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GENDER DYSPHORIA

By Lisa Gagnon Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: web4camguy | Flickr (Creative Commons)

Photo Credit: web4camguy | Flickr (Creative Commons)

Perhaps one of the most ‘hot’ topics today in society and in the Church is gender identity. From ‘Caitlyn’ Jenner to ‘bathroom laws,’ for some Christians it feels as though the very foundation of humanity, the distinction between male and female, is being ripped away. It is relatively easy to type an opinionated comment on the Internet or look away from someone on the street who is not obviously either a man or a woman. But when a father or friend or husband named Daniel asks to be called Danielle, the situation becomes more personal.

As Christians seek to enter the gender identity conversation at an individual and institutional level, we must be willing to learn with an open mind, listen to those with experience, and examine our own prejudices. In his book Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture, professor and psychologist Mark Yarhouse presents three lenses through which gender dysphoria may be viewed, and how we might take the best of each framework as we respond to individual situations.

SO, WHAT IS GENDER DYSPHORIA?

Gender studies is a complex topic, but the first step is distinguishing between sex and gender. Sex refers to the physical, biological and anatomical aspects of being male or female. Gender, on the other hand, refers to the psychological, social and cultural aspects of being male or female. “Gender role,” then, is the ways in which people adopt the cultural expectations for their gender. For example, long hair, make-up, a maternal instinct and domestic pursuits are traditionally associated with femininity, while facial hair, athleticism and leadership positions are traditionally associated with masculinity.

These standards are certainly changing, as more women work outside of the home and more fathers stay to raise children. But there are still some rigid stereotypes, particularly in the Church, about how men and women should act. As unique individuals, each one of us will express our gender differently. Most people’s physical bodies match up with the gender that they experience, but this is not always the case.

When the incongruence, or divide, between a person’s biological sex and experienced gender identity causes significant distress, they may be diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) replaces “gender identity disorder” with “gender dysphoria,” and describes it this way:

“For a person to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, there must be a marked difference between the individual’s expressed/experienced gender and the gender others would assign him or her, and it must continue for at least six months. In children, the desire to be of the other gender must be present and verbalized. This condition causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.”

Often, but not always, gender dysphoria begins during childhood. Symptoms include desiring to be the other gender and a preference for clothing, toys and activities associated with the opposite gender, as well as a dislike of one’s own gender. The ‘Brain-Sex’ theory of gender dysphoria in part argues that children compare themselves to peers around them, and if they don’t fit into one category, they conclude that they must belong in the other. Some of us might say, ‘I played sports and I’m a woman!’ or ‘I played with Barbies and I’m a man!’ but for those with gender dysphoria, the simple preferences add up to a disconnect that is significant and persistent, though they may not have words to describe it.

“I can’t pinpoint a time where I was like, ‘I have gender dysphoria,’” says Kayla, 19, a biological female who prefers they/them pronouns. “I remember always wanting short hair, but I was too afraid to ask my parents for a short haircut because I was afraid it would be too ‘boyish.’” In middle school, Kayla tried to fit in by wearing feminine clothing and makeup, but always felt extremely uncomfortable. “It’s not me. I’m not girly.”
In 11th grade, Kayla began wearing masculine clothing and shaved their head to raise money for cancer research. After that, people began referring to them as a boy, and they would be stared at or confronted when they went in the women’s bathroom. “Now I have this fear of public bathrooms, and I try to avoid them at all costs. I don’t like being looked at. I don’t like attention drawn to me.”

Kayla’s gender dysphoria lessened at college. Fellow students were accepting of their new identity, and addressed them with whichever pronoun felt most comfortable. Coming home on breaks was also a return to the confusion and discomfort they felt before.

“For a lot of people, college is a symbol of moving forward, moving on,” says Kayla. “For me, exploring my gender dysphoria is a huge step forward in who I am. Coming back here, I want to change how I’m known, but everyone knows me as ‘she.’ It caused me a lot of stress. When I’m at work and someone says, ‘Yes, ma’am,’ it’s like someone punched me in the gut.”

HOW IS GENDER DYSPHORIA TREATED?

Gender Dysphoria is rare, with approximately 1 in 11,000 men (0.009%) and 1 in 30,000 women (0.003%) seeking treatment at specialized clinics. The number of gender dysphoric people is probably much higher, though, because the vast majority never admit they are questioning their gender identity.

Once the condition has been diagnosed, the individual and mental health professional must decide what course of action to take. Some seek to manage dysphoria in order to identify with birth sex, while others choose to cross-dress, take hormones, or undergo surgery in order to present as their preferred gender.

Kayla began meeting with a gender counselor, who helped them to sort out their feelings about gender and their place in a binary world. In fact, many people experiencing gender dysphoria do not feel that they fit in either gender category. For example, a person who is “genderfluid” embraces and exhibits both male and female genders, while an “agender” person does not consider themself either male or female.

