I want to put my counselor hat on for just a moment to highlight an alarming trend. I am not addressing the issue of transgender adults, but the issue of Gender dysphoria in children. Gender dysphoria is not about same sex attraction. Gender dysphoria is not about gender non-conformity which may be expressed by behaviors not stereotypical of the expressed biological gender. Gender dysphoria is a strong feeling of incongruence with one’s biological gender. One can look up the criteria for this diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Gender fluidity during childhood may be a part of natural development: Most of these issues dissipate during and/or after puberty. When I see stories of parents wanting to medically intervene with children prior to puberty, whether through pharmaceuticals or surgery, it is alarming. Children are filled with fantasies and aspirations that are a part of childhood. To dictate to a child that he/she must be a cowboy, fireman, astronaut, etc., because of a prolonged expression and desire to be the same would be foolish. It is just as foolish, and in this case harmful, to accept a child’s expression of gender identity that is incongruent with their biological expression of gender. I have read stories of children as young as 3, 10, and 11 being subjected to drugs to suppress the natural biological process of gender expression. In my opinion, this is abusive.
My concern is that parents are quick to parade their “transgender” children to authenticate their progressive credentials. This is the height of narcissism. My prayer and hope is that the recent explosion of transgender issues in children will be exposed as abuse and that calmer minds will prevail. To see transgender around every corner not only harms the children, but also minimizes the true struggles of transgender adults. Let children grow up, be supportive, but don’t intervene medically.
Dr. James D Allen, 2020
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!