Vatican’s Denouncement of Gender-Affirming Surgery is Harmful, LGBTQ2S Advocates Say
The recent statement from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, denouncing gender-affirming surgery as a “mutilation” and a “grave sin,” has sparked outrage among LGBTQ2S advocates.
The document, titled “Male and Female He Created Them,” was released on Monday and reaffirms the Catholic Church’s belief in the binary nature of gender. It states that gender is determined by biological sex and that any attempt to change one’s gender goes against God’s plan.
However, LGBTQ2S advocates argue that this statement is harmful and goes against the progress made in accepting and supporting transgender individuals.
“This statement from the Vatican is deeply concerning and harmful to the transgender community,” said Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale Canada, an LGBTQ2S advocacy organization. “It perpetuates harmful and outdated beliefs that have no place in modern society.”
Kennedy also pointed out that gender-affirming surgery is a medically necessary procedure for many transgender individuals and is recognized as such by the World Health Organization.
The Vatican’s statement has also been criticized for its lack of understanding and empathy towards the struggles of transgender individuals.
“Transgender individuals face discrimination and violence on a daily basis, and this statement from the Vatican only adds to the stigma and prejudice they already face,” said Jeremy Dias, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
Dias also emphasized the importance of respecting an individual’s right to self-determination and their own gender identity.
“It is not up to the Vatican or any other institution to dictate how someone should identify or express their gender,” he said.
The Vatican’s stance on gender-affirming surgery has also been met with opposition from within the Catholic Church itself. Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and LGBTQ2S advocate, tweeted that the document was “ignorant” and “insensitive.”
In response to the backlash, the Vatican clarified that the document was not intended to be a “medical or surgical manual” but rather a reaffirmation of the Church’s teachings on gender.
However, LGBTQ2S advocates argue that the Vatican’s statement will have real-world consequences for transgender individuals, who already face high rates of discrimination, violence, and suicide.
“We urge the Vatican to reconsider their harmful stance and instead focus on promoting love, acceptance, and understanding towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity,” said Kennedy.
In conclusion, the Vatican’s denouncement of gender-affirming surgery has sparked outrage and concern among LGBTQ2S advocates, who argue that it is harmful and goes against the progress made in accepting and supporting transgender individuals. The statement has been criticized for its lack of understanding and empathy towards the struggles of transgender individuals and has been met with opposition from within the Catholic Church itself. LGBTQ2S advocates are calling on the Vatican to reconsider their stance and promote love and acceptance towards all individuals.
