Z. Budapest (the founder of the Dianic tradition) is quoted as not only saying that transwomen have no place in Dianic Wicca, but that "women are born, not made by men on operating tables." She also referred to us as "transies." Ooooh, you little... mumble mumble...
That is beyond insulting. For someone so involved with the feminist movement, fighting for equality and respect, how ironic (and senseless) can you get? Not only that, but Wicca is one of the most accepting religions out there. We're all just people. I don't think Z. Budapest is helping her karma any by saying the things she's saying. The threefold law is one of the only laws in Wicca, and something that all Wiccans believe, regardless of tradition. It'll bite you on the ass if you're unkind to others. Check out the link above for the entirety of what she had to say.
From http://wicca.dianic-wicca.com. Just a bit repetitive, I'd say. I think the Goddess knows I'm female.
I left a comment on that blog:
"Thank you so much, Star, Rose, and everyone else who has written in with support for transgendered folk. I am a MTF transsexual, and what so many take for granted (and why wouldn't they?), I, and others like me, had to fight tooth and nail for. Z Budapest is very wrong here. I am not a man. I have never been a man. I was born with male parts, but it was never me. Why is this so difficult a concept to grasp? I have been with a loving woman for four years, and she says that I'm one of the most feminine women she's ever met, and that doesn't mean "forced" femininity like a crossdresser may exhibit. It comes from within. Wicca, like just any other religion, speaks to and from the soul. The body is but a shell. It's the soul that lives on. I have the soul of a woman. It resonates through every aspect of my being. And I worked damn hard to be the woman I am today. It would be nice if Budapest and others would recognize that, just like they want everyone else to realize women's sufferings and struggles. Transsexuals deserve a chance to be given the same respect that cissexual women do. Don't confuse us with crossdressers or drag queens. We are NOT men."
Someone got bent out of shape and started thinking I was insulting crossdressers or drag queens. Is it an insult to call them men? No insult was ever intended. I have quite a few friends who are crossdressers. I just think that maybe Ms. Budapest is a bit confused. She said, "You can tell these are men." I know a lot of transwomen who, if they stood right in front of her, would look like any other woman to this lady. The worst thing is, Z. Budapest has quite a lot of influence in the Dianic circle. She founded the whole tradition, after all. A lot of women look up to her and admire her. So for many, her views are their views. Sigh. I'm sure there are at least a few Dianic covens with transwomen among their number. As a matter of fact, I do know at least one who is in such a coven, and one who started their own coven. Impressive. If Budapest would only listen, I think she could learn quite a lot from people like us. If only...
A big thanks goes out to Sally Sapphire for cluing me in to that post on the Pantheon blog! I really appreciate that, Sally. :)
On a more positive note, the Intro to Wicca classes are starting next month! You can bet I'll be there! Nikki may be attending these classes with me also. She does have a traditional Christian upbringing, but she has believed in Mother and Father God for quite awhile, and she also believes in reincarnation to learn life's lessons. These are core beliefs of Wicca.
Here's an outline of the classes:
WICCA - AN INTRODUCTION
This is a general outline of the topics that will be covered in class. As desired by the instructors and students, we may deviate from this list slightly in order to fully cover the subject. We will also support the classes with handouts, slides, guest speakers, displays, props, etc. Each week will have a different set of handouts, different display and different slides, all of which are relevant to that week’s topic. If you are under the age of consent, please show this to your parents and get their written permission to continue to attend.
WEEK I Introduction of class and instructors. Who we are and why we are here.
General overview of the material and what Witchcraft is and is not.
Ethics and Morals and karma and Fate
Polarity and Balance
The Three-Fold Law
The Wiccan Worldview
WEEK II Reincarnation, the ultimate in recycling.
The Gods of Wicca (slide show)
The Horned God
The Mother Goddess
Creation Myths and Witchcraft's relations with women
WEEK III Cycles
Wheel of the year
The Calendar.
Tools and Temples (slides and displays to touch)
WEEK IV Rituals:
Esbats and Sabbats.
What happens at a Ritual and why. (slide Show, note: contains some nudity)
Magick and Divination; the physics, math and psychology of magick. (displays and fun and games)
WEEK V History/Herstory:
Part I, The ancient world. 34,000 bce to classical times. (slides)
Part II, Classical times through the Burning Times. (slides & displays, note: graphic
violence)
Part III, The Twentieth Century. The modern Revival.
WEEK VI Civil rights and Witchcraft
Animal Rights
Festivals and Networks.
WEEK VII Possession, ghosts, etc.
Humor
Music
Cyber-Wicca, Technology and Witchcraft
WEEK VIII Different Traditions of Wicca and people important to modern Wicca.
The Coven Witch vs the Solitary Witch.
Traditional vs Eclectic Wicca.
How one becomes a Witch.
Advancement, Degrees and the clergy of Wicca.
Misc topics as time and interest allow: spiritual growth, the Law, the military Witch, ghosts, Salem, time, cycles, stone circles and other temples of Wicca, auras, meditation, the media, the black mass (why it doesn't exist in Wicca), vocabulary, stereotypes and whatever you want to cover.
I am so looking forward to these classes! I can't wait...
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