LinkLast fall, however, Nicole began a trial on hormone therapy. In June, when it became clear that transition was inevitable – and the results of the hormones were becoming apparent – Mordechai gave his wife a get, or Jewish divorce, and started to live life as Nicole.
What has rocked the Toronto community, and is being followed closely in the transsexual community, is that rather than simply disappearing, Nicole has been open about her condition and is the first person to transition "in place" within an Orthodox community.
"Gender dysphoria is not something I chose, and for me transition is about survival, not comfort or happiness," Nicole said. "I believe that survival is a moral and halachic imperative, and I hoped my family and friends would want the opportunity to be here for me. I know it will take time. And I know some people won't want to deal with it. But I wasn't willing to write everybody else off."
"It takes guts to transition, but something else to do it 'in place,'" said one Orthodox transwoman from the Midwest who uses the Internet pseudonym Beth Orens. "When I think about it, it gives me the willies. She's got courage that's completely unbelievable."
