The Orthodox Conundrum

[mykinkysocks]

Hello all. I understand that this community seems to be all but dead, but I don't know where else I can ask this without feeling intimidated

Comments

[mykinkysocks]

Well... okay. I worried this might happen. Though I'm sure this is only going to make things worse, I don't feel right not giving the entire picture.

You see, I actually am part of the LGBT community. For several years I identified as a lesbian, but as I've gotten older (I'm 24) I have gradually began to inch closer to the middle of the sexuality spectrum (i.e. bisexual). The reason why I would like to marry a man is because my ultimate dream is to have a family, and it would be much easier for me to do that without having to go through the process of adoption/IUI/other means. HOWEVER... I don't know what G-d has in store for me. For all I know, I may meet the person I'm meant to be with and they may not be male, and the inconvenient obstacles that come with conception in a same-sex relationship would be well worthwhile

[glottalstopit]

I agree with the above, and wanted to add that leading up to conversion, I think many people are so concerned about being accepted into a community that doesn't go out of its way to convert people, that they want to do everything they possibly can to be accepted by all Jews, everywhere. And that's just not possible. It's particularly difficult if you're not straight, but I think most converts learn to live with the fact that some group, somewhere, probably won't consider you a Jew

[ruakh]

+1

[mykinkysocks]

This really makes a lot of sense. It's so weird for me because I'm not the type of person who typically cares what people think of me or if they accept me. I guess this is just different, but you're right, this is a Jewish problem. It's just not a problem I was prepared for. But thank you for your kind words. It's definitely causing me to re-evaluate my priorities in a good way.

[balmofgilead]

Are you really totally familiar with Orthodoxy and the intricacies of its communities (not just what Chabad shows you and not just what you read) and you are completely on the same page with them for everything?

I grew up Orthodox and personally I wouldn't advise anyone to join that world.

Also, I know Orthodox seems like the most authentic and the most legit because Orthodox people follow the most rules in the most exact way, but a friend who was raised Conservative made an argument to me that Conservative Judaism is more authentic - mostly because it is more dynamic and less narrow-minded.

[mykinkysocks]

Maybe not as familiar as I should be. Orthodoxy just seemed like a good idea so that it was more widely accepted, but I've always felt more of a pull towards Conservative. It all really just comes down to me becoming okay with the fact that I won't be accepted as Jewish to a portion of the Jewish community, but the more I think about it, the more okay I am with the fact.

[mykinkysocks]

This is saddening, though not unexpected, news. Is lack of acceptance like that widespread across all branches or just Orthodoxy? I would hope Conservative people would be a bit more accepting. =/