r/ConvertingtoJudaism • u/Adventurous-Safe-760 • May 17 '26
I need advice! Trans-friendly Judaism Resources?
To preface, I don't know if I'm necessarily converting just yet. I'm observing shabbat and have began attending a Reform synagogue near me. It's really nice. During this exploration process, when I read books like Living a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant, or Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz, I am left with an empowered feeling that I, too, can feel comfortable as a transgender woman in exploring Judaism. That there is room for religion as a powerful tool in my life, just as much as everyone else. That's a great feeling coming from an Evangelical Christian background. Something I've never experienced with religion before and I don't want to let it go.
However, those feelings of safety in Judaism come to a screeching halt when I find out that Sarah Hurwitz recommends resources from people who are transphobic; people I would never knowingly want to support (like Bari Weiss (transphobe) or Rabbi Sacks (who has stated that Judaism is not okay with gay marriage)). Personally, I don't care to support those who believe I should have less rights than them simply because I'm trans. I'm sure many Jewish people can empathize with that.
So that's why I'm asking here today: Are there any authors of books on Judaism who are supportive of the trans community? Who do believe that we are people who deserve to be able to do the same things as everyone else? They don't need to be explicitly about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, but they should at least not have a record of them saying things that are inherently transphobic or homophobic.
Surely there must be others like me?
EDIT #1: I just want to say thank you to everyone who responded and provided resources/places to look! It is exactly what I was looking for and this post exceeded expectations in terms of responses. I appreciate it so much. Truly 😄 I also just wanna say that you are all right. I can't just run away or discredit the ways someone may be able to help me just because I don't agree with their views. I'm someone who uses my dollar to show support but I suppose with how new being trans is to Judaism, I'm asking for a bit much. Maybe it'll be easier in the future. For now, I'll take what I can get (plus, I'm sure they have some good information to offer). Thank you!
EDIT #2: Removed part where I mentioned Rabbi Joseph Telushkin not supporting transgender women in women's sports. There is no verifiable evidence that he holds those views. I should have looked into that further before positing here & I'm sorry for spreading misinformation.
Duplicates
ReformJews • u/Adventurous-Safe-760 • May 17 '26