a she, being legally and anatomically so identified, even though there are those who would want to force me to be something other. Thought I would share. Secondly, I have been refered to here as a sinner for my condition; and that I should just get over it. What is my sin? And what remedy would you prescribe? (To the individuals so inclined)
The 1/2500 number I quote is for those who are ambiguous and have not clear sexual or gender means of identification. 1/3-400 have some level of AIS and are born appearing to be one sex, but are the other. 1/150 have hyperplasia of the urethra where it is located somewhere other than the normal location. 1/100 have some form of genital anomaly, 1/50 sense some discomfort ofver their sex or gender role.
As indicated above, not chromosomal configuration, DNA, hormones, or any other contrivance can settle the issue of male and female with definitive means. Those who sate so are doing it from their own perspective and position, not science or theological ground. In fact, a chimera can have more than one set of DNA, and sex identifying chromosomes within the same body. A real danger for those seeking transplants of organs.
As for me, as a Christian, please show me my sin and the division I am fated from the salvation of Christ. You may burn me at a stake, behead me, torture, beat, bludgeon, and accuse me of any ill will you may; I will not denounce Christ, His salvation, or His hand in my life, or the recognition of “what” I am. Show me your hate, or love, based upon Christ’s sovereignty , or stand upon your own. I will not, however, recant or deny my person so others may live in their ignorance or bigotry my being silenced.
Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Reading the responses brought to mind a favorite adage of mine: “…like nailing jello to a wet wall”.
Please find my reaction to your comments below:
Master Xavier Said:
“I would like to point out that I have never ‘judged’ anyone who was born with such a defect which Elena mention. But, I shall firmly oppose those who were born a boy, without any birth problems, and willingly believe themselves a girl, and live as such. There are fine lines between the defect and someone who tries to be something they are not.”
>So I understand, you’re not going to “judge” anyone such as Elena who was born with a physical defect. Can I then conclude you’re fully prepared, and in your mind justified, in judging others, such as myself? From what authority, knowledge, teaching or experience do you so confidently conclude that we are ‘trying to be something we are not’? The human condition; mind, body and spirit, is a great mystery that only our creator can lay claim to understanding. Only He knows the how’s and why’s of who and what we are. I have no idea as to the cause(s) of trans, but as I’ve lived as one for over 50 years and having grasped every opportunity to educate myself on the subject through science, others like myself, and yes, prayer, I know who I am and that there are millions more out there who have had similar, and often nearly identical experiences. Was it from poor upbringing, a faulty genetic trait, a mental disorder, or His children that, as you propose, have strayed? Though for a rare few, I don’t believe it’s any of those. All those ‘reasons’ imply there’s something wrong with being trans, that we’re somehow a mistake. I heartily refute that argument. God, in His infinite wisdom created each of us uniquely. I’m no mistake, only a rare shade in God’s infinite rainbow of colors. Salt of the earth. To dismiss each of us as flawed somehow, from my humble perspective, is to insult out Lord who created us.
“The Bible says “Judge not, and thou shalt not be judged.” In reference to the issue of saying such and such a person is in Hell. Are we to judge others in that sense? By no means, no. But if someone is doing something wrong, it is our obligation to tell them so, and to help them with their situation.”
While clearly we’re in disagreement on the issue, I recognize you’re position is one of concern, even love, for God’s children and understand, even appreciate your sincere effort to ‘help with the situation’. As to judgement, that is ultimately in the eyes of the beholder. Are you “judging” me? Am I, you? I’m sure we both feel as though we’re being judged, and in at least some measure, I’m sure we are judging and being judged. By this measure that we judge is how we will be judged when we meet Him face to face.
“In my statement in the upbringing in the Family, I was referring to the fact that many people who are now homosexuals, transvestites (transgender) came from an improper Upbringing.”
>Again, I’m curious from where you learned this “fact”. I’ve followed virtually everything trans since I’ve been able to read and can state with strong confidence that there’s never been any conclusive scientific studies as to the cause(s) of transgenderism. As to the cause(s) of homosexuality, a quick reference check of available studies done shows that while nothing is definitive as of yet, the consensus is that it’s more likely a trait, like being left-handed. Of course there are any number of conservative Christians who interpret the studies differently, and one might conclude expectedly. I’m not taking a side on this here with you, only pointing out that your statement as to this being a “fact”, is, at this time, unproven.
