Community Conversation => Transitioning => Coming out of the closet => Topic started by: Anthrogal on July 13, 2010, 07:07:14 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Coming out to my Rabbi
Post by: Anthrogal on July 13, 2010, 07:07:14 PM
Post by: Anthrogal on July 13, 2010, 07:07:14 PM
I know this probably belongs more in the spiritual section, but this section gets more traffic, and it's not like it's totally irrelevant. I go to a Reform synagogue, and I know in general most reform congregations actually celebrate transsexual transistions with a naming ceremony. Still, I have this irrational fear that he'll say that I'm no long welcome to the Temple. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing, especially Jews?
Title: Re: Coming out to my Rabbi
Post by: K8 on July 13, 2010, 07:29:44 PM
Post by: K8 on July 13, 2010, 07:29:44 PM
I'm Unitarian, but my best friend growing up was a Reform Jew - does that count?
My minister was hugely supportive. I came out to her before I came out to any friends in town. I came out to my doctor, my minister, and my therapist first - viewing them all as professionals who would help me and not turn me away. And that was my experience.
Of course it depends on the person, but it sounds like he should be supportive. I would approach it as a counseling session, where you expect support and understanding.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
*hugs*
Kate
My minister was hugely supportive. I came out to her before I came out to any friends in town. I came out to my doctor, my minister, and my therapist first - viewing them all as professionals who would help me and not turn me away. And that was my experience.
Of course it depends on the person, but it sounds like he should be supportive. I would approach it as a counseling session, where you expect support and understanding.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
*hugs*
Kate
Title: Re: Coming out to my Rabbi
Post by: justmeinoz on July 14, 2010, 07:19:05 AM
Post by: justmeinoz on July 14, 2010, 07:19:05 AM
I remember seeing a quote in another thread where the Rabbi is supposed to have said something on the lines of, "we lost so many in the Shoa, we can't afford to lose any more." I would think he would be glad to have a member of his congregation show as much interest in remaining a part of it.
Title: Re: Coming out to my Rabbi
Post by: Anthrogal on July 19, 2010, 05:30:03 PM
Post by: Anthrogal on July 19, 2010, 05:30:03 PM
My Rabbi's on vacation this week, so I'll have to wait til next week. Now I realize it's more the congregation I'm worried about, though. I think I already have made some enemies publicly speaking up about the fact that Israel has commited atrocities just like Palestine. Despite being Reform, there are certainly politically conservative voices in the congregation.
Title: Re: Coming out to my Rabbi
Post by: LynnER on July 19, 2010, 05:35:45 PM
Post by: LynnER on July 19, 2010, 05:35:45 PM
I have a FTM friend who is Jewish and did not have any problems what so ever with his rabbi or temple...
Title: Re: Coming out to my Rabbi
Post by: K8 on July 19, 2010, 06:46:20 PM
Post by: K8 on July 19, 2010, 06:46:20 PM
If you gain the rabbi's support, he can help you come out to the congregation. At least that was my experience with my minister.
Good luck!
- Kate
Good luck!
- Kate