DONATE
Empower families with
biblical resources

GIVE MONTHLY
Ensure families get access to
biblical resources year-round

Transgender Resources

As gender identity is the most basic and most important truth about who God made us to be, it is no wonder so many families are affected by the pain caused by gender dysphoria – whether an individual, couples, families or churches. Recognizing that pain and without judgment, these resources and referrals may be helpful as a starting point for those looking for hope and healing for gender identity issues.

Is there help for my situation?

See options below.

Need to talk to someone now?

Focus on the Family has a staff of trained and caring counselors who offer a one-time complimentary consultation from a Christian perspective. They can also refer you to counselors in your area for ongoing assistance.

Is there help for my situation?

See options below.

Need to talk to someone now?

Support for Parents

Browse by Category:

Articles

Biblical View on Transgender Identity: A Primer

Those of us committed to the Christian worldview base our view of gender and sex on the Bible. Therefore, the Christian worldview on gender and sex takes into account not only the creation of a biological man and a biological woman, but also love, marriage, fidelity, and reproduction.

Counseling for Sexual Identity Concerns: A Measured, Careful, and Compassionate Approach

A statement regarding professional therapies for sexual identity concerns.

What is 'Gender Identity'?

God created us to reflect His image – male and female. Dr. John Money took the term “gender” and applied it to people. Now, people think of “gender” social construct that is fluid and changeable. Some think there are multiple gender identities.

Grandparents Threatened to Either Support Transgender Grandchild or Be Cut Off

How can we show love to our transgender-identified grandchild without reinforcing the confusion?

Responding to a Transgender-Identified Family Member

How should we respond to a family member who had transgender medical interventions and now identifies as transgender?

'Trading My Sorrows' – A Story of Healing From Transgenderism

Walt Heyer’s life looked like a success. Since childhood, however, he had struggled with the desire to dress in women’s clothes and to be a woman.

God’s Amazing Grace in a Transgendered Person’s Life (Part 1 of 2)

Laura Perry Smalts shares about her 7-year journey of transitioning and identifying as a male before realizing she was living a lie and then fully embracing her female gender. She tells about her painful experiences living with a self-created identity outside of God’s design and incredible plan for her, revealed through her loving parents and other believers. Laura and Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician, speak compassionately about the issues surrounding gender confusion in today’s culture, offering practical insights, hope and help. (Part 1 of 2)

Listen Now

God’s Amazing Grace in a Transgendered Person’s Life (Part 2 of 2)

Listen Now

Referrals & Additional Resources

When Transgender Issues Enter Your World (PDF Download)

This free, downloadable resource helps you understand transgenderism in the culture and explains the Christian perspective of “gender ideology.” It also offers guidance for how to respond well when transgender issues affect your child’s school, your private space or your family.

Download Now

ReStory Ministries (Referral)

ReStory is committed to providing believers with biblical resources and training that address LGBTQ, so that pastors and leaders can be equipped for effective ministry, individuals and families can find hope and support, and congregations can become healing communities.

Learn More

Restored Hope Network (Referral)

Restored Hope Network is a coalition of ministries serving those who desire to overcome relational and sexual issues in their lives and those impacted by homosexuality. Restored Hope works alongside the body of Christ, the Church, and to connect those seeking help with local member ministries and other resources that are available, as well as support, equip and connect the local member ministries.

Learn More

CHANGED (Referral)

CHANGED is a worldwide network of people who have questioned their sexuality and have chosen to navigate away from LGBTQ and its social identities. Today, in addition to member support and church equipping, CHANGED Movement works with national influencers and policy makers through expert witness testimony, insight on the LGBTQ experience, and through human rights advocacy.

Learn More

Identity Project (Referral)

The Identity Project is a comprehensive library of videos and other resources addressing issues of identity, sex, “gender,” and sexuality from a Judeo-Christian worldview, featuring world-class experts.

Learn More

Help for My Child

Browse by Category:

Articles

Parents Responding to Child Who Wants to be the Opposite Sex

What should we say to our eight-year-old son when he tells us that he wants to be a girl? He’s recently started saying that he isn’t really a boy at all, and that he feels more like a girl on the inside.

Parents Raising a Boy as a Girl

Are parents justified in choosing to view their son as a “gender-creative child” – or, to put it plainly, in raising him as a girl?

Talking to Your Children About Transgender Issues

Transgenderism is tough enough for adults to understand. So when our children encounter these gender-confusing messages, what do we say?

Answering Parents' Questions on Gender Confusion in Children

To be human is to be gendered – male or female. And one of the most important jobs of a parent is to help their children develop as healthy boys or girls and into strong, confident men and women.

Concerns About a Boy Developing Healthy Masculine Traits

How can we be sure that our young son will grow up to be a healthy, fully masculine man? He’s only five years old, but his mother and I are already concerned about certain aspects of his behavior and temperament.

Concerned About Young Son's Masculinity

Should we be worried about our little boy’s sexual identity? What can we do to help him develop a healthy sense of his masculinity?

Reinforce Your Child's Sexual Identity

Help children understand that their sexual identity is an indelible part of who God created them to be.