“Now, I speak in the sense of a man being a true fatherly figure, a woman being a true motherly figure, and the two working together to raise their children in a moral manner, according to God’s Law. There are often scenarios when people are raised properly and still stray, and we are all human, so that is possible; but none-the-less, a strong family is important in properly raising a child”
>Ah… and therein lies the crux of our differences of opinion. What exactly is a “moral manner” and “God’s Law”? It’s clear you have complete confidence in your views on the subject, and yours is in the majority. Being part of the majority however does not automatically make you correct. There are many ways to interpret science, as in the example above, and the scriptures as well. It’s only natural to interpret these with respect to who we are and how we were raised, each of us with our own ‘agenda’ if you will. Had I been born a “normal” (your word- I might use ‘typical’ or common’) male I’m reasonably certain I would share your views. Having been born (I know you disagree here) trans and having lived it my entire life my interpretations suit what I have come to believe and know with every bit as much complete confidence as you. Few would argue that “a strong family is important in raising a child” The argument would arise over the definition of what exactly constitutes “a strong family”. I’m sure yours would be a much stricter definition than mine, again reflecting who we are, and our “agenda’s”.
———————————
JosephAnthony Said:
“Wow. Heather, it is obvious that your response is the result of a tough life of doubt and opression.”
>A tough life, yes, doubt and oppression, not so much. What was I to doubt, any more than anyone else? As I’ve spent my life “in the closet” I never had much oppression per se, at least related to being trans. No, the struggles of life growing up trans involve more loneliness (having a secret you don’t dare share) and frustration at never being able to express or explore your true self.
“The story laid before this room allows people including myself to feel a part of what a trans goes through. Be careful who you call out as “judges” though. To feel disreguarded is one thing, but to directly attack one for their views on society is another.”
>I’m pleased you caught a glimpse of what I, and others like myself, life go through, but remember, it is but a very small glimpse. It was certainly not my intent to “directly attack” you as judges and I honestly do not feel that I did. Rather, I only attempted to coax you into considering, that from a lack of knowledge of the subject (ignorance is such an ugly word) you might be being close minded and judgemental.
“I feel I speak for everone when I pointed out the diference between transgender and homosexual. Your arguement is with the people associated in your lives journey, not Master Xavier or any of us.”
>On the contrary, you and others like you, who draw conclusions on who and what we are, openly condemning us with virtually zero knowledge on the subject are precisely who my “argument” (your word) is with. My purpose in posting here, and indeed my goal in life, is to educate (enlighten) the majority who, like you, have no idea who we are, and thus, no basis for judgement. It’s all about sharing my (our) truth.
“Impure evil”?
“We all want in a way what you want; to know that we aren’t alone, to know were not the only one’s in this crazy world to be opposed to the impure evil associated with homosexuality.”
“Impure evil”? By two people who love each other? While that is a entirely different discussion I have no desire to have with you, I will state that I remain baffled by the tremendous fear that people of the same gender in love bring to so many of this world. Yes, I’m well aware of the Bible readings on the subject and how they’re interpreted by the majority so please, refrain from pointing them out. The Bible has been used to justify wars and hatred throughout history. There are any number of interpretations of scripture, and yours is but one. Personally, I’m much more frightened and concerned over the hatred directed at these children of God than I am over the love that they share.
“Your simply digging too deep for direct attacks. By stating in the conclution of your letter we all have “closed minds” completely contradicts everything written on this blog! The open minds of this blog discuss issues with the morals of society. You made the example earlier “imagine if you or a family member was gay or trans” spells out to me that your desire blinds you. Do not fear on bringing your beliefs to the public young man, god is not calling you to deny your gender.”
Wow. You begin by accusing me once again of direct attacks, then tout the open-mindedness of yourself and this blog, before returning to tha attack, stating how I’m blinded by desire! Your final sentence brings it all home. Calling me a “young man” and chastising me like a parent scolding a child, Joseph? The tone is both unbecoming and unnecessary. And this, almost in the same breath you were patting yourself on the back for being so open-minded! Wow indeed.