Kayla currently identifies as agender, and while they might consider transition or hormones in the future, they are managing their dysphoria now through clothing, hairstyle and neutral pronouns. “[Transition is] a big decision that I want to make sure I’m positive with,” they say.

“As someone who’s agender or non-binary, it’s very hard to live,” adds Kayla. “I feel like I have to pick a side. Sometimes it would be a lot easier if I would just make up my mind and figure it out.”

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT GENDER DYSPHORIA?

Although there are no verses in the Bible directly addressing gender dysphoria, like there are for homosexuality, there are some passages that may be cited against cross-gender behaviors. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, in a list of other sins, says that “neither the effeminate…shall inherit the kingdom of God,” The Greek word translated here as “effeminate” literally refers to the active and passive participants in a homosexual act. In addition, the full list includes “idolaters,” “thieves,” “drunkards,” and “slanderers,” with the sexual sins not separated as worse than the others.

The book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament contains rules given by God and recorded by Moses to govern the behavior of the Israelites. For example, “No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the Lord,” (23:1) and “A woman must not wear man’s clothing, nor a man wear woman’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this” (22:5). God called the Israelites to be different from the people groups around them, who often practiced idol worship and human sacrifice. As best as they could, the Israelites were supposed to uphold God’s creation of maleness and femaleness, and be physically perfect during worship.

We can also look to passages like Acts 8:26-40 that discuss eunuchs, or men whose testicles have been removed. Since they could not have offspring or establish their own dynasties, eunuchs were considered to be more trustworthy and loyal to the king. Despite their low class, eunuchs often served as royal guards in ancient societies. In this story, Paul is prompted by the Holy Spirit to approach a eunuch reading the Scriptures, and goes on to teach him about Jesus and baptize him. The eunuch was most likely castrated as a boy without his consent, but his physical deformity and class status did not exclude him from following Jesus or becoming a Christian.

Jesus also mentions eunuchs in Matthew 19:12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others – and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Here, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about marriage, and in this context “eunuch” may also mean someone who chooses not to get married or have sex. Though living outside of society’s norms, the eunuch is not sinning, nor is he asked to change before becoming a Christian.

Christians will continue to disagree about how to interpret these passages in the context of our modern culture. For example, since Jesus came to give us a direct relationship with God, physical deformities do not affect our ability to worship him. Also, clothing standards have changed dramatically over thousands of years, and the distinction between men’s and women’s clothing is small. Rather than only looking at single verses, Mark Yarhouse looks to frame gender dysphoria within the four acts of the ‘Biblical drama’:

“Sexual difference is from creation and has been part of Christian thought as ontologically significant and in some ways a living parable about the relationship between God and his people. At the same time, Christians recognize that we are marred by the fall – we are broken, incomplete and disordered persons. However, the reality of redemption and the hope of resurrection tells us never to give up and that God’s grace is sufficient to cover all of what we encounter (including our own wrongs) if we are in a right relationship with God.”

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS RESPOND TO GENDER DYSPHORIA?

Yarhouse offers three frameworks through which gender dysphoria may be viewed, and Christians may draw from one or all of them when addressing any given situation.

GENDER DYSPHORIA - New Identity Magazine

The Integrity framework focuses on the sacredness, or importance, of the distinction between males and females. We are created uniquely by God, and gender is an integral part of who we are. Though feeling gender dysphoria may not be a sin, choosing to cross-dress or transition to the opposite gender is seen as willful violation of the way we were created. This frame holds true to traditional biblical teachings, but often misses the compassion and community that those experiencing gender dysphoria need.

The Disability framework focuses on gender incongruence as the result of our fallen world. Like anorexia or schizophrenia, Gender Dysphoria is treated as a medical condition that is non-moral, (neither good nor bad), and not caused by sin. This lens inspires compassion, as others recognize that gender dysphoria is not a choice, and feel empathy towards the person. On the other hand, it may treat the condition as something solely to be fixed, rather than an identity to be celebrated.

The Diversity framework Yarhouse divides into two types. The “weak” version focuses on identity and community, celebrating being transgender as an expression of diversity in our society. The “strong” version of the diversity framework seeks to push back against traditional definitions of sex and gender, in order to deconstruct them. This lens is what many Christians are afraid of and outright reject.

Unconditionally Love

Priscilla, 21, has had several friends come out as transgender. As she watched them experiment with drugs and alcohol, as well as makeup and hair extensions, Priscilla began to learn what it means to unconditionally love, even when it’s difficult.

“Care for them not out of duty, but out of sincerity,” she says. “There’s a struggle going on that we have no control over, and we need to give that up to God. All we can do is love. All we can do is accept. All we can do is not throw them out so they have no place to go but somewhere dark. In order for God to be most glorified, sometimes we have to go into the darkest of places so that the redemption story is even greater.”

