Deuteronomy 22:5 (Interpretation Series)

Last week we discussed Exodus 20:17. This week's installment of our Interpretation Series covers Deuteronomy 22:5. This is a thread dedicated to exploring the variety of different interpretations people can come out with when it comes to verses that are weaponized against trans people. Everyone is invited to respond: Christians, non-Christians, lay people, clergy, scholars, cis people, and (especially) trans people. Address any part or aspect of the verse that you want!

Deuteronomy 22:5

A woman shall not wear a man’s apparel, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for whoever does such things is abhorrent to the Lord your God.

Questions to consider:

• is it really all that fair to insinuate that trans women are men in dress, and trans men are women in...suits?
• what contextual things might shine light onto the meaning of this verse?
• what does it mean to be "abhorrent" or an "abomination" to God?

How do you read this verse?