A Touching Video: May We Understand "Differences" Better

Just to clarify:

I would say, in the vast majority of situations, this type of video can help tear down ignorance, not hate. People who really hate aren’t going to be moved by it in any way – but nearly everyone I know is influenced by ignorance rather than hate.

My other son made an interesting point about how the handbook is worded – something that leaves hope for a different future, even if the wording is never changed.

He pointed out that the wording is “elective transgender surgery” (not simply “transgender surgery”) – and the use of a qualifier like “elective” implies the existence of “non-elective” transgender surgery. I had never looked that closely (ironic, I know), but in a case like Eri’s it would be logical to see the surgery as non-elective and not impose discipline of any kind.

That’s not stretching anything, really, since the wording itself draws the distinction (even though I would prefer the opposite framing, as in, “Transgender surgery does not automatically require formal church discipline.”) It would take a leader who was willing to listen to the whole situation and value parental input, in this case – but the wording leaves open the possibility.

It’s also worth pointing out that my sons are part of the next generation of local leaders in many places (mid-20’s – and my son who posted the video is in a calling where he has a voice at the local level). Many of their generation will read phrases like that in the handbook and naturally be open to a more nuanced reading – certainly much more so than many of my generation and older.

The word “elective” being in there is a good point, Ray. I’m assuming it’s there for the case of a child born with attributes of both genders in which a choice has to be made (usually by the parents early on). Nevertheless, I could see that an understanding leader might have a more open interpretation of it and not see it as automatically necessary to excommunicate the person. Leadership roulette comes into play, probably heavily leaning in the excommunication direction, unfortunately.

I had actually given this some thought since my first comment. Although I am not a fan of “If I were in this situation, I would….” (because we really don’t know what we would do until we are in the situation), I might be tempted to change my name (happening anyway), move to a different place, contact the missionaries and take the lessons and be baptized as a different person. I would then eventually progress to the temple, etc. That is, of course, if I felt that it was OK between me and God and there is no way for me to know that. I do tend to think God is much more understanding than most men.

Funny you should say that. I have a friend in Taiwan who tried to do something similar, but in the end he decided that he didn’t want to join a group where he wouldn’t be forgiven no matter how much he repeated for how long because of this.

Persons who are considering an elective transsexual operation should not be baptized. Persons who have already undergone an elective transsexual operation may be baptized if they are otherwise found worthy in an interview with the mission president or a priesthood leader he assigns. Such persons may not receive the priesthood or a temple recommend.

Never being able to receive the priesthood or get a temple recommend no matter what he did to repent.

Its a very small issue in the USA, but as I found out is a much bigger issue in the Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines area.

Thanks Ray for sharing this video. I think it was informative and very touching. I appreciate the love these parents so obviously have for their children. I hope it increases understanding.