October 16, 2009 12:57 PM BST
Martha,
I am sorry if this is not going to go on the forum thread; I wanted to respond, but couldn't seem to find the button. Maybe it's because I am not a paying member...
I have gone through the exact same problem that you are going through, reconciling my faith with the facts of how I was created. Yes, Deuteronomy 22:5 seems to offer condemning rebuke of what I know to not be a choice, but a biological predisposition. In dealing with this issue, I have two lines of reasoning, one secular and the other religious, that maybe you can use if someone from your church brings it up.
First, what are the "clothes of a woman" anyway? Given that this is completely a cultural norm, the fact is that men would have been wearing clothes back then, robes and the like, that are associated with women today. As recently as the 17th century, men were wearing "skirts", and there are other ethnic groups like the Scots where men's dress clothing to this day is still defined along different lines than common Western culture. If this law should apply to cross dressing, than all of the women in your church are equally guilty, because I have no doubt that they have worn pants, the "clothes of a man" just fifty years ago! The world is full of hypocrites, and it helps in an argument to be able to point it out.
On a more religious argument, my views as a Christian involve Jesus dying to wash away our sin, no matter how small or great, so regardless of whether it is right or wrong by the law, it has already been forgiven! Furthermore, in the New Testament there are express commands about Christians judging their neighbors; these have been ignored by church members condemning cross dressing, and are useful to illustrate a point. I will attach a few good counterpoint verses, always great in a religious fight.
I hope I have helped you figure things out. To respect the church, probably going to service cross-dressed is not the best idea, but the congregation has no right to challenge you outside of service. This has obviously been an important issue for me, and I would love to know how it turns out for you! If this is the wrong place to post this, could you put it up wherever is the right place? Thanks!
Stan
James 5:1 -- There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?
Colossians 2:16 -- Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. (With reference to traditional Hebrew Law)
Matthew 7:1 -- Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Romans 11:6 -- And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Discussing the role of forgiveness in Salvation as superseding the traditional role of Law, where Deut 22:5 is found)
...I have more, if you'd like them. All of these were from a NIV, 1986
November 7, 2009 8:25 AM GMT
Hi Ellen, if you know any places I could meet other transexuals and cross dressers where I can change at the location and where I can meet any groups in Florida. I would really appreciate the help since I need people who like me that is a transexual that I can become friends with and go out with each other to places like these locations you mentioned.
Ashley 'kisses'
November 8, 2009 7:00 AM GMT
Wendy thanks for helping me with the information and thanks for the welcome sweetie since its good to be part of this community.
'Kisses'
Ashley
February 21, 2010 8:29 AM GMT
I personally haven't had to face this, but I've written/drawn on the subject. Something that might be worth pointing out is that (if you are truly MTF TS) you are, in fact, a woman, and that therefore it is "meet and right" that you should dress to fit your actual sex in anticipation of SRS. Now, many conservative Christians don't accept the validity of transsexuality in the first place, evidence notwithstanding, because it implies a mistake by God in assigning the right soul to the right body at birth, so they are likely to reject the argument out of hand. Still, it's worth approaching it as just one more challenge God has given you, and easier to face than, say, Type 1 Diabetes, or some more visible 'birth defect'. As was written in another post, it's a seed worth spreading around. Might just grow.
Also, I know what a compelling social institution one's church can be. I sometimes still miss the one I grew up in. Yet... is it possible in your community to find a more welcoming, inclusive church? Here in Seattle there are several which actively advertise to the GLBTQ community.
Consider this a 'second' for telling one or two friends first. You'll never really know how they'll react until you talk. You might be honoring them with your confidence. Best luck---
Larry
September 1, 2009 10:57 PM BST
I wish I knew what to say but I cannot since I do not know your immediate situation. Do you plan on standing on a pulpit and announcing it to the world, or to those in your life whom you can trust? You might want to start with one or two close people, see how they react, and go from there.
Mere
November 8, 2009 2:49 AM GMT
Ashley,
Welcome to TW.
http://www.ifge.org/Web_L[...]7.phtml
These are some support groups in Florida. There may be others not listed here, such as:
City Gems
460 S. Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401-5797
p: 561 835 6992
http://www.rivercitygems.org/
Email - None Supplied
which I found by using Google search engine.