Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

Why Is Gender Essential?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:“[Gender] in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. … The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Liahona, June 2006, 51; Ensign,June 2006, 83).