In most religions around the world, there is a strict hierarchy that governs who can participate in rituals and how they are supposed to be conducted.
Hinduism has a caste system that determines which people can enter temples and which priests can conduct ceremonies. Christianity has gender norms for laying hands on people during communion and ordaining ministers. Islam has rules about who can lead prayers and touch the Qur'an. Judaism has laws about what foods can be eaten during Passover and who can marry into the faith. Buddhism has a monastic order with specific roles and responsibilities. Sikhism has a code of conduct for entering gurdwaras and taking part in worship services.
What happens when someone does not fit neatly into these hierarchical structures? How do non-binary religious adherents negotiate authenticity, ritual participation, and social inclusion within such structured faith communities?
One way non-binary individuals might navigate this is to create their own spaces and traditions outside of traditional institutions. This could mean starting their own congregation or community center where everyone is welcome regardless of identity. It could also mean attending existing LGBTQ+-friendly houses of worship or forming an alliance with other minorities within larger denominations.
Some non-binary people may choose to remain anonymous or private about their identity while still practicing their faith tradition in a way that feels meaningful to them. Others may find ways to integrate themselves more fully into the mainstream of society by becoming leaders or spokespeople for change within their religion.
Another approach could be to reinterpret existing scriptures and practices in a way that makes sense for non-binary individuals.
Some Hindus have argued that certain deities are genderless or have both male and female attributes, which opens up possibilities for non-binary worship. Similarly, some Muslims have pointed out that gendered pronouns in the Qur'an refer to all humans rather than just men or women, suggesting there is room for interpretation on gender identity. Jewish rabbis have begun addressing issues related to transgender identity through modern scholarship and liturgies. Buddhist teachers have explored how meditation can help transcend binaries altogether. Sikh activists have advocated for greater understanding of gender diversity within their faith community and have sought out opportunities to incorporate it into teachings.
Negotiating these hierarchical structures can be difficult for non-binary religious adherents who want to participate fully without compromising their beliefs or identities. Some might feel pressured to conform to binary expectations even if they don't fit them, while others may face discrimination from those who believe only cisgender people belong in their traditions. There is also the question of whether any religion truly embraces non-binary perspectives when its very foundation is based on traditional gender roles and norms. Still, many non-binary individuals find ways to practice their faith authentically despite these challenges, finding meaningful ways to express themselves spiritually and socially within their communities.