A Girl Who Now Looks Like a Boy | Sheilot

A Girl Who Now Looks Like a Boy

Question

A girl, unfortunately, underwent a gender change. She had surgeries and completely looks like a man. She also takes male hormones. This is a classmate (formerly, of course) who occasionally boards the bus, and I am forced to talk to her and treat her as usual. Am I allowed to touch her? (And is a man allowed to touch her, as men who do not recognize her sit next to her...)

Answer

Hello 

According to the law, she is a woman in every respect. 

However, there is an issue of suspicion and appearance when you speak with her in a public place, as it seems to an observer that you are talking and associating with a boy. 

It is forbidden for a man to touch her, as she is a woman.

For those who do not know she is a woman, there is no issue in seeing her, as she appears as a man, and this does not lead to improper thoughts.

Answered 20 October 2024 How answers are reviewed
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
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