The Vatican recently released a document through its doctrinal office called the Dignitas Infinita, which has been in the making for the past five years and has gone through various revisions before being released. The document addresses several key issues including poverty, war, sexual abuse, human trafficking, abortion, and euthanasia. Among other things, this document reaffirms the Vatican’s opposition to gender-affirming surgery, “gender theory” and surrogate parenthood, which has been receiving a huge backlash from people around the world, especially people from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, as reported by Reuters.
In this 20-page document, the Vatican calls gender theory “extremely dangerous” and accuses it of attempting “to deny the greatest possible difference that exists between living beings: sexual difference.” It also claims that having a child via surrogacy violates the dignity of both the surrogate mother and the child.
The release of this document comes in close succession to another document issued by Pope Francis four months ago blessing same-sex couples in their union through marriage. This previous document had received a lot of backlash from conservative Catholic Christians globally, especially in the continent of Africa. Although some people speculate that these statements come in direct response to this backlash, there is no evidence of the same.
As an LGBTQ-safe campus, the issuing of this document impacts the Union campus greatly. Recognizing this, we asked students around the campus about their views on this issue and how it impacts them or the people around them.
“The Vatican coming out and denouncing trans individuals and sex affirming surgery is a complete step backwards for the Catholic queer community, especially after the Pope came out and allowed blessings for same sex marriages in the church.”
Marissa Morris ’27
“I feel extreme sympathy for members of the Catholic queer community as this institution continues to encroach on their rights as individuals. I just hope that there is a better future paved for these people and their expressions.”
Brian Hernandez ’27
“As a trans individual myself, it is extremely saddening to see that the recent action by the Vatican essentially deems trans people outcastes. I don’t think I can describe my sadness and disappointment in any words.”
Anonymous
Union College takes great pride in being an “LGBTQ safe campus” and celebrates its queer community in various ways. Union Pride recently organized a Pride Gala on April 12, 2024 for all members of the community. Look out for more pride events this term, especially as the campus community celebrates Pride fest and Pride Week towards the end of the spring term. Union is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all its students and staff members. Iris House acts as a safe space for Union’s queer community and frequently hosts events like LGBTEA discussions open to all members of the college.