In Solidarity with our Trans Siblings

February 19, 2017

Amidst the current legal, political, and religious debates about public restroom use, Affirmation unequivocally expresses its solidarity with our transgender friends and family. Having access to public accommodations and facilities that correspond with one’s gender identity is vitally important. Being able to access public restrooms safely, consistently, and free from attack, harassment, or arrest — including in public school settings — is a matter of human necessity, health, and dignity that should be afforded to all of us.

LDS scriptures do not have much to say specific to restroom usage. But they do contain profound teachings about sharing our resources and helping our fellow children of God meet their needs:

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40

Christ’s teachings admonish us to be actively concerned about the temporal welfare of others, following the ‘Golden Rule’ which directs us to treat others with the same respect with which we ourselves would want to be treated. Religious beliefs about gender should not overrule or impinge upon another person’s immediate and physical right to use public facilities that match their gender.

As an Affirmation community, we are constantly made better by knowing more about the joys, pains, experiences, talents, insights and gifts of our transgender members, leaders and friends. We invite all to get to know, listen, and learn from a few of the transgender members within our community as they tell their stories in the links offered below. We also encourage you get to know the transgender friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers in your life and respectfully learn about their experiences and challenges as well. Transgender people offer important firsthand insights about their experiences which are crucial to an informed and Christlike conversation on restroom access.