Concepts of Gender Affirming Surgery, Anattā, and Kamma

Abstract

The thesis of this paper is that gender-affirming surgery is against the concept of anattā (non-self) and interferes in the karmic process. The argument is grounded in the belief that the pursuit of a particular gender identity and the desire to alter one's physical form to align with that identity are manifestations of attachment and identification with the physical body. Both of these are inconsistent with the central Buddhist teachings of impermanence and non-self. Additionally, the actions undertaken to achieve gender-affirming surgery involve the performance of medical procedures that modify the physical body, potentially disrupting the natural course of kamma. While the practice of gender-affirming surgery may be motivated by compassion and a desire for an individual to align their body with their gender identity, these factors do not negate the potential spiritual consequences of interference in the karmic process from past actions.

Keywords: Gender-affirming surgery, anattā, kamma.