Im a cantor in Texas and parent of a trans child. My states assault on trans youth is terrifying – Forward
Posted By admin on March 8, 2022
I am sickened by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons recently announced nonbinding opinion regarding gender-affirming care, which states that medical treatments used in the transition process for transgender minors (ie: those whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth) ought to be defined as acts of child abuse.
I am equally horrified by Gov. Greg Abbotts follow-up mandate to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) ordering them to prosecute both doctors and parents who provide or seek this potentially lifesaving gender-affirming care.
I live in Texas, and my adult son is transgender. As a religious leader, I am generally mindful of my emotions when speaking about important issues publicly and approach conversations from a place of curiosity and openness. But at this moment, my childs life is being threatened.
The Torah commands us to protect the stranger and all who are marginalized, unheard or treated unjustly. This past year alone, Texas introduced over 40 bills more than any other state in the country targeting transgender youth. Topped only by California, Texas also has the second-highest population of trans people in the country, and has reported the most trans killings of any state in the last five years.
The Talmud tells us that if we save one life, its as if weve saved the whole world. And right now, here in Texas, Abbotts statement is a direct threat to young trans lives. So whether its from the bimah or the rooftops, as a Jew, and as a human being, I am compelled to speak this truth to anyone who will listen.
It is reckless, ignorant and irresponsible for Gov. Abbott and AG Paxton to claim that gender-affirming care irreparably harms children. According to Equality Texas, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization for the LGBTQ+ community, Every major medical association in the country recognizes that gender-affirming care is necessary and lifesaving for transgender people, including transgender youth.
It makes me wonder if Gov. Abbott or AG Paxton have ever had a heart-to-heart with a transgender person of any age. I wonder if they have listened to any of the testimony that courageous trans kids like Kai Shappley have given at the Texas Capitol.
Shappley sat before the Senate Committee on State Affairs and boldly stated, Texas legislators have been attacking me since Pre-K. Im in 4th grade now. It makes me sad that some politicians use trans kids like me to get votes from people who hate me just because I exist. God made me. God loves me for who I am. And God does not make mistakes. I cant imagine anyone hearing Shappleys statements and being unmoved or unwilling to question their embedded and misguided assumptions.
My son Preston has heard too many of these stories while employed as a crisis worker for The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ national suicide prevention hotline. Hes literally had to talk desperate young people out of taking their own lives. I wonder if Gov. Abbott and Attorney General Paxton have done a modicum of research into the agonizing decisions loving parents of trans children have had to make over the years as weve seen our childrens health deteriorate without trans-affirming care, and the lengths theyve gone through to give their child a chance at a happy life.
Preston came out as trans five years ago when he was 24. My husband and I were a bit surprised, but we celebrated and affirmed Prestons identity. Preston had been unhappy with who he was for a long time, so we were grateful that he discovered the source of his suffering and began the journey toward living as his true self.
Prestons journey has been a blessedly smooth one because he has had the unconditional support of his family as well as his friends, both personal and professional. He is confident, proud and unafraid to speak truth to power.
I credit that not only to his own emotional strength but to all those who have validated and celebrated his right to be a strong, trans man. If the Governors directive wouldve been in place when Preston was in his teens and living at home, I cant imagine how desperate and frightened we would be, knowing that our attempts to help our son would be viewed by the state as criminal acts.
The science behind transgender medicine does not lie, despite what the Governor and Attorney General seem to believe. They are fixated on the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans children, despite the fact that puberty blockers have been used for decades for cisgender children to prevent early or rapid puberty.
In his formal opinion, Attorney General Paxton wrote that surgical procedures such as vaginoplasty or hysterectomies constitute child abuse, yet trans children cannot have medical gender-affirming surgeries until they turn 18 and are legally an adult. Its absurd to suggest that surgical intervention on children is any sort of norm.
Even though the Attorney Generals opinion is simply an opinion and not law, that doesnt discount the damage his statement and Gov. Abbotts directive will do to trans children in Texas. When the governor of your state declares that those trans children lucky enough to have loving family support ought to be torn from their families, and their loved ones prosecuted for child abuse, it is a horrific abuse of power. On every level, medically and morally, these directives are wrong.
I pray that the DFPS will ignore the shameless and uninformed opinions of our state leaders, and instead, listen to the voices of medical professionals who assert that gender-affirming treatment can help save lives. The real child abuse here would be to take children away from those who love them, and who are providing a safe place for them to be exactly who they are.
If this happens, I fear I know that some of these children will end up taking their own lives. And that will be an unspeakable tragedy.
To contact the author, email editorial@forward.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forward.
Read more from the original source:
- Jewish Encyclopedia : Talmud - JewishEncyclopedia.com [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Talmud - New World Encyclopedia - Info:Main Page - New ... [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 54 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 55 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 52 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 53 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 51 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Rav A. Somekh - Talmud Sanhedrin 15 - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Mizmor Shir Leiom Hashabat - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 50 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 48 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 49 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 47 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- 4 5 Talmud nazi Ovadia Yosef - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Iedid Nefesh - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Talmud LALTRO - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Succah page 56 Gemarrah Succot Rabbi Weisblum " - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Lejuneranena - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Healing bodies and souls: Parashat Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Darwin 666 talmud agenda 28 - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Legends of the Talmud - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- The Jewish Talmud EXPOSED! - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Professor Philippa Talmud - Interview - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Darwin 666 talmud agenda 21 - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Darwin 666 talmud agenda 14 - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Darwin 666 talmud agenda 13 - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Rabbanit Iris: Tomer Devorah and Talmud Torah Matches Them All HEBREW 2012 - Video [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- The "Other" Talmud - Video [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- Koren Talmud Bavli - A Taste of Passover - Video [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- The Secret Jewish History of Tax Day [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- A Transgender Blessing [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- The Secret Jewish History of the Coffee Cup (Starbucks and Otherwise) [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- What makes this book different from (most) other books? [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Ensuring the spirit of halachic marriage [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- The Talmud - Internet Sacred Text Archive [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Beitzah Yom Tov page 7 Gemarrah ' - Video [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Blended Learning in Math at Herzliah - Video [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Jewish congregation plans new synogogue off Georgia Avenue -- Gazette.Net [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Jewish congregation plans new synagogue off Georgia Avenue -- Gazette.Net [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Rav A. Somekh - Talmud Sanhedrin 17 - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- 5:57 MINUTES - 1 page of the Talmud can be...your ticket to Eternity! - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Ma Nistana, Iraqi traition by KJ Talmud Torah - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- The Only Non-Jewish Teacher at the Talmud-Torah in Hamburg - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Warrior Memories: Rally Club a catalyst for Warrior fanbase [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- 5 5 talmud nazi Ovadia - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- The TALMUD - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Kabbalah Talmud Zionism Evil IMF 2 - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- fossili evoluzione talmud agenda - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Beitzah Yom Tov page 14 Gemarrah Festival " - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Beitzah Yom Tov page 12 Gemarrah Festival " - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- ISLAM imperialism talmud SATANIC MISSION - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Original Talmud - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Pasque di sangue talmud IMF Ariel Toaff 4a cattolicesimo eu - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Daf Yomi Talmud Beitzah Yom Tov page 15 Gemarrah Festival " - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Historical evidence of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Fighting for the right to pray [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 38 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 26 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 158 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 60 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 149 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 28 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 102 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 35 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 64 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 65 - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 42 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 123 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 133 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 118 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 162 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 55 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 82 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 140 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 88 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 129 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 66 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- Le Talmud:La haine de l'autre - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI 45 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- evolution agenda NWO talmud 666 x slavery Unius REI - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
Comments