"YOU WERE NATURALLY BORN A BOY"... This was the assertion that laid the foundation for the 20/20 special presented in response to the controversy surrounding the transgender Ms. Universe contestant from Canada. "You were NATURALLY BORN a boy". I watched the program this evening, along with many other parents of transgendered youth... I watched to see where society stands with respect to this issue. Where are we going? What is being conveyed? What is understood?
It was the opening statement of the program, and the words "NATURALLY BORN" echoed in my heart. The statement was never clearly addressed, and the program flowed past the huge "purple elephant" that took center stage on my television screen. The program persisted... "What was your name"... "When did you change gender"... even the details regarding the surgical reconstruction of the genitals were discussed, as the transgender experience was microscopically dissected as if it were a tissue sample in a pathology lab. Yet.... the bold assertion that introduced the segment was left unscathed.
What does it mean to be "NATURALLY BORN"??? I grew up in Montana, land often referred to as "God's Playground"... a scenic representation of God's divinity. The land is "natural"... It's untouched, just as God created it. This is also what it means to be naturally born... an untouched SOUL... an individual who is divinely beautiful, just as God intended. If someone asks about an individual's "nature", do we respond by describing physical or spiritual attributes?
I was bothered by the statement that introduced the topic and established the focus of the program. The most important concept that needs to be conveyed is the fact that these individuals are "naturally born" as spiritual beings consistent with their gender identity... not with the gender that is assigned to them at birth. This concept is SO important that it annuls all others. If this precept is clearly understood, then the in-congruency between the body and soul wouldn't be an issue at all. Individuals born with gender in-congruency would not become a National media sensation every time they overcome insurmountable challenges to achieve success. Someone who succeeds, despite the adversity in life... someone who beats the odds... someone who overcomes the ridicule, torment, judgement, and discrimination of others... someone who "rises to the top", BELONGS AT THE TOP. Whether or not she is allowed to compete... whether or not she wins is insignificant. She doesn't need the crowning glory of others to prove who she is. She knows who she is. She has succeeded in who SHE is. On that merit alone, she's an icon and a role model.
I know that the only way that people are ever going to understand this experience is by proxy... through the testimony of those "called" to walk this path. People will never understand by relying on optical illusions to teach them. This understanding must come through a testament to the heart. This path is a pilgrimage for those of us who have been called to navigate through the road blocks, storms, and potholes in a grueling effort to succeed... the length of the journey, the mountains that must be climbed, and even the final destination remain unknown. Those of us who walk this path know ONE thing - we MUST take one step... then the next... then another. We must persist until we find it. The unknown requires faith, but through complete faith, we will reach the journey's end.
This little corner of the world, "Cammie's Song", is my personal outlet... my place to teach, to testify, and to grow. Four years ago this month, I met my nine year old daughter for the first time. In doing so, I had to face the reality that she always existed but I never knew she was there. Tonight I realized why the assertion "YOU WERE NATURALLY BORN A BOY" bothered me so much. For nine years I didn't understand the divinity of human "nature". My understanding was based solely on what I saw... not what I felt. I thought my daughter was "naturally born a boy". "Seeing to believe" was the source of my own deception. I have been blessed to gain a testimony of this sacred truth... Cammie was "NATURALLY BORN" a divine daughter of God. She is, ALWAYS HAS BEEN, and always will be my little girl.
Cammie's self-proclaimed anthem illustrates her experience...
Well said. I've always hated how the media portrays us. If they, like you, focused on the fact that we are actually worthwhile human beings I think things would change for the better in the world.
ReplyDeleteI caught the end of that 20/20 program the other night. I am transgendered and my wife accepts that fact but still has difficulty understanding what you just blogged about. You are so "dead-on" with your explanation of our spiritual/physical condition.
ReplyDeleteGod has NEVER been as concerned with our physical lives as he has been with our spiritual heart and soul. When a woman grows to love a man, is it only because he is a "hunk", muscled, and handsome? If she is smart, she will be more attracted to his heart and soul. The same is true from the other side...a man who looks no farther than the beauty of a woman will surely be disappointed at some point.
God is zeroed in on our motivation in life...do we act and react from the heart? Should those of us who are transgendered continue to live the lie we perfected over who knows how many years? Or, should we be allowed to live, presenting the heart and soul God ALLOWED us to be born with?
I feel you have eloquently stated what I have always felt...that the spiritual heart, soul, and life of an individual completely trumps their physical body, whatever that entails. I also know that you have a much greater understanding of God's love now that you have accepted Cammie's true heart. God bless you. :)Suzi
I can't find anything else to add to what Suzi has said, except my tears as I read this. Tears of joy, to be sure, as I too believe God allowed me to be born a daughter in an alien body, some sixty-odd years ago, but never knowing why, until recently.
ReplyDeleteI praise the Lord for you and your understanding of Cammie and everything she is having to confront in her life. I will continue to pray for both of you as I have done since first finding your blog.
Hugs and Prayers for both of you,
Cynthia XX
I just wanted to express my appreciation to you for this blog. I searched so insanely for someone who had an experience like mine and couldn't find it. It wasn't until someone from the site LDSGender passed on your blog to me that I finally felt like I could connect to.
ReplyDeleteI know you've left the church, but with our 6 year old, we have just begun the process of talking to church leaders about this. Our bishop was unkind and proceeded with some unrighteous dominion, but our stake president has been so kind and so understanding and is helping us fight for transition within the church.
Despite his support, however, I, like you, have gotten hate mail, loss of support from friends, judgements and overall ignorant judgement. It's obnoxious.
And on some level... weirdly comforting that you've gone through the same thing. That we're not alone. That you got all the same answers that we got. That God speaks to us the same way. That truth is truth.
I started a blog and got a little overwhelmed when someone posted it to another forum and traffic started going through the roof. But because of this, I feel like I am ready to start again. To have a voice and not be scared of what may come my way.
Thank you for your thoughtful and enlightening posts.