“It’s not wrong to feel a difference in emotions or feel attracted to people. But what you do about those emotions and where you let them lead you… that’s where it gets kind of blurry,” she adds.

Don’t Assume

Noah, 19, works with Agape, a ministry “to establish common ground between the LGBTA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Association) and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship” at the University at Buffalo. When someone close to him was struggling with homosexual feelings, “that started in me a sense of compassion.” Now he wants to challenge the conservative assumption that being transgender is a sin.

“The very reality that ‘I don’t feel like my body and my mind match,’ is just a statement of our brokenness,” he says. “I acknowledge that it’s not God’s design…but I don’t think it’s quite that simple to make this assertion that your body is fine, so there’s something wrong with your mind. Who’s to say, [maybe] your body is broken and your mind is fine. Why do we put precedence on the external?”

Be Like Jesus

Eric, 43, is a pastor at a Southern Baptist church in New York. As he has matured in life and in ministry, he tries to listen to and learn from the people rather than the issues. “Just like any prejudice, it’s easy to just throw a label on someone and not even think it through or take time to understand.” As a reflection of Christ, we should aim to respond to any social issue the way he did.

“[Jesus] always approached people in such stressful situations with amazing grace and a peaceable demeanor,” says Eric. “Yet he was always meekly, gently, corrective. Sin was never left un-dealt with nor was sin sought out where it was not already evident. Transgender issues are not always laced with sin as a backdrop or a presupposition.”

Listen

Kayla, who grew up in a religious home but considers themself an atheist, has experienced varying, often strong, reactions to their gender identity. “It’s a whole set of terminology that no one wants to take the time to learn,” they say. “Some people just don’t want to understand and they just immediately dismiss it, and because they don’t understand it, they get upset.” They often see Christians using “religion or their upbringing as an excuse to not open their mind up.”

“Listen to, understand where this person is coming from,” Kayla continues. “Not just Christians, but anyone. If someone asks to be addressed with certain pronouns, just do it. It’s not that hard, especially if you don’t know them.”

Kayla wishes that there were more opportunities for conversation and discourse within churches, such as discussion groups or guest speakers. “Create a safe space for people,” they say. “Don’t exclude us as someone who needs help.”

Kayla is not alone in coming from a religious household and being open to continuing a connection. According to “Us Versus Us,” a study on religion and the LGBT community by Andrew Marin, 86% of LGBTs were raised in a faith community from ages 0-18. 54% of LGBTs leave their faith after the age of 18, yet 76% are open to returning to faith and it’s practices.

Gender dysphoria, therefore, is not something outside church doors that Christians must barricade themselves from. Increasingly, young people of all religious backgrounds are questioning and exploring their gender identities, and the solution is not to enforce gender roles even more strictly.

“We like to put things in little boxes so we can understand them,” says Priscilla. “Don’t isolate, either way. A lot of people are fighting [society], but they’re hurting, because we don’t give people enough choices.”

As cultural attitudes towards gender identity and dysphoria continue to shift, Christians can choose to either hide in fear or anger, or engage in conversation. Genesis tells the story of gender from the beginning, where “maleness” and “femaleness” together represent the image and character of God (1:27). Adam and Eve’s perfect relationship with each other and with God looks very different from our world today. Throughout history, societies have assigned strict and often-arbitrary gender roles to men and women. Those who do not fit these molds can be bullied or made to feel less-than or broken.

As Christians, that’s where we believe Jesus comes in. We are all broken, spiritually and often physically or mentally as well. No matter how someone with Gender Dysphoria chooses to manage the disconnect between their mind and body, we can offer compassion, support and community, as well as a non-judgmental and listening ear. Jesus came to mend our broken relationship with God now and eventually make us physically, mentally and emotionally whole in heaven. Now that is good news.

