In 2006, Rabbi Elliot Kukla etched his name as the first openly transgender person to be ordained by a mainstream denomination – the Reform Seminary at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. Now he wants other Trans and non-binary youth to find their spiritual connection.
An Inspiration
A pioneer in his own right, Kukla’s remarkable journey has become an inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the Trans and non-binary youth.
Coming Out
Kukla’s path to ordination was a convergence of faith and identity.
He chose a pivotal moment, a few months before his ordination, to come out as transgender.
He said, “Those two truths were fully connected for me; the spiritual wholeness of being Trans was very connected for me to being a rabbi.”
He Studied the Texts
His rabbinic study delved into the ‘tumtum’ and the ‘androgynous’ non-binary characters in ancient Jewish texts, reflecting his profound connection to a tradition that has, for centuries, acknowledged identities beyond the binary.
He said, “I had been studying them for many years and looking at all of the different references in Jewish holy texts to characters who are beyond male and female.”
It Felt Right
He asserts, “It always felt right” to come into his identity, highlighting the intrinsic joy and spiritual truths that resonated with his Trans identity.
It Was a Challenging Journey
But, the journey was not without its challenges. Kukla was told he would never find work as a rabbi due to his identity.
Things Changed
However, the passage of time has witnessed a monumental shift, with Kukla now receiving inquiries from rabbis worldwide seeking guidance on celebrating non-binary b’nei mitzvah ceremonies.
Not Accepted Everywhere
Despite the growing acceptance within the Jewish community, society in general has experienced a disheartening backlash against Trans and queer identities.
A Beacon of Hope
Amidst this turmoil, Rabbi Kukla wants other Trans and non-binary youth to feel their own spiritual acceptance.
His Wish for the Youth
He said, “I have this resource to support younger people in being exactly who they are – even if I don’t recognize or understand who they are.”
Being Themselves
“In a world where Trans kids are under attack, I’m surrounded by so many trans kids who are living this life that I couldn’t have imagined growing up as a closeted trans kid, who are able to just really be themselves from the beginning – which is just a mind-blowing thing to imagine,” he added.
Spiritual Connection for Everyone
Several social media users expressed their thoughts on the incident.
One Twitter user wrote, “The trans rabbi’s efforts are inspiring, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, joy, and spiritual connection for everyone, regardless of gender identity.”
Another user commented, “Trans rabbis are queering up Judaism.”
Maybelline’s Bold New Campaign Uses Men With Full Beards to Promote New Product Line, Sparking Social Media Controversy
Cosmetics giant Maybelline has recently found itself embroiled in controversy after using male makeup artists to promote its new product lines. Here’s the full story. Maybelline’s Bold New Campaign Uses Men With Full Beards to Promote New Product Line, Sparking Social Media Controversy
He Was Simply Drying His Vibrant Duvet Cover When His Neighbor Accused Him of Promoting ‘The Gay Agenda’ and Urged Her Daughters to Look Away
What happens when a neighbor suddenly starts accusing you of spreading a gay agenda? He Was Simply Drying His Vibrant Duvet Cover When His Neighbor Accused Him of Promoting ‘The Gay Agenda’ and Urged Her Daughters to Look Away
Desantis Abolishes All Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Within Disney World District Fanning Flames of “Wokeness War”
In a move that has ignited controversy and drawn widespread attention, Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida and a potential presidential candidate, has recently dismantled all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within Disney World’s governing district. Here’s the full story. Desantis Abolishes All Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Within Disney World District Fanning Flames of “Wokeness War”
Ron Desantis Kicks Out Protestors for Holding up Pride Flags and Yells ‘We Don’t Want You Indoctrinating Our Children’
In a recent town hall event in Tega Cay, South Carolina, Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and 2024 presidential hopeful, found himself amid a heated confrontation with LGBTQ activists. Here’s the full story. Ron Desantis Kicks Out Protestors for Holding up Pride Flags and Yells ‘We Don’t Want You Indoctrinating Our Children’
Professor Failed Student for Using the Term “Biological Women,” Now Has to Take Free Speech Classes
Professor’s reprimand overturned after student uses “biological women” term, sparking controversy over free speech and ideological influence in academia.Professor Failed Student for Using the Term “Biological Women,” Now Has to Take Free Speech Classes
The post First Trans Rabbi Ignites Spiritual Quest for Trans and Non-Binary Youth – Challenging Conventional Faith Norms first appeared on Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / CarlosDavid. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: The Pink News
