On Names on gender identity
masculine is not man is not male. feminine is not woman is not female.
One Report is spiritually-minded content for and by young people. This publication is borne from a reflection of the teachings of the Baha’i Faith and many of our contributors are Baha’is, but not all. The goal is for One Report to offer space for people from all faith backgrounds and beliefs to discuss issues of faith and spirituality. In a time of turmoil, One Report hopes to be a source of unity and collaboration. It is an opportunity for young people to learn from one another and share reflections that feel relevant, pressing, stirring, and elevated. Thank you.
One Report is edited by Anisa Tavangar with Maya Mansour. Photos in this issue are my Maya Mansour. Illustrations in this issue are by Anisa Tavangar.
From the editors The intention in creating One Report On Names is to investigate the intersection of gender identity and spirituality. We decided to publish separate issues on gender and sexuality (coming soon) to drive home the point that the two are indeed different topics, treated differently across faiths, and each deserve their own platforms for exploration. When doing outreach for On Names, we received enthusiastic responses from potential writers and artists, but little follow through. Despite this, we feel strongly about putting this issue out. We hope On Names proves a useful resource and starting point for your own exploration of gender and spirituality. If you have questions about the many facets, terms, and expressions of gender outside a strict binary, we encourage you to take the time to read or watch something but especially to listen to others with humility and an open heart. One Report is so named because it isn’t an official authority— it is simply one compilation of perspectives, hoping to highlight just how multifaceted human spirituality is.
finding inner reality Written by Chrystal W.
Gender Identity is an extremely personal means of selfexpression. It directly ties into every facet of existence and is something I have grappled with my entire life. I’m a 27 year old Trans woman who has yet to experience any form of self-expression because, unfortunately, I’m still in the closet. "Through spiri I have yet to broach the subject with family because of my fear of rejection connection, I u and hatred. This fear controls my my true self is existence. It creeps into every aspect of my life and prevents me from and most hones feeling truly happy with myself.
gender identit
I don’t identify with anything particularly otherworldly or religious. I grew up Catholic and my faith is not a factor in who I am today, but that isn’t to say that I don’t experience spirituality. Since I live a fearful life, expressing my gender identity only to close friends and through social media, I see my inner truth in exceptionally spiritual ways. That “real me” is the truest version of my being and that woman has always been there. But she is buried under years of social training, selfloathing, and taught transphobia. This hidden version of me is who I truly am and I have always understood that, even while hiding myself for safety. So many Trans and Gender Non-Conforming people hide away from the world because of the estrangement, abandonment, violence, and bigotry thrown at us. We know that being honest can mean serious harm or even death.
itual understand that s the healthiest st version of my ty."
While I have yet to outwardly express who I am on the inside, I am much more comfortable with that person now than I ever have been. Through spiritual connection, I understand that my true self is the healthiest and most honest version of my gender identity. She was always there pleading to be accepted. It took years for me to unpack the bigotry indoctrinated into my mind from my childhood. The spiritual essence of not being able to find solace in the gender assigned at birth is a wholly unique experience that only those of us that feel the same way truly understand. Cisgender people can never understand this feeling, but in a way that is so beautiful and special. I don’t wish the need to hide upon any other person, but I do find peace in knowing that coming to know my inner self has made me more aware of my spirituality.
In Akan tradition, from Ghana, Abrao (Jupiter), Aku (Mercury), and Awo (the Moon) are transgender deities.
There are six genders in classical Judaism— Zachar/רָכָז: Derived from the word for a pointy sword and refers to a phallus. It is usually translated as “male”. Nekeivah/הָבֵקְנ: Derived from the word for a crevice and probably refers to a vaginal opening. It is usually translated as “female”. Androgynos/סֹוניִגֹורְּדְנַא: A person who has both “male” and “female” sexual characteristics. Tumtum/ םּוטְמוֻט: A person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured. Ay’lonit/תינולייא: A person who is identified as “female” at birth but develops “male” characteristics at puberty and is infertile. Saris/סירס: A person who is identified as “male” at birth but develops “female” characteristics as puberty and/or is lacking a penis. A saris can be “naturally” a saris or become one through human intervention.
The Mayan god of Maize is personified as a woman in oral histories but as a man in earlier aristocratic accounts.
Ungud is an Australian Aborignal snake god that switches genders freely and is associated with rainbows and fertility.
“He lauded the names and attributes of His Creator, extolled the glories and mysteries of His own Revelation, sang the praises of that Maiden that personified the Spirit of God within Him” Shoghi Effendi on Baha’u’llah in God Passes By
"The principle of the oneness of humankind and the convictions underpinning it [imply]: that the rational soul has no gender, race, ethnicity or class, a fact that renders intolerable all forms of prejudice" The Universal House of Justice
In Haitian Vodou, Erzulie FrĂŠda Dahomey is the spirit of love and beauty. She is the embodiment of femininity but easily becomes jealous. Her spirit can possess another body, regardless of gender.
The Ardhanarishvara is a Hindu deity and the composite of Shiva and Shakti. This deity is depicted as half male and half female, split down the middle.
Keep in touch. Follow us on Instagram @onereportmag Email us onereportproject@gmail.com Read more at issuu.com/onereportmag