by Jeff Johnston
Many were surprised when Bruce Jenner started appearing in public with long hair, wearing a dress and then announced his decision to “transition into a woman.” Jenner was an Olympic Decathlon gold medalist, a hero and role model for many in the ’70’s and ’80’s. Yet, now we learn that all along, he believed he was a woman. Photos of Jenner recently published in Vanity Fair magazine were even more shocking.
When confusing events like this are broadcast throughout the culture, we know parents get asked questions:
- Daddy, why does that man want to be a lady?
- Mum, what does “transgender” mean?
- Can a boy turn into a girl?
- Mum, I’m a girl, but will I ever change into a boy?
Transgenderism — also called “gender dysphoria,” “gender confusion” or “gender identity disorder” — is tough enough for adults to understand. So when our children encounter these gender-confusing messages, what do we say? Most importantly, how do we help them develop a biblical, Christian perspective on this issue?
We want to help parents navigate this topic, so here are some helpful guidelines and suggestions for addressing transgender issues with your children:
Keep It Simple
Relax. As a parent, you are the authority in your child’s life; but you don’t have to be an expert on every issue — including this one. And even the “experts” really don’t understand this issue. A few years ago, a gay identified psychiatrist was asked about gender confusion and responded, “The truth is we actually don’t know what it is. Is it a mental disorder or does the cause of gender dysphoria lie somewhere else?”1
So don’t think you have to understand everything about transgenderism or tell your children everything you know. Here are a few simple truths to communicate:
- God made humans male and female.
- Individuals are born either male or female.
- Some people get hurt and confused, and they don’t like the way God made them.
- As a result, some people wish they were the opposite sex.
- Nobody can really change from one sex to the other.
Keep It a Dialogue
Use occasions such as this to connect with your children. Find out what they are learning, where they learned it and what they are thinking. Ask questions, such as:
- Where did you see that?
- Where did you hear that word?
- Why do you think God made both boys and girls?
- What do you think “transgender” means?
- Do you think a boy can really turn into a girl?
This isn’t an inquisition but an opportunity to get to know your child better. So keep your tone conversational and friendly.
Keep It Truthful
If you don’t know the answer to a child’s question, say so. Then tell your child you’ll look for an answer. Let’s say your son asks, “Why does he want to be a lady?” The real answer, if we’re honest, is “I don’t know.” None of us know all of the pain and false beliefs in the lives and hearts of persons who struggle with transgender issues.
Nevertheless, Scripture is clear about certain things, and those are what you can communicate to your children:
- God made us in His image — male and female.
- Sin entered the world and spoiled everything, including how we see ourselves.
- God loves us and sent us Son to save us.
God wants us to live in truth about how He created us and who we are. We know God is powerful to save and transform lives — including the gender-confused. Tell your children this truth.
Keep It Kind
God has a deep love for sexually and relationally broken men and women — including those struggling with gender identity issues. These struggles are complicated and touch on deep aspects of our sexuality and being. The topic can provoke some to laughter or mockery, so work to maintain God’s heart for the gender-confused. He loves them with an everlasting love — just as He loves each of us.
Your children will be watching you for cues about how to respond to gender identity disorder. Pray for God’s heart and for the ability to convey this to your children. Tone and attitude are as important as your words:
- God loves all of us.
- God loves men who wish they were women, as well as women who think they are men.
- We may disagree with someone’s beliefs and choices; however, we can still be kind and loving.
- We can pray for those who are gender-confused.
Keep It Affirming
When children see a transgender person on the news or on the street, they may feel curious, alarmed, confused or afraid. So when they ask questions about it, they’re not just asking for details about transgenderism. They’re also asking for comfort and affirmation. As a parent, you can respond positively:
- I’m so glad God made you a girl!
- I’m happy you’re my child and that you’re a boy.
- What’s good about being a girl?
- What’s good about being a boy?
Ask the Lord for wisdom and creativity for how best to affirm your sons in their masculinity and your daughters in their femininity. Check out our other resources for more ideas for talking with your children and helping them grow into strong and secure men and women!
- http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/22/transgender-primer-manning/2687869/
Adapted from an article on the Focus on the Family website. Copyright © 2015 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Denise’s Story from PFOX on Vimeo.
