We talk about surgical solutions to body issues quite a bit in the trans community. Each decision is based on such personal factors that it is difficult to do anything but listen and learn. When is plastic surgery necessary and when is it an option? To correct a cleft palate? Few would question that. To remove something that one is dissatisfied having? Well, satisfaction is a relative term. I am dissatisfied with wrinkles, fat in my thighs, and hair in unflattering places for a woman. I could want a more perky nose, or fuller breasts or straighter teeth. But my life is not directly threatened by any of these things. If I obsess over them and blame them for my lack of peace or happiness, I may convince myself that they are essential, even critical for my continued health or survival. Satisfaction is a question of spiritual condition and if affected by my maturity and my values.

Let's be very honest about it. When we emphasize our exterior looks or features as so important to our well-being, we risk getting out of balance with how God sees us and therefore how we should see ourselves. Goodness, we humans are so weak in this area! Naturally, no one wants to be taunted or ridiculed for not "passing", or looking strange or being the one who literally stands out in the crowd. But the opinions of others are so fickle. Other people seldom have any real power over us, to do damage or harm. We tend to give them more power over us than they deserve to have. It boils down more to how we view ourselves and how that self relates to others, most importantly to God. That is why the issue is called gender identity. Our identity is the basis for most of our thoughts and actions. When it is in turmoil or transition or question, we are without anchor. Gender is such a key factor in our society that it can effect a great deal of our lives in how we deal with it.

However, our most important identity is that of being a child of God. Once that relationship identity is established, we can build upon that effectively to become mature, loving and wise. What color lipstick I wear has very little eternal significance if any. The fact I wear lipstick at all may have more impact, but it still is so minor to who I am. My body, for whatever reasons genetically speaking, is what it is. I can wash it, dress it, pamper it, abuse it, color it, tan it, lose parts and gain parts, starve or feed it, even kill it. My spirit has its abode within it and as such I cherish it.

It is the riddle of our condition that our bodies communicate that we are of one identity to the outside world while our minds say that we are something different. But why? The ones who say we are not who we feel we are reside outside of our minds. Can anyone truly be arrogant enough to think they have the right or responsibility define another person identity for them? Yet, it happens all the time. Try doing it back to a person who is defining you and see how much they like it! How blind we are. We need the work of the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts and minds to see how deceived we are as humans. Let each find their own identity and then let us each embrace one another whoever we are.

Unfortunately, the concept of majority rule has been deeply ingrained in our American culture. So, if the majority defines the ideas about gender one way, it is an uphill battle to redefine it. "Normal", "average", "traditional", "expected", "conforming", "correct". These are all words that reinforce the middle portion in the bell curve of diversity. No one is normal! Only statistical figures can define a norm. We as people are each unique. It is sad that a 6'5" woman could not find a way to be content in her body and decided to have her legs shortened to make her 'acceptable'. How cruel was that pressure to conform! We need to lift one another up and encourage one another daily. Be the person that God desires. Only you and the Lord can find that place.

So, my personal feeling is this: if any feature of your body separates you from God, give it to Him and change it or change your attitude about it and move on. If you need surgery, that and any other modification is morally neutral. If you have the money, and it is within your priorities and ability, liposuction away! Cut, snip and tuck to your heart's content. Just realize that the results of these physical alterations are not magic and will not solve any other problem you have by themselves. A cuter nose is only a certain shape of cartilage, not the answer to your dating life!