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marceg Said:
“God did make them the way they are for a reasion and that reasion is to suffer. Now don’t be alarmed when I say that a person is created to suffer, great joy can be found in suffering. The reasion for Christ’s birth was to suffer for us so that we can gain eternal life. And we are all made to suffer. Thoes who know me will agree that I am one of the perfect living examples of this, and it is hard but we must overcome it joyfuly. Through suffering we draw closer to Christ, He Himself said, “Pick up your cross, and follow me.” We must hold our cross and embrace it but, we must be careful to not only do it to show other people that we are suffering only for there pity.”
>Once again I say Amen! Had you been more successful in putting yourself in my shoes you might have understood how, through my suffering with trans God has brought me closer to Him. Growing up with this dark secret was indeed very difficult and, as alluded to earlier, lonely. As a child of 5, 6, 7, 8…. You get the idea, lying awake at night praying to God you’ll wake up a girl and everything will be fixed, made “right”, leads to a close relationship with Him. Having no one else to share this with I shared it with Him. Suffering is often used as a tool to bring His children closer to Him. It is my fervent belief that this was indeed part of His plan for me has turned out to be a tremendous blessing in having done just that. It’s not a curse or a mistake, but rather, a blessing and a gift.
The rest of your text closely parallels others I’ve already addressed.
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marceg Said:
“JosephAnthony- I didn’t see your comment before i wrote mine, I took so long trying to write the stupid thing because I have keys missing on my keybord :). WELL SAID!!”
Master Xavier Said:
“Marc, great comment. That is exactly the situation! Has anyone else besides me noticed that Transgenderists are hiding behind the physical defect?”
So nice that you’re all in such total agreement, certain that you’ve got me, and all of us, all figured out!
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It seems abundantly clear we are equally steadfast, confident, and passionate in our beliefs on this matter. That being the case there is zero chance of either of us changing the other’s mind. I expected as much when I made the decision to post. I only hoped that by sharing my thoughts I might soften your hearts and open your minds to the possibility that from a lack of knowledge you might possibly be flawed in your judgement. I’m not sure my efforts haven’t been a total failure, but, as I stated at the outset, I felt compelled, or perhaps called, to try. I willingly concede the possibility that you are the correct ones and I am comepletely wrong. In the same way, I recognize that you too may be wrong and perhaps it’s the Jews, the Baptists, Protestants, Muslims, Hindu’s, and even atheiests et al, who might be the ones who are correct. I can only draw from who I am, what I’ve experienced and been taught, and from the countless conversations I’ve had with my God, alone. He knows me, and my heart, and loves me just the way I am, as who He created me to be.
While we’re at opposite ends in our beliefs on this subject, I will point out one critical difference in our perspectives. The difference is knowledge. I have near infinitely more knowledge of what it’s like to be transgendered and considerably more about the science as well as the experiences and lives of many, many others who struggle with this odd yet potentially at least, wonderful uniqueness. I posted in an honest attempt to enlighten and educate, giving my testimony in the hope of dispelling ignorance. Now at least you’ve heard from one Christian trans soul and hopefully have a better understanding of who we are. Your ears have heard. Should you choose to dismiss all that I’ve shared as ramblings of one who had poor upbringing, has strayed, or for whatever other reason been separated from God and reject and condemn me that is your decision.
I thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts here on this forum. May we respectfully agree to disagree. My apologies if I’ve offended anyone here with my responses. I assure you that was not my intent. It IS a very sensitive and passionate issue. I will include you in my prayers for a greater understanding and would ask the same of you for me. With that, I rest my case.
Wishing you God’s Peace, Blessings, Understanding, and Compassion,
Heather
Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Likewise, my intent was to inform and give some sense of the complexity faced by my end of the world. And I as well had no intent to offend, rather open the possibility of Christiansd to see a bigger world.
