Pregnant Man Article in the Advocate
This is not the first transgender pregnancy, and the family doesn't mention their religious, cultural or spiritual affiliations (so they may not be Jewish and I try to limit this site to transJewish content), but the photograph is one of the most moving I have ever seen, and the acompanying article shows a strong and courageous transgender voice. Please read it!
Israel Blog and other Old News from the Front Page of this Site
JUNE 2007. As recipient of the 2006-07 Haas-Koshland Award, I spent a year in Israel. On the left is my benefactress Mrs. Frances Geballe, and me. Here is my blog of the experience.
As a scholar, a writer, and an artist, I always have a project or two brewing. Right now my main project is seeking full time employment. (ENDA, ENDA, ENDA!!!)
Long-term goal: build a residential social justice internship-and-study program for transgender young adults. The house of study would be available to all, but the residence would serve as home for a dozen gender-variant persons. Residents would intern at social justice organizations in the community (20-30 hours/week) and in a gender think tank and "spiritual laboratory" (10-20 hours a week). Participants would gain valuable social justice experience and help to develop a body of transgender knowledge and spiritual practices. The focus of the endeavor would be to respond to the question: what does it mean to live a transgender religious life?
This site will always be evolving. Links are available from the menu at left to transgender Torah interpretations by GLBT authors, articles about the current status of transgender persons in Jewish denominations, some of my published writing and other creative projects.
In the future this central space on the front page will carry information about upcoming lectures, text studies, workshops, literary readings, salons, art shows or other events. Also in the future, I hope to have an e-newsletter. But that's for tomorrow.
Below is an archive of old stuff from the front page of this website.
JULY 4, 2007.
This time last year I was over the Atlantic Ocean, heading to Israel. Today, I delivered my thesis. Wish me mazel tov, and drink a l'chaim with me: it's a bouncing baby hermaphrodite! "Androgynos, Intersubjectivity and the Performance of Gender" coming soon to a thesis rack near you.
The AMA added gender identity to its tolerance policy for practitioners and students. There's a file on my links page if you want to check it out. Also, check out the J article about me -- click the link "Bombs, Bias and Tolerance" under "Articles about Noach" on my Links page.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2007
For Sukkot, by Chaim Moshe HaLevi (from the World Congress for GLBT Jews Newsletter, Friday 28 September):
"Eternal God, for far too long your gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning children have been marginalized by their straight counterparts, especially those of the “religious right.” We have been made to continue wandering in the desert rather than being invited into the presence of the Shechinah who resides within the shelter of the sukkah. We ask, as we do each evening in the Haskivenu, “u’phros aleinu sukkat shlomecha” (spread over us your sukkah of peace).
We are not guests. We are equal inheritors of the Torah and full members of k’lal Yisrael. We embody the “four species” associated with Sukkot. We are sturdy like lulavim (palm fronds); we stand tall and proud. The hadassim (myrtle branches) of our eyes are fully open, basking in Your awesome radiance. The aravot (willow branches) of our lips impart the words emanating from our hearts, minds, and souls. We are created in Your image, holy vessels filled with the perfumed splendor of etrogim (citrons).
We, your daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, grandparents, relatives, colleagues, and friends, ask You who are Baruch HaMakom, the Source of Absolute Sacredness in our lives, to inspire every person with understanding. May we all enjoy the blessing of full inclusion at holiday tables and, especially, in the hearts of others. Amen."
OCTOBER 17, 2007
I swiped this text from a website dedicated to Religion and Transsexuality.
http://www.moss-fritch.com/religion.htm.
"A transsexual, checking on the Jewish community in her area received the following (in part) note:
Speaking as a Reform rabbi, I teach that all of us reflect God's image and are therefore precious. Certainly, then, you would be welcome. (There are some rabbis, as there are some people, who might be made nervous, or who might have unresolved issues regarding gender. That is true in the Reform community as well as those which are more right-wing, unfortunately. It is not yet a perfect world we live in!) In my congregation I know of two transgendered people. I don't know if there are others, it's not something that usually comes up in conversation! For us it's not the important thing; what's important is whether Judaism works for you as a human being, to help you reach your highest potential. That is the standard you should set for the choices you make spiritually. Don't settle just for a community which welcomes you, hold out for one in which you truly feel your soul is at home!"
SEPTEMBER 27, 2007
Evey time I see the map (above) I kvell. Thank you so much for sharing your locations with me. It's a wonderful world (with lots of beloved yellow dots on it). Those of you who are more adventuresome and "out" I welcome you to map your shayna punim, too.
JULY 20, 2007
"I'll never again pray against my own flesh." -- Rachel Adler, 1982.
JUNE 27, 2007.
Speak gender to power, in all its idiot complexity.
JUNE 17 2007.
The Dream? A Queer Yeshiva, 24/7, right here in Berkeley. A Yeshiva for the queer, religious and secular study of traditional and modern texts where all denominations are welcome and the attitude of participants (students, faculty, visitors) is OPENNESS to transformation. A Yeshiva that serves as a liberal think tank as well as an incubator or laboratory for experiential development of new and inclusive Jewish practices and theologies. Practices that go beyond gender neutral pronouns and the "trichitza". Let me know if that's a dream you can believe in and support.