Emails about the Church's policy regarding cross-dressing and transgender conduct.
POLICY STATEMENT SENT TO STAKE LEADERS AND BISHOPS:
Stake Leaders and Bishops,
A question has been raised in our stake about cross-dressing and/or transgender conduct.
My apologies for failing to communicate to all of you earlier that this was a topic of discussion at the latest CCM (Coordinating Council Meeting) under the direction of Elder Blunck, of the Seventy. He said the direction from Church headquarters is that both cross-dressing and transgender behavior (cross-dressing, showing affection, using restrooms, etc.) are prohibited on Church property and at Church-sponsored events.
The most likely time we might confront this issue will be at a youth activity or dance. Elder Blunck said the instruction is that we are to address the matter at the entrance, if possible. We are not to make a scene, but kindly take the person aside and explain that cross-dressing and/or transgender conduct is not allowed and that they are to leave the premises and correct their dress if they want to participate in the activity.
If necessary, we are to remind them this is a private, Church-sponsored activity and that the Church has the legal right to dictate standards for its events.
If the person resists, we are to contact the person’s parents or Church leaders to ask for their help in enforcing the Church policy. If that doesn’t work, we can call the police to remove a trespasser, but only if absolutely necessary.
If the person becomes belligerent and tries to make a scene, then, as a last resort, we are to end the activity and send everyone home.
In short, the Church has a policy and has the legal right to enforce that policy on Church property or at any Church-organized event. However, we don’t want to make a scene over it. We want to address it as politely as possible. But as leaders we are to insist and ensure that all comply with the policy.
I hope I’ve covered it adequately. Please notify me personally if this becomes an issue at any activity in our stake. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for vigilance in this and other policy challenges in our stake.
President Lewis
RESPONSE FROM STAKE YOUNG WOMEN PRESIDENT JANEEN HOUSE:
President Lewis,
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Something came up at our camp meeting last night in regards to skits at camp. We said "no-cross dressing". That prompted a further discussion to "what does that mean"?
Does that mean Sister Nice can't wear her moss beard to promote her "panning for gemstones" with a "prospector look"?
Does that mean that girls can't portray a male in a skit? How could you portray a male for a skit when we are all female? Voices? Hat? Mustaches? What is okay?
How about boys portraying girls at scout camp with breasts and high voices?
Seems all very innocent in a camp setting, halloween, or drama production. Unfortunately it is not so innocent anymore since gender identity is now such an issue.
I simply said "use your discretion" on the matter and gave them an example of how they could use a sign with a name on it or a face cut out to represent a boy. It is funny how we need those specifics. Sounds like the children of Israel. It is the same with modesty issues for YW - "Tight fitting clothes comes to mind". Well what does that mean exactly? The line for each person I have found can vary.
Anyway It lead me to the handbook, thinking I would have backup, but couldn't seem to find anything in it.
I haven't seen that cross dressing has been an issue at dances, but we have had dances where YW are dancing with YW. This could seem pretty innocent with the fast songs as they don't really dance as a couple exclusively anymore but with the slow songs seems completely inappropriate.
What about holding hands? Is that showing affection in an inappropriate way with YW? At one time perhaps that could have been viewed as innocent. Certainly to me it seems very inappropriate with YM?
Showing affection in the latino community two women may great with a kiss. Would that same greeting by two YW be viewed today more as "showing affection"?
Anything further you would like me to share with the leaders regarding camp skits? Do we need to be more specific with things at camp?
Sister House
RESPONSE FROM PRESIDENT LEWIS:
Sister House,
Thanks for these sharing these concerns. You’re right, we don’t want to get into Law of Moses rules and regulations.
Your response to teach correct principles should be adequate (not focus on the cross-dressing policy, that’s strictly for leaders to be aware of in case there is a challenge or concern). In other words, we are to judge the intent of the heart. Someone who is simply having fun in a skit has a different intent than someone who wants to flaunt their transgender identity. If the person’s intent is not obvious (it usually is), then the Spirit will guide us.
We do live in a different world so we will want to make sure that we don’t put down or mock those who believe in transgender behaviors.
Thankfully, our youth are very good and none of this is likely to become a problem. Just about every interaction, including holding hands and a non-romantic kiss on the cheek, are innocent. I wouldn’t be concerned about it, unless you sense someone wants to make a “political” point or statement by the way they repeatedly dress, act or talk.
I hope this helps,
Pres Lewis
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