User:Samccarter/Gender essentialism

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The official view of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons; LDS) is an essentialist belief in gender.

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The 1995 LDS statement, The Family: A Proclamation to the World states the official view, and declares gender to be an "essential characteristic" of sons and daughters of God, and an "eternal identity." Mormons generally believe in an eternal life, and that it would be impossible for one's eternal gender to be different from one's physical, birth sex. Church regulations permit, but don't mandate, ex-communication for those who choose sexual reassignment surgery, and deny them membership in the priesthood. If an individual does not seek medical or surgical transitioning, they are still eligible to receive the priesthood and temple recommends. The LDS Church advises against social transitioning.