California Family Minute

“Gender identity” and “gender expression” were the buzzwords last year in the California Legislature in the quest for transgender “equality.” AB 887 (Atkins, D-San Diego) redefined “gender” in California law to include both terms. In committee analysis, the bill author clarified the terms. "Gender identity refers to a person's deeply felt internal sense of being male or female. Gender expression refers to one's behavior, mannerisms, appearance and other characteristics that are perceived to be masculine or feminine." Gender, it seems, is now subjective – a matter of feelings. “Are you a boy or a girl?” once seemed like a simple question until you realize in today’s relativistic culture, one’s gender identity or “expression” may not match the one into which they were born.

As the battle for transgender rights continues in the courts and Legislature, we also see it creeping into our mainstream culture.   Gender is being deconstructed and redefined. Chaz Bono (whom many of us remember as Sonny and Cher’s little girl) appeared on Dancing with the Stars this season – dancing with a woman. While Dancing with the Stars is viewed by many as family fare, the appearance of Chaz, who has had plastic surgery and takes male hormones to appear like a man, lent an air of authenticity to the transgender community.

In their push to legitimize their behavior, GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) activists have opened the door to increasing gender confusion and nonconformity among children of all ages at a time when they are naturally questioning and exploring who they are – often rebelling against adult conventions. Many pre-teens and teens – influenced by Gay-Straight Alliances in their schools – are embracing this new idea of gender’s fluidity. 

Transgender activism is crossing all social lines with the argument that gender is flexible – merely a hindering social construct – and youth are being heavily influenced by the idea. Caitlin Ryan, a gay activist, clinical social worker and researcher at San Francisco State University has said, “I think the fluidity of gender is the next big wave in terms of adolescent development… Gender has become part of the defining way that youth organize themselves and rebel against adults."

Instead of limiting themselves to male and female terms, teens are rejecting labels like him and her, and adopting non-gender-specific pronouns – ze or hir or hirs. One teen told the New York Times last month, “You have to understand, this has nothing to do with your sexuality and everything to do with who you feel inside.” And this idea of preferred gender identity or expression can change from day to day. “Maybe one day you wake up and feel more like a boy,” explained the teen in the Times. Today’s continuum of gender definition is confusing a lot of impressionable children and teens. 

We should have compassion for the Bobbys and Chazs in society, but the idea that gender is a feeling has infected our culture. While many agenda-driven activists and professionals have embraced the idea that sexual identity is a choice or a preference, and not a biological certainty, God tells us differently. He created man in his own image – male and female (Gen. 1:27). 

Adults and parents must steer impressionable children to real help, and the Church must be prepared with mercy, wisdom, and resources to come alongside with long-term assistance. The culture – through public schools, television, movies, and peers – will tell them that gender is a feeling. We must make sure we are prepared to respond with grace, truth, and the willingness to do all we can for those families desperate for care and connection.

For more information, see Focus on the Family, Social Issues, Sexual Identity.