Changing Times

I can't believe this one came up.  More so, I can't believe I'm writing about it.  Not that I find it offensive or anything, but just that it seems so unusual I'm not sure a lot of us can relate to it.  It is interesting, though, and well worth the thought of the implications.

And, as I've said before, I'm not afraid to tackle the tough questions.

There is a very good friend of mine who asked me about the Faith, and specifically asked a couple of very interesting questions.  I must admit, despite my twisted approach to the Writings, and bizarre manner of seeing odd connections, I never thought of this one.

These questions should go to the Universal House of Justice, but I'm just too embarrassed to write them.  I'm not sure why, but I am.

I should probably tell you a bit about my friend, and how we met.  I've known him for more than 10 years, ever since she first walked into my booth at a fair (back when I was still a jeweler / artist).  She loved my work, and we hit it off really well.  A few years ago, I saw him again at the library, and we reconnected.  My son really liked him, and we rode in the glass elevator for about an hour, talking, sharing jokes, and getting re-acquainted.  A few conversations and lunches later, the following questions came up.

They are real.  I can't dispute them, or pass them off as a joke.  They are serious, and I take them as such.

You see, in case you thought the above was a series of typos, they weren't.  It was all accurate.  She was transgendered a few years back, just before we reconnected.  Now this does not make a difference to me, for his character hasn't changed.  He is still very kind, considerate, compassionate, intelligent, courteous, and so on and so forth.  This is someone I am proud to have as a friend, and dearly wish we could connect more often.  I love the time we spend together, just as I do with any good friend.

Here is the question that came up: If he declared, how would this effect marriage?

I have to start by pointing out that he is not a Baha'i, and therefore not bound by Baha'i Law.  I have written about this before, in relation to gay marriages, and repeat it here for emphasis.  Only Baha'is are bound by Baha'i Law, and we do not impose our rules upon others.

But what if he declares his faith?

As you know, within the Baha'i Law, gay marriages are not permitted.  Would he be considered a man, able to legally marry a woman?  Or would the transgender operation (sex-change for those of you who do not know the lingo) not be considered in this picture?  Would he still be considered a woman?

If the latter, if he is considered a woman, then he would be expected to marry a man.  This would give the appearance of a gay marriage to virtually everyone who saw them.  There is quite a bit in the Writings about the importance of appearances, so this would seem to be an issue.

But what if he is considered a man?  Then he could marry a woman, with no questions asked.

Now here is the kicker: if he is considered a man, then would he be eligible for election to the Supreme Institution?

OK.  Don't laugh.  This is serious.  And I think it really is a question that should be addressed to the Supreme Institution for guidance (but I'll tell you, I'm not ready to write that letter just yet).

Let's make this a hypothetical case, although it is not far from the reality.  Suppose someone underwent transgender surgery before becoming Baha'i.  What happens when they declare?  You see, the crux of this issue is that they were never disobedient to Baha'i Law, as they were not bound by it at the time of the surgery.  But suppose he declares, is he considered a man or a woman?

This truly does effect their ability to marry within the Baha'i context, and let us presume they wish to be obedient.

And if he is considered a man, how far does that extend?  Would he be considered a man in terms of eligibility for election to the Universal House of Justice?  Suppose that they were phenomenally gifted and spiritual, and this really did become a question.

Where is the line drawn?

Well, this is yet another time when I am very glad that I do not serve on that august body, for I have no idea which way they would decide.

But I promised that I would ask the question, so I have.  I can't find anything in the Writings that addresses this particular type of situation, although I am certain that they would not be expected to undergo surgery again, back to their original gender.  Nor can I imagine any rights being removed, as that would just be silly.

And so, as there is nothing in the Writings that directly addresses this situation, it is to the Universal House of Justice that we must turn for guidance.

Who knows, maybe I can still convince him to write them, for I'm not sure that I'm ready to try and write such a letter yet.