GENDER DYSPHORIA - New Identity Magazine

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📖⁠ Then Jesus went with them to a place calle 📖⁠
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” [Matthew 26:36-46 ESV] For more of these eventful 24-hours for Jesus, read Matthew 26:17-46.⁠
The crux of the Christian faith is found in Easter The crux of the Christian faith is found in Easter. It is the story of a man called Jesus, who was killed by being hung on a cross, and then three days later rose from the dead. The Bible says in John 3:16 that because of this act of love, those who believe it will be given eternal life.⁠
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Easter is a holiday celebrated in many shops and restaurants as being all about colourful bunnies, chicks, eggs and lots of chocolate and candy. But for those who look a little deeper it is laden with symbolism that can help you focus on what Easter is really all about: thanking Jesus for changing our lives forever.⁠
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📖⁠ And every day he was teaching in the templ 📖⁠
And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.⁠
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✍🏽: Nicholas Sowell in "ENGAGING WITH GOD" | Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
📖⁠ “Hear another parable. There was a maste 📖⁠
“Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”⁠
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“‘The stone that the builders rejected⁠
has become the cornerstone;⁠
this was the Lord's doing,⁠
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?⁠
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”⁠
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On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.⁠
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Join us each day this week to read Scripture and see what each day was like in the life of Jesus, leading up to his death and resurrection. It's a good way for us to be present and remember what took place those many years ago.
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We are pleased to announce the launch of our lates We are pleased to announce the launch of our latest issue with an added brightness and fresh design – while still bringing you the inspirational depth and thoughtful encouragement that you’ve come to expect from us.⁠
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Hope is around the corner and spring is in the air as we celebrate the renewal of life and the great miracle of Easter. We hope that the articles in this issue would help you during this transitional time of winter to spring, and the hopeful horizon ahead of pandemic to post-pandemic. Be inspired by hearing the thoughts of our passionate contributors. ⁠
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Sadly in our world today, kindness has lost its va Sadly in our world today, kindness has lost its value. But as we see from some of the examples in Scripture, kindness is to be shown in all of our interactions with others. It is a gift from God through the work of the Holy Spirit, and taught by Jesus Christ. We can no longer walk past. Now, more than ever, we need to bring kindness back. We have to especially show the younger generation’s constant examples of kindness. We can hold the door for one another; allow someone to go ahead of us in line. Smile with compassion at the clerk whose line is one person too long and everyone is staring at him or her as if it’s their fault. ⁠
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Charles Swindoll writes, “Wisdom isn’t somethi Charles Swindoll writes, “Wisdom isn’t something that is exclusive to those who have exceptional IQs or advanced degrees. Rather, wise behavior in the eyes of the Lord comes as a result of obeying the Lord’s commands.” Resist the urge to think that a smart person with a lot of knowledge is wise. Author Paul David Tripp says there “is a huge difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is an accurate understanding of truth. Wisdom is understanding and living in light of how that truth applies to the situations and relationships in your daily life. Knowledge is the exercise of your brain. Wisdom is the commitment of your heart that leads to transformation of your life.” ⁠
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✍🏽: Christopher L. Scott @the_christopherscott in "God, What Do You Want Me To Do With My Life?" Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
"While you can spend time in God’s creation appr "While you can spend time in God’s creation appreciating his beauty, or with him in prayer, you can also get to know him more intimately through his Word."⁠
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✍🏽: Christopher L. Scott @the_christopherscott in "How Anyone Can Study The Bible"  Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
"Discovering God’s will and finding direction fo "Discovering God’s will and finding direction for your life from God is like the lead and follow of dancers. God’s the lead. You are the follow and must know the lead and respond to him."⁠
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✍🏽: Christopher L. Scott @the_christopherscott in "God, What Do You Want Me To Do With My Life?" Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
📷: Photo by @EJ.Officiel from Pexels⁠
#gracelikeanavalanche ⁠
#iknowwhoiam⁠
#faithnotworks ⁠
#progressnotperfection⁠
#partneringwithgod ⁠
#acceptedbygod ⁠
#lovedbygod⁠
#faithnotfear⁠
#faithoverfear⁠
#bestillandknow⁠
#godisincontrol⁠
#beencouraged⁠
#praywithoutceasing⁠
#godsgotthis⁠
#prayerchangesthings⁠
#trustinthelord⁠
#iamachildofgod⁠
#faithfulmess⁠
#godslove
"The Creator of the Universe promises to be with y "The Creator of the Universe promises to be with you. You’re not alone. You’re his. And as long as he has work for you to do on this earth, you’re immortal. Sparrows don’t hit the ground without his knowledge, and the hairs on your head are numbered. He’s got you."⁠
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✍🏽: T.J. Woodard in "Be Anxious For Nothing"  Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
"If Jesus is speaking with subordinates, those wit "If Jesus is speaking with subordinates, those without power, he is instructing them to actively and non-violently make the statement that they are also human beings worthy of dignity. To turn the left cheek after being backhanded on the right was a statement of human dignity."⁠
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✍🏽: Nathan Rutan in "An Eye for An Eye, and a Tooth for a Tooth"  Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
We're happy to announce that the Fall/Winter 2020 We're happy to announce that the Fall/Winter 2020 Issue is out today! There are some great articles inside that we hope you'll love! Enjoy! 🤗 #linkinbio⁠
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#newissue #newidentitymag #liveidentified #magazine #kindness #anxiety #waiting #worththewait #mcu #eatableheroes #marvel #godswill
Prayer isn’t about making the things we selfishl Prayer isn’t about making the things we selfishly want happen; it’s about making us want what God wants.⁠
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✍🏽: @sarahjoysly in "Prayer - The Alignment of Our Souls With God"  Continue reading at newidentitymagazine.com⁠ by visiting the link in our bio and tapping on the image.⁠
📷: Photo by @maryannkariuki from Pexels⁠
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