Trump Endangers Nonbinary Americans
Trump Endangers Nonbinary Americans
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” Trump said Monday in his inaugural address.
LINK -> Donald Trump signs executive order recognizing only 2 sexes
DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMISM AND RESTORING BIOLOGICAL TRUTH TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
"Recently, a policy was enacted at the federal level Executive Order 14166, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. " that limits the recognition of gender to a strict binary: male and female, defined solely by biological sex assigned at birth. This policy has significant implications for members of our congregation whose gender identities do not fit neatly into such categories. It denies their lived experiences, diminishes their dignity, and undermines their sacred worth.
Under this policy, transgender and nonbinary individuals may face increased barriers to accessing healthcare, legal documentation that reflects their identities, and protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and education. It sends a message that their identities are invalid, relegating them to the margins of society. For our community members affected by this policy, this is not merely a legal or political issue—it is deeply personal, touching on their ability to live authentically and with dignity.
Jewish tradition has long recognized that humanity is complex and diverse. The Mishnah (Bikkurim 4:1-5) and Talmud ( Yevamot 83b, Shabbat 134b, Eruvin 18a) discuss categories beyond the binary male and female, such as androgynous (a person with both male and female characteristics) and tumtum (a person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured). Eruvin 18a, recounts that Adam HaRishon, the first human, was created as an androgynous being, citing Genesis 1:27: “Male and female He created them.” This suggests that humanity’s original state encompassed a spectrum of genders, a theological basis for embracing diversity.
These texts affirm that our ancestors acknowledged the diversity of human embodiment and sought to create space for those who did not fit traditional categories. This position continues to be held by the Reform Movement as articulated in the Central Conference of American Rabbis Resolution on advocation for transgender people .
This policy decision of the current federal government is more than a legal definition; it is a denial of the sacred worth of people we love and hold dear in our community. As Jews, we know all too well the pain of exclusion and the dangers of policies that erase the identity of a people.
In 2023, in my Rosh Hashanah Sermon I spoke about Abraham’s hand, lifted in the story of the Akedah, the binding of Isaac. That hand, poised between obedience and transformation, symbolized a choice—a choice to affirm life, to pursue progress, and to lift future generations into a world of possibility. I said then:
“Here is my oath to you: Congregation Shalom will always balance our rich heritage while adapting to meet the needs of our children. And we will proudly be inclusive of all the Isaacs of the past and the future. We need a Judaism that is willing to be a light unto the nations amidst a world that is too easily backsliding into intolerance, bigotry, and pettiness. A world where too many are cut down for their beliefs, their loves, or their identities.”
In the history of our congregation, we have consistently advocated for our values. From hiring Wisconsin’s first female rabbi and its first female cantor to affirming marriage equality and signing on to lawsuits supporting same-sex marriage, these actions were grounded in the profound belief that our Judaism must evolve to meet the needs of the present while honoring the wisdom of the past.
It was not an easy decision to comment on this policy, especially given the fraught and divisive nature of political discourse today. As a congregation, we strive to focus on our shared values and the sacred work of building an inclusive and compassionate community, rather than commenting on every political decision. While I believe it is important to approach any new administration with understanding and a willingness to engage constructively, this policy directly affects the well-being and dignity of members of our congregation and the broader community. Judaism teaches us to protect the vulnerable and affirm the sacred worth of every individual, created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. When policies threaten these core principles, we have a moral obligation to speak out.
This is a complex issue, and we recognize that it may be challenging for members of our congregation. We also acknowledge that discussions surrounding gender can intersect with other important societal concerns, such as the progress made in advancing women’s rights, which can add layers of nuance to this conversation. Our shared commitment to Jewish values—inclusivity, compassion, and justice—can guide us as we navigate this moment together.
If you have questions, wish to share your thoughts, or want to participate in learning opportunities that will deepen our collective understanding, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Let us move forward together, united by our sacred responsibility to affirm the dignity and worth of all people."
But unfortunately not all Americans are wise as this Rabbi. Some who consider Trump a kind of demigod are easily swayed by his subtle direction to act as if commanded, such as what occurred on January 6th 2021. So IMO Trump has not only torn away rights that some Americans have, but he has also exposed them to personal danger.
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Back in Toronto my dentist was gay. He was a wonderful man. Good thing he isn't an American.
My neighbors are lesbians. They love Texas and would never leave. How does any of that relate to this story?
Canada would be a good place for nonbinary people to escape to - unless Trump invades Canada to create it to be a 51st State. Last time America tried that their White House got burned.
Actually that was carried out by the British not the Canadians and Canada lost a city as well York I think
Yes, Robert, it's true that the Americans won that battle, but it was a Pyrrhic victory, since they then lost the war. The Battle of Stoney Creek (just east of Hamilton, the city in which I was born and grew up) was the killer for America.
My neighbours are straight. They don't want to move to Barcelona!
So while we're on the subject-- how does that relate to the story?
OK-- but were they Lesbians? (Or just your garden variety Canadians...???)
I sae no reason to deal with that comment so I just let it go.
I dont know why we cant just all let others be. I guess its because the religious fanatics want to tell everyone how to live. If God was so against LGBTQ it wouldnt exist. The truth is God has better things to do.
If God were really good, omniscient and omnipotent as many believe, the world would be a lot different than it is today.
Actually God (Peace Be Upon Him) created it perfect-- its the stoopid fucking humans who keep screwing it up!
God couldn't make us perfect, or we would all be Gods.
Then he didn't create it "perfect".
But then, what exactly is perfect? I'm sure that if you asked a thousand people you'd get a thousand different answers.
That is a matter of opinion across a very broad spectrum.
People are saying that God herself is actually gay (but I don't know if there's any truth to that)>
Do you have a link for that?
It seems Trump is making a biological distinction where you are discussing how people act - kinda like Xi and the Uyghurs.
IMO the reaction to what Trump has done is of equal importance to what he has done.
I would not blame Trump for what he's done to demonize peaceful people if they had slaughtered scores of innocent people like the Uyghurs did in a Kunmng railroad station in their terrorizing to further their separatist cause which led Xi to do what was required for peace, order and good government for his nation.
Apples and oranges, squiggy.
It seems Trump is making a biological distinction where you are discussing how people act
What Trump should do is read the damn Bible so he would know what it actually says-- instead of holding it upside down & vigourously gesticulating and waving it about like a flag on on ocean going boat sending out a distress signal on a stormy day!
The famous Porn Star Stormy Days (Actual unretouched photo, suitable for framing, sent in a plain brown wrapper in the dead of night):
He probably thinks the bible is autobiographical.
Ah, Krishna, maybe you should get a little sleep.
So now the government is setting standards as to sexual identity, I still can’t figure out why think that they know best when it comes to this situation. Are the MAGA afraid that gay people will take over the US, or even worst convert all the kids to gay. It must really be dramatic for the MAGA to have to live with that fear.
Good for the Rabbi, most indigenous groups believe that there are more than two genders. Our nation believe there are five. Indigenous look at it with reality, trying to hide or pretend ‘’others’’ don’t exist is simply as waste of energy and I might add damn stupid.
Thank you, Kavika, for the wisdom so unfortunately lacking in too many others.
As Albert Einstein once said:
I know of two things that are infinite, The Universe and human stupidity..and I'm not entirely sure of the former.