The purpose in writing this article about “transgenderism” is to 1) equip Christian parents with information regarding modern trends around the matter of one’s gender and 2) offer sensitive, grace-filled, practical help in responding to loved ones facing any sort of gender identity complication. The working definition in this article for “transgenderism” is: any matter of thoughts or actions that encourage a varied expression of gender – irrespective of how it is biologically assigned.

Modern Trends

Evidence exists for a transgender agenda that promotes (especially among the next generation) a dissatisfaction with one’s assigned gender. This movement preys on the vulnerable in a variety of ways. For example, confused, wavering young people can too easily find “answers” to their problems in gender identity “solutions.” Unfortunately, these “solutions” can actually lead to life-altering, extremely damaging decisions such as gender reassignment surgery. As a result, you may be looking for help as you raise your family and/or respond to anyone who is caught up to any degree in this type of thinking.

Practical Solutions

Being A Strong Influence

• Review for yourself what Scripture teaches about masculinity, femininity, marriage, and sexuality; and seek to learn it well from trustworthy sources so you’re not shaken and can explain your position well.
• In an on-going way, help them understand what God’s Word teaches versus the lies of this trend. Explore with them the world’s solutions to brokenness and its consequences, versus the blessings that come with the Lord’s design and ways.
• Use this as an opportunity to help them become Biblical thinkers and lovers of God’s design. Celebrate the unique gender roles in your home. The older they get and in order to strengthen their Biblical worldview, the more you’ll want to be talking about gender and sexuality overall, while preparing them for the attack against God’s pure design for it.
• Stay informed about the secular tenants of transgenderism so you can refute their arguments with compassion and knowledge.
• If your family is vulnerable to this movement for any reason (school setting, influences, adoptions, trauma, etc.), consider meeting with other parents, church members, or a Christian counselor on a regular basis to help one another remain informed and equipped to endure and overcome.

If Your Children Are In Public School

• Have an age-appropriate conversation by finding out what they know, understand, and think. Don’t introduce issues they are not exposed to at this time. Find out from whom/where they are hearing about the topic so you can guard influences. Stay in the know about what’s going on in their school and where various leaders and other parents stand on the topic.
• If appropriate to the school setting and situation, you can call it indoctrination if that it is the case. Yet, teach and model for them that Christians who remain respectful, logical, and kind have a far greater impact than those who are not.
• Model and teach them how to love and be compassionate towards those who are confused and suffering, while also remaining strong in biblical belief and the need of the Savior.

If Your Tween or Teen Is Exploring

• Remind the adults in your child’s family or close circle that having curiosity or mild struggles in the area of gender expression doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in a full-blown crisis.
• Catch it early and don’t overreact. Address your emotions in private and/or with godly counsel.
• Examine your child’s influences and consider whether it’s appropriate to make radical changes to lifestyle.
• Encourage him/her to meet with a Christian/Biblical counselor/mentor who will address holistic well-being and not just zone in on one aspect of identity. (This is the approach I use in counseling and it has been effective.)
• Screen your child’s counselor/mentors to make sure they’re not going to affirm a gender of the mind over biology set at birth.
• Battle this in prayer and not against your child.
• Continue to be Spirit-led and passionate about God’s design for gender and relationship in a contagious way.

If Someone You Know Is Caught Up In The Transgender Effort

• Pray protection for them.
• Seek godly counsel to determine if it’s appropriate for you to intervene.
• Consider the need of having a team with you to come around this loved one.
• Be vigilant in looking for hidden abuse driving someone into transgenderism as a way to cover up dealing with the pain.
• Consider other deep emotional needs such as past trauma; and point them towards help for any underlying issues being masked by transgenderism.
• Regularly monitor your own emotions so that you’re filled with His tenderness and discernment for those who are anywhere from mildly confused to in full bondage.
• Be in a church that accomplishes the balance of Biblical truth with grace-filled compassion and recommends Christian therapy.
• Consider watching this interview about a man who transgendered into a woman – and then after experiencing much regret – transitioned back to being a man.

The Lord is full of compassion and is gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in mercy and truth (Ps. 86:15). May He make us the same.