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.”
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Source: The Pink News