I end in this one fact: All in this blog, and all who may read it were first conceived and started as females, girls, womankind in the womb. If the genes are structured to be receptive to androgen, then a boy may be formed around the 30th day of gestation. If not, well, that is where the world starts to break down…
Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I want to thank you for being at least civil in your comments. It seems we have two entirely opposing viewpoints, and as you say, you think you have not changed any minds, I feel the same. The object of this post is to simply state our belief as Catholics, that Homosexuality and Transgenderism is unnatural. There are black and white in this world, and Night and Day. There are also Men and Women, simple as that. Some things are natural, and cannot be changed. Men and women were meant for one another, and that is an unchanging truth. Any attempts by science to make certain changes to these truths are an error. Like the issue of contraception, which hinders the conception of a child, is a sin. The issue of acting upon homosexual desires, is sinful. To be tempted by any of these things is not a sin, but to willfully submit is. A Man who has questions about his masculinity and gender is not a sinner; but he would be a sinner if he acts upon the questions and temptations, and goes for the surgery, dressing as a woman and acting thus. The same for a women who has questions about her femininity, it is only a sin insofar as acting upon those question in a negative way. My statements here, are in no way meant to attack anyone, and are simply affirmations of what I believe. But, it seems you enjoy in twisting our words around, and saying we have something against people who are born with a gender birth defect. We hold NOTHING against anyone who is born with a defect. Being born with a defect, and having questions about ones gender are entirely different things. Unless you mean to say that the person with the defect questions what he/she really is. If that be the case, prayer, reflection, and a devotion to Our Blessed Lady, will most certainly lighten their way towards the truth.
Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Well it looks as though we both have very strong view points and neither of us is about to cave to the other so I will pray for you. But I do wish to make two pionts. Heather, you find yourself reconciled with God but I tell you that yes God does feel sorry for you and feels for you but dosn’t condone any actions that one may take that may lead them into following ‘gayness’ or transgenderism. Again he already made you who you are and any temptaition to act or be diffrent is from the devil. Why would GOd allow this? so that you can overcome this trial in your life. Here is where you can apply the suffring in your life not by going along with what socity says. When I was talking about the suffering in my eailer comment I was only speaking of thoes who had the physical problem, just to clarify myself. This problem is only in one’s head and wis no doubt put there by Satan himself, and I’m not trying to come off strong or anything but I’m trying to stress the importance on what God teaches. If you say that a person thinks that he or she was really ment to be the opposite sex then you are saying that God has made a mistake. And if you say that He made a mistake you might as well deny His very exsistence.
My second point is that we are again not judging you. If we go by what your defenition of judging is than we would be running arround in circles because it is a contridiction. Under your defention of judging then you would be judging me by saying that what I believe is wrong. And you do point this out but you also say that
“As to judgement, that is ultimately in the eyes of the beholder”
That is a statement that trys to prove relitiveism. I commented on another post saying
“Relitiveness is taking a huge roal in the world, so many people think that they are right but, relitivenss kills itself, because everything is relitive except for what is not relitive there for it is false. A basic in philosophy is that if somthing contredicts itself it is not true. Why is this? because absolute truth is perfect and a contridiction is imperfect, somthing can’t defeat itself and it be true, it doesn’t make sence. Now I’m not saying that if a syllogism doesn’t work in a particular situation that it is untrue because God does make exceptions to rules, anything is possible with God. But as far as truth is concerned one can find truth and know that it is truth when he finds no ‘loop holes’ then it is perfect.”
There must be truth for natural order, and for there to be truth there must be absolutism. The Church’s teaching is, true, absolute, and without loop holes.
AVE MARIA! †
Friday, June 27, 2008 at 7:13 pm
God doesn’t make mistakes. But He does make Transgendered people. Consider this: it’s not neccessarily that a person was supposed to be a different gender, and due to a slip-up on God’s part got put in the wrong body…but that He purposly put that soul in that body in order to make the journey from one gender to the other.
God can do anything He wants. Why not that?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 3:45 pm
No, transsexualality is a SIN because God did not make us to get our sex changed or to live as a female when born a male. God made us the way we are for a purpose, and, if you are trans, then you must live with it as a test so God can see jsut how much you rly trust in him by not sinning.
the Bible clearly is against homosexuality, and, if the Protestants really based their Churches on it then they would see that.
God would not want to us to mutilate what He made us into when we were conceived, and He would not want us to mock what he gave us in sex by commiting sodomy.