Document Type

Article

Date

Spring 5-1-2025

Abstract

Jewish practices vary widely across denominations and individual communities, reflecting diverse cultural influences and interpretations of Jewish law and tradition. For transgender Jews, navigating the intersection of their gender identity and Jewish identity can be challenging, and individuals may struggle to find a community where all aspects of their identity are fully accepted. Studying their narratives and learning from their experiences is vital for understanding how to create spaces that support these intersectional identities.

The purpose of my research is to learn more about the experiences of transgender Jews and how individuals navigate the intersection of their gender identity and Jewish identity, specifically how one’s relationship with Judaism, Jewish practices, and Jewish community may change after transitioning.

I conducted semi-structured interviews with eight individuals that identified as transgender and as Jewish. I asked questions related to how they defined their gender and Jewish identities, what being Jewish looked like for them growing up and now, their experiences coming out, their experiences with gender norms growing up, and how they engage with Jewish practices and community since transitioning.

The interviews revealed several challenges concerning the intersection of gender and Jewish identity. Participants described these identities as deeply connected, but reported difficulty finding fully accepting spaces. This resulted in navigating difficult choices and sometimes suppressing parts of themselves within Jewish or queer communities.

This study reveals a need for more Jewish spaces that are both affirming of trans identities and religiously fulfilling for a range of practices. Even in more liberal movements, the gender binary present in Judaism proves to be an obstacle for Jews who do not fit into that binary.

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