What is the LDS Church’s stance on gender transitions?

Gramps,

What is the Church policy for those who gender transition?

Kay

Kay,

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains clear doctrinal stances regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. According to Church teachings, identifying as a member of the LGBTQ community is not inherently sinful. Instead, the sin is perceived to lie in acting upon same-sex attractions or engaging in behaviors that contradict traditional gender roles as defined by Church doctrine. This distinction emphasizes the importance of personal agency and the belief that individuals can choose to live in accordance with Church teachings despite their innate attractions or feelings.

The Church has this official stance:

“Those who feel their inner sense of gender does not align with their biological sex at birth … often face complex challenges. They—and their family and friends—should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, and Christlike love. …

“Worthy individuals who do not pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth may enjoy all the privileges of Church membership.

“Church leaders counsel against pursuing surgical, medical, or social transition away from one’s biological sex at birth. (Social transitioning means intentionally identifying and presenting oneself as other than one’s biological sex at birth, and may include changing dress, grooming, names, or pronouns.) Leaders advise that taking these actions will result in some Church membership restrictions. These restrictions include receiving or exercising the priesthood, receiving or using a temple recommend, and serving in some Church callings. …

“Members who have taken steps to transition and then transition back to their biological sex at birth and are worthy and committed to keeping God’s commandments may enjoy all the privileges of Church membership.

“Circumstances vary greatly from person to person and can change over time. Members who feel their inner sense of gender does not align with their biological sex at birth or who identify as transgender, as well as the parents or guardians of minors facing such circumstances, are encouraged to seek counsel from their bishop. Bishops counsel with the stake president to address individual circumstances with sensitivity and Christlike love. Stake and mission presidents seek counsel from the Area Presidency” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.23).

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