What is the general view of transgenderism in the Sikh religion? I’m not asking if people who consider themselves transgendered ought to be treated with kindness and respect, because of course they should. I’m really asking about views on the concept itself.
It seems that if Sikhs believe that the body is God’s perfect creation, and therefore do not cut their hair or get tattoos and piercings, then it would be contradictory to believe that God made a complete mistake and placed your soul in the wrong body. As we know, this usually leads to surgically changing everything about that body.
It would also seem to violate the virtues of Truth and Honesty to refer to a person using pronouns inconsistent with their biological sex.
I can’t seem to find definite answers on this anywhere, probably because it’s a contentious subject. I’d appreciate any insights on the compatibility of Sikhism and transgenderism. Thank you.
Respected Brother/Sister,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
In reply to your question, the undersigned wants to say that transgenders, like other human beings, are Akalpurakh’s creation. As understood by the undersigned, in Sikhism, as per teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, there is no scope for any discrimination whatsoever, because Sikh is a “Seeker of Truth” and “Sikhism” stands for “Oneness of Humanity” and no discrimination owing to gender, race, caste, creed, or color. If anyone does so, it is his/her ignorance.
The Fifth Guru Person, Guru Arjun Sahib guides us, at Panna 103 of Guru Granth Sahib:-
ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਸਭਿ ਤੁਧੁ ਉਪਾਏ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਤਿਤੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਕੀਤਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਅਸਾੜਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੩।।
ਅਰਥ: (ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ!) ਜਗਤ ਦੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਤੂੰ ਹੀ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤੇ ਹਨ, ਜਿਸ ਜਿਸ ਕੰਮ ਵਿਚ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਹੋਈ ਤੂੰ ਉਸ ਉਸ ਕੰਮ ਵਿਚ (ਸਾਰੇ ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ) ਲਾਏ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ। (ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਜੋ ਕੁਝ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ) ਸਭ ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ, ਸਾਡਾ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਜ਼ੋਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਚੱਲ ਸਕਦਾ।3।
Meanings: You have created all beings and creatures. As it pleases You, You assign tasks to one and all. All things are Your Doing; we can do nothing ourselves. || 3 ||
Hope it helps. If you have any further questions please do ask and if you find any deficiencies, please point out the same for improvement in future.
Regards,
Your Brother