Child: I wonder what God thinks of the transgender stuff.
Parent: That’s a great question! What do you think?
Child: I don’t know. I’ve been taught God created boys and girls, so I’m not sure what He’d say about people being transgender.
When it comes to talking to kids about gender identity, many parents want to be faithful to Scripture while also responding with understanding and compassion. The Bible doesn’t use terms like “gender dysphoria” or “transgender,” but that doesn’t mean it’s silent on matters of gender and human identity.
The challenge is to engage these conversations without forcing the Bible to say more than it does, while still drawing on the truth it does reveal about God’s creation, the human condition, and His plan for redemption.
Bringing the Conversation Home
When speaking about “what God thinks” on any topic, humility is key; we may not get everything exactly right. But as parents, we are called to raise and educate our children in the Christian faith, which includes exploring how biblical truth shapes our understanding of sexuality and gender.
We do this not in isolation, but within the broader community of faith of our household, our local church, and the historic teachings of Christianity. We weigh what’s been handed down, scrutinize traditions, and confirm that our understanding aligns with God’s heart toward both the topic and the people it concerns.
A helpful framework for these discussions is the four acts of the biblical story:
- Creation – God’s design and intent for humanity.+
- Fall – How sin impacts every part of life, including our experience of gender.
- Redemption – God’s work through Christ to restore and reconcile.
- Consummation – The future hope when all things will be made new.
Becoming a Cultural Ambassador: The Three Cs
When talking to kids about gender identity from a Biblical perspective on transgender issues, think in terms of ambassadorship, representing Christ well in both truth and grace.
1. Conviction
Scripture presents consistent expectations about the relationship between biological sex and gender identity. While not exhaustive on the topic, it gives us principles rooted in creation, acknowledges the brokenness of the fall, and offers hope through redemption. Hold to what you believe God’s Word teaches, but do so with awareness that the effects of the fall may shape someone’s personal experience of gender.
2. Civility
Conversations on gender can quickly turn heated, especially with those who either:
- Don’t view the Bible as an authority, or
- Do hold the Bible as authoritative but interpret its teaching differently.
Civility means respecting others while engaging in honest dialogue. It’s possible to disagree without demeaning the other person.
3. Compassion
Perhaps the most important posture, especially toward those personally navigating gender dysphoria or discordance, is compassion. For Christians in this situation, there may be deep questions about God’s will, their suffering, and what faithful discipleship looks like. Listening, caring, and walking alongside them communicates the love of Christ even in areas of disagreement.
Final Encouragement
The goal isn’t to “win” a debate but to shepherd your child’s heart toward God’s truth while showing His love to others. Conversations about gender identity are complex and often personal. By approaching them with conviction, civility, and compassion, you help your child see that biblical truth and Christlike love are not in competition; they are inseparable.
In every discussion, remember: we are all made in God’s image, we are all affected by the fall, and we all need the hope and restoration only Christ can bring.
