It seems there is a high correlation amongst the people I know between transness and various pagan traditions (usually Wicca or the Gallae). Of course, one could argue the statistical results are skewed as both of them are groups I am in. Still though ...
Even amongst the trans people where this is not true, I see a higher than average committment to their paths. Whether that be agnosticism, christianity, or whatever else.
One possible rationale for this is that many trans people have lost families (or the family does not accept the 'new' identity) as a result of transitioning. As a result, there is a high desire to form or join a new family.
I do think chosen kin play an important part in many Trans lives. I know they have in mine.
I also think that while that factor may play a part in our spiritual lives, something more involved takes place. As you may have guessed from this series of essays, I see parallels between the journey of Mystic and that of Trans Woman. When you come to the idea of spiritual death and rebirth, Trans Woman often stands there going "Again?. Not that rebirth doesn't stay scary the second time around, but... Likewise some Trans Women have spent so much time in the Underworld we have a second home there.
I know that for myself, I literally could not explore religion before I transitioned because I could not relate as myself. And after transition this whole new world of religious experience opened up to me. I didn't have to explore it, but I feel glad that I have.
Yes, chosen family seems to be pretty common amongst trans people. In addition to my Big Sister (J.X.) I also have someone I call Mom. Both of whom are more important to me than my actual relatives.
*LOL* I forget the exact situation, but someone once mentioned a rebirth or such to me: my response was the same as what you stated, and I voiced it rather than just thought it. :-)
That reminded of a joke: what does a pagan say on their deathbed? "oh no, not again" [which was also what the petunia in Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy said before it was smashed to bits].
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Even amongst the trans people where this is not true, I see a higher than average committment to their paths. Whether that be agnosticism, christianity, or whatever else.
One possible rationale for this is that many trans people have lost families (or the family does not accept the 'new' identity) as a result of transitioning. As a result, there is a high desire to form or join a new family.
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I do think chosen kin play an important part in many Trans lives. I know they have in mine.
I also think that while that factor may play a part in our spiritual lives, something more involved takes place. As you may have guessed from this series of essays, I see parallels between the journey of Mystic and that of Trans Woman. When you come to the idea of spiritual death and rebirth, Trans Woman often stands there going "Again?. Not that rebirth doesn't stay scary the second time around, but... Likewise some Trans Women have spent so much time in the Underworld we have a second home there.
I know that for myself, I literally could not explore religion before I transitioned because I could not relate as myself. And after transition this whole new world of religious experience opened up to me. I didn't have to explore it, but I feel glad that I have.
Thanks,
Lorrraine
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*LOL* I forget the exact situation, but someone once mentioned a rebirth or such to me: my response was the same as what you stated, and I voiced it rather than just thought it. :-)
That reminded of a joke: what does a pagan say on their deathbed? "oh no, not again" [which was also what the petunia in Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy said before it was smashed to bits].
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