What's the JW take on the medical condition Gender Identity Disorder?

HappyAtheist

Hi from the UK.
Here the National Health Service (NHS) says that Gender Identity Disorder (GID) AKA transexualism can be effectively treated by hormones and surgery so people can live as the gender they 'know' themselves to be. However, I'm told that despite the condition being medically recognised that JW believe it is a 'lifestyle choice' (presumably like 'choosing' to be straight or gay as we all do :-) ) and one worthy of disfellowshipping. Can anyone give me opinion/references/links to anything on this area relating to JW. I've looked at official JW website and found nothing and a Google search was pretty useless.

Thanks.

PS Yes, I have a TS family member (who was told by a JW work colleague he was out to that he would have to go back to being a girl to be acceptable to JW) and, as my alias suggests, I am religion free (but enjoy learning about why other people are religious even if it makes no sense to me)

under_believer

I do not believe that most transgendered individuals would consider their lives as being dominated by a "medical condition" but rather a genetic predisposition. Not a sickness, but an identity.

That being said, yes, the JW "take" is that it, similar to how they regard homosexuality, may indeed by a genetic predisposition, but nevertheless should not be "indulged," any more than pedophilia, also a genetic predisposition, should be.

I do not state my own opinion, but that of the Society, as reinforced within the last few months in the Theocratic Ministry School as a student talk, of all things.

Edit: Welcome to the board.

HappyAtheist

Thanks ub.

Do you know WHY JW take this position?

The JW I mentioned above just made the assertion and could only say something about abusing the body as a 'temple'. But if I understand that correctly then I have 'abused' my own body 'temple' by having breast implants and so could not be a JW if I wanted? It seems to imply that medical intervention is not allowable unless a religious authority says it is 'legitimate'. The bottom line would be that my sibling would be expected by JW to sacrifice peace of mind and body to comply with WHAT? That's the question I'm trying to answer.

PS I'm aware that many religious groups have different ideas on such things. I was prompted to ask because the challenge to my sibling came from a JW. My own response to my sister becoming my brother was initially shock followed by wanting what was best for her/him. My not having any religious beliefs, unlike some other family members, made that relatively easy for me. I like having a happy brother who is well respected and liked by all (except certain religious ex acquaintances) rather than a sad and despairing sister. What drives people to wish that he was an emotional disaster zone (suicidal) again?

Thanks again.

sass_my_frass

Hi and all the best to you and your sister/brother. Good for you for having an open heart and mind.

I was stunned to find out that 1 in 1000 babies in most populations is born with a gender disorder, and standard medical procedure is to surgically 'correct' them within a few days of birth. It would take a very enlightened parent to fight this and let the child decide their gender when they feel comfortable doing so. It was news to me, probably because most of what I learned prior to a couple of years ago, was from JW literature, so if they've ever covered it I've not heard of it. Somebody might be able to dig something up for you though, and it's going to be lame and maddening, so don't get excited anticipating it.

serendipity

Hi Happy Atheist and welcome,

I know my JW family would say that it's a bunch of baloney.

HappyAtheist

' bunch of baloney'

Meaning what? Medical/psychological science? Human experience of reality? or maybe 'baloney'= things they do not understand or believe in? If that is the case then you have my commiserations, but hopefully you meant something else?

Unfortunately, like the WTS, no one seems to have any 'scriptural' input on the JW apparent position. Maybe it's just a visceral dislike (on the part of your JW family) ?

Konrad West

I can't quote any WTs, but I would venture that transexualism is prohibited because men are expected to dress as men, and women as women.

HappyAtheist

Ah...but that begs the question as to the status of the millions of people (for any of the many biological and other reasons) who do not fall into neat boxes labelled by society/religion as male/female. Many non judeao/christian societies had many ways to accomodate that reality but it appears that JW and similar do not, prefering to warp reality to an 'ideal'.

Konrad West

Of course it's completely ridiculous, but so is the idea that Koala's swam back to Australia after the flood. Doesn't stop them teaching it, or JWs from believing it.
"Many non judeao/christian societies had many ways to accomodate that reality": Really? Can you provide some examples?

daniel-p

Well, I think the WTS would not want to touch that question with a ten-foot pole, but if they did, I'm sure it would be similar to their policy on homosexuality. Which is basically to live a celibate life and never talk to anyone about your needs and feelings.

What's the JW take on the medical condition Gender Identity Disorder?

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