Bruce Jenner’s athletic world-record and 1976 Olympic gold medal in the decathlon competition propelled him to become one of the most famous athletes in the world. He was a hero and role model for many. He later became well known to younger generations after his marriage to Kris Kardashian and appearances on the reality television show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
With his tremendous athletic background, there was huge surprise when, in 2015, Jenner started appearing in public with long hair and nail polish. Tabloids reported he was undergoing plastic surgery. Finally, in a television interview with Diane Sawyer, Jenner announced his decision to “transition into a woman.” A cover photo published a few months later on Vanity Fair magazine was even more shocking, and a reality television show on his life aired on E!
In 2016, Jenner appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as “Caitlyn,” wearing a sparkly jumpsuit and the Olympic gold medal won more than 40 years ago. But these days it’s not just Jenner pushing transgender ideology. The transgender agenda has become a huge concern, from the fracas over safety and privacy in North Carolina to the gender confusion taught or endorsed in some schools. Sadly, given the prominence of transgenderism in our culture, children are bound to be exposed to this complicated sexual issue at far too early an age.
Responding to Children
When confusing events like this are broadcast throughout the culture, Focus on the Family is asked a lot of questions. And we know parents get asked questions, too:
- Daddy, why does that man want to be a lady?
- Mom, what does “transgender” mean?
- Can a boy turn into a girl?
- Mommy, I’m a girl; but will I ever change into a boy?
Transgenderism includes a wide variety of identities and behaviors and may also be called “gender dysphoria,” “gender confusion” or “gender identity disorder.” It’s tough enough for adults to understand this subject. So when our children encounter this confusing issue, what do we say? Most importantly, how do we help them develop a biblical, Christian perspective on this issue?
We want to help you navigate this topic, so here are some useful 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 all the complexities of 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?”USA Today article, What ‘transgender’ means, and how society views it
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
When children ask questions, use the occasion to connect with them. 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.
Older children and teens may have more questions, so we have a list of helpful resources at the end of this article. You might want to read some of these additional resources first, then read and discuss them with an older child.
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 truths are what you can communicate to your children:
- God made us in His image – male and female.
(Genesis 1:27, 5:2; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6. ESV) - Sin entered the world and spoiled everything, including how we see ourselves.
(Matthew 15:19; Romans 3:23, 5:12-13. ESV) - Some people get really hurt and confused as they grow up.
(Romans 1:19-31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. ESV) - God loves us and sent us Son to save us.
(John 1:1-14, 29; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 2:2. ESV) - God can bring healing and truth to those who are hurt.
(2 Chronicles 7:14; Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24. ESV)
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 confusion in individuals and in the culture. 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. Again, our Thriving Values™ resources listed below give more ideas for talking with your children and helping them grow into strong and secure men and women!
Helpful Resources:
- For a deeper understanding of this difficult issue, and for guidelines about dealing with different scenarios, download our free resource, “When Transgender Issues Enter Your World: How Christians can respond with compassion, courage and truth.“
- Our resource “The Talk: Healthy Sexuality Education—Basic Goals and Guidance from Focus on the Family” is filled with great ideas for instilling biblical truth about human sexuality in your children. You’ll find a variety of suggestions and methods in this helpful resource.
- Our Transgender Resources page contains a listing of resources about the transgender issue and gender ideology. The articles listed help you understand the basics of this complex issue explain some of how this issue affects the culture, and link to resources for transformation and healing.
- Transgenderism isn’t the only issue in our world where we’ve seen a huge shift in a short period of time. How to Talk to Your Children About Homosexuality helps you lay a solid foundation of God’s truth, gives guidance for talking to children, and offers a variety of scenarios with suggested responses.
- Equipping Parents to Respond to Gender-Confusing Messages in Schools. This how-to guide helps you respond with truth while protecting your child and your family’s values.
- We don’t just want our children to know the truth about God’s design for male and female – we want our sons and daughters to live out God’s truth in wholeness. Secure Daughters, Confident Sons: How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity & Femininity offers insights and practical tools to help parents raise children who embody healthy masculinity and femininity.
- Subscribe to The Daily Citizen, a weekly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about issues that affect you, your family, the church and our culture.
