The “T” of LGBTQ+ is transgender or transgenderism. It’s a big deal today if you haven’t noticed. Some children’s hospitals are promoting life-altering drugs and operations to change sexes. Some schools, businesses, and libraries are promoting “Drag Queen Story Hour” with performances. Prominent “trans” people are appearing in sports and in our nations’ government. What does the Bible say about this?
There are only two sexes in creation, male and female. A human male has XY chromosomes and a female has XX chromosomes. This is “gender binary,” binary meaning “two.” God created them male and female in Genesis 1:27 and gave them specific roles in Genesis 2:18-23. This isn’t something our culture has made up, it is part of His wonderful plan and design that exists beyond all cultures. In any culture, a human is male or female, not both, and not one that changes to the other. This is how God the Creator made us, and it is beautiful.
It’s true, a person may feel like they’re the wrong sex. A woman feels like she is trapped in a man’s body, or vice versa, a man feels he’s trapped in a woman’s body. This is an issue of identity, not biological sex. I don’t doubt the feelings may be real, but I also don’t doubt our hearts are deceitful, deceptive, and sick. Feelings are important and need to be considered but they are not the final say. They can be disordered, jumbled up, or wrong. I feel road rage when I get cut off in traffic and want to pull the jerk over and bust a cap in his head, but I don’t. I get my feelings in check, according to God and His Word and His work in me. “Forgive me, Lord,” for my wrong feelings. A person with transgender feelings needs to get their feelings in line with their biological sex (male or female) and how God designed them and what He says about them. You are not born in the wrong body, despite your feelings.
And yes, there may be some gender confusion in a person’s life. There are plenty of awkward feelings, especially through puberty and the teenage and young adult years, even beyond. A girl may feel like a tomboy, or a boy may be curious about the dresses and high heels a woman wears. But God’s Word says men must not act like women or women act like men in a sexual way (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). They must not even dress like the opposite sex (Deut. 22:5). We are to glorify God with our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and be subject under Him, not sin against Him. Praise God His grace and mercy are more as we work through these confusing thoughts and feelings.
We can pray about LGBTQ+ issues, feelings, and gender identity and confusion. Counseling is available. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. Seek God’s wisdom and a loving counselor who can help you through these difficulties. His grace is always sufficient and His mercy is always more in these strange times.