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Showing posts from December, 2024

Understanding Transgender People: The Basics

As we are about to enter the New Year I thought I would write a short reminder to the world. Understanding what it is like to be transgender can be hard, especially if you have never met a transgender person. Transgender is a broad term that can be used to describe people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were thought to be when they were born. “Trans” is often used as shorthand for transgender. To treat a transgender person with respect, you treat them according to their gender identity, not their sex at birth. So, someone who lives as a woman today is called a transgender woman and should be referred to as “she” and “her.” A transgender man lives as a man today and should be referred to as “he” and “him.” (Note: I will be using both the adjectives “male” and “female” and the nouns “man” and “woman” to refer to a person’s gender identity.) Gender identity is your internal knowledge of your gender – for example, your knowledge that you’re a man, a woman, or anothe...

The History and True Meaning of Christmas

As we are on the eve of Christmas 2024 I wanted to write about what I consider to be what Christmas really is and why is it celebrated? December 25 this arguably the most popular dates in the world. And Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. People might forget important dates in the history of their country, sometimes even find it hard to remember the birthdays of loved ones. People might forget important dates in the history of their country, sometimes even find it hard to remember the birthdays of loved ones. But December 25 has somehow been able to But December 25 has somehow been able to ingrain itself in the heart or people. The date has so gotten a center stage that even people and in countries where it is not officially a holiday, there is however, an official recognition of the place of December 25 in the history of man. Usually when Christmas comes knocking, different discuss springs up from different areas of the globe on the justification of c...

Is a transgender woman still genetically male after surgery?

Looking ahead into 2025 I thought over this question quite a bit and here is my short answer but with a long explanation. I am going to put my teacher hat on and do my best to answer ... “Genetically, is a transgender woman still a male regardless if she has had sex reassignment surgery?” First, it’s important to understand that biological sex and gender identity are not the same. Biological sex refers to the physical features of a human body (or anatomy).  Gender identity refers to one’s internal sense of being. That may align more toward being a male, female, or anywhere in between. Some people who identify as nonbinary may not have an internal sense of being a male or female at all! Sex reassignment surgery involves changing a person’s anatomy. Whether a person identifies as a male or female shouldn’t change after surgery. And it doesn’t change their genetics either!  Let’s take a deeper dive. Genetics overall cannot be changed (so far, at least) Each person is born with a ...

What Does the Bible Say About Transgender People?

For several decades, political and theological debates related to LGBTQ+ issues have centered around same-sex relationships for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. While an exploration of that topic is important, the volume of faith resources dedicated to it have often excluded reflection on the unique considerations related to gender identity. Mistakenly, some Christians have suggested that taking the Bible seriously requires people of faith to stand in opposition to the existence, health and humanity of transgender people. Consequently, gender-expansive people of all demographics and Christian traditions have been made to feel that they must choose between their faith and living a whole, healthy and authentic life. Whether you are a ministry leader, the family member of a transgender person or a trans person of faith yourself, this page seeks to serve as a brief overview of the Bible’s precedent for affirming the full inclusion of transgender, non-binary and other gender-expansive peop...

What Your Trans Daughter Wants For Christmas

Unfortunately, the holiday season is a rough time for countless LGBTQ adults, teens, and kids. They are often thrust into situations where they are uncomfortable, and even in danger. Many LGBTQ people don’t have family to spend the holidays with because they are either unsupportive or have disowned them. I have put together a list of things your trans daughter probably wants for Christmas, but feel free to get her these things any time after Christmas. You don’t have to be another unsupportive parent in this world. Having your trans daughter’s back makes a world of difference. Your unconditional love and support Studies show that trans people with a strong support system are less likely to take their own lives. If your child confides in you about thoughts of being transgender, it is crucial that you don’t push them away or brush off their concerns. Even if you don’t know the first thing about transgender, make a mental note to do some research yourself later on. Be there for your child...