Three-Year-Old Boy Plays Dress-Up With Sisters

Should I allow my three-year-old son to play dress-up with his older sisters? This doesn’t seem like healthy behavior to me. What can I do to stop it?

Gentle and Sensitive Boy

Is it okay for a boy to be gentle and sensitive? While our oldest son and his dad spend hours on end rough-housing together, the younger prefers to be off in a corner drawing or outside gathering flowers. Is this something I should be worried about?

Doctors Speak Out: Lupron and the 'Diabolical' Push to Sterilize, Gender-Transition Confused Kids

Pediatric endocrinologists whose voices are being stifled are sounding the alarm about a “diabolical” push to put children confused about their bodies on puberty suppressants and hormone blockers like Lupron to change their physical sex.

Minnesota Mom on the Frontlines for Parental Rights and Protecting Children

We think you’ll be encouraged by hearing some of Emily Zinos’ story and about this new resource for parents concerned about transgender activism in schools.

Hospitals and Doctors “Transition” Hundreds of Children with Drugs, Hormones and Surgery

Rather than helping children embrace their bodily sex – male or female, many hospitals, doctors and therapists have shifted toward helping children “transition” to living as the opposite sex. In the process, they’re placing these children on a fast-moving conveyor belt toward dangerous and life-altering drugs, hormones and surgeries.

Preventing Parents From Guiding Gender-Confused Children is a Recipe for Disaster

It seems each day brings with it headlines and highlights of renewed attacks on the family, but especially on the autonomy and authority of moms and dads to nurture and raise their children according to their deeply held convictions and beliefs.

Dealing With Transgender Issues in Elementary Schools

How can we help our kids understand and cope with the recent “gender reassignment” of a teacher at our local elementary school?

Nurturing a Healthy Gender Identity in Your Child (Part 1 of 2)

Family formation expert Glenn Stanton offers insight and advice from his book Secure Daughters, Confident Sons: How Parents Guide Their Children Into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity. (Part 1 of 2)

Listen Now

Nurturing a Healthy Gender Identity in Your Child (Part 2 of 2)

Listen Now

Videos

Help! How Do I Answer My Child's LGBT Questions?

For those who are thinking, “Help! I don’t know how to answer my child’s LGBT questions,” one of our Focus counseling staff has a few ideas for you.

Watch Now

Understanding Gender Identity for Parents

Former transgender Laura Perry Smalts shares her personal journey as a transgender male and offers guidance on navigating family dynamics, understanding love languages, and fostering healthy connections with children, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in shaping identity and combating societal influences!

Watch Now

Books

Secure Daughters, Confident Sons: How Parents Guide Their Children Into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity

When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment

Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution

Lucy Lou, Who Are You?"

Hey Scout, Will You Come Out?

I Don't Have to Choose

God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender

Why Boys and Girls Are Different: For Girls Ages 3-5

I'm Glad God Made Me a Girl

Why Boys and Girls Are Different: For Boys Ages 3-5

Elephants Are Not Birds

She is She: A Book About Your Identity

Referrals & Additional Resources

Helping Children With Gender Identity Confusion (PDF Download)

This question-and-answer document offers guidance for parents or family members faced with questions about gender confusion in a child they know and love. This thorough introduction also concludes with additional resources and links.

Download Now

Advocates Protecting Children (Referral)

Advocates Protecting Children provides honest and ethical resources by parents.

Learn More

Gender Dysphoria in Children

Advocates Protecting Children provides honest and ethical resources by parents.

Browse by Category:

Articles

Parents Responding to Teen Who Wants to be the Opposite Sex

What should we say to our teenage daughter when she tells us that she wants to be a guy? I’m almost certain that she’s getting these ideas from the surrounding culture, but she becomes very angry when I make such suggestions. What can we do about this?

How to Find Counseling Support for Teen with Sexual Identity Issues

Our teen daughter struggles with her sexuality and wants to dress like a boy. We want to help her respect God’s design for sexuality while also keeping our relationship with her strong — but we always end up arguing with her. How can we find a professional therapist who can help us sort it out?

Discussing Transgender Issues with Teens

How can we help our teenage son and daughter when they run across instances of gender confusion in high school?

Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria: A Social Contagion?

Have you ever noticed how societal trends can influence the personal identities of an entire generation?

Help Kids Know Truth on Questions of Transgenderism

There is a crucial shift in youth culture, and Christian teens need to understand transgenderism as well as how to respond in love and truth.

Helping a Teen Boy Become a Man

What can my husband and I do to help our teenage son become the man God wants him to be? In some ways, he seems to be afraid of adulthood, manhood, and everything that goes along with it, and we’d like to get him over that hump. At the same time, we don’t want him to become an arrogant “macho man.” How do we strike the right balance?

Helping a Teen Girl Become a Woman

What can my husband and I do to help our teenage girl become the woman God wants her to be? In this gender-bending society, we’re especially concerned to make sure that she retains her femininity while also growing up to be a strong, well-adjusted, self-sufficient adult.

Laura Perry Smalts' Authentic Shift from Transgenderism to Embracing God's Design

Becoming the Christian woman God created her to be was a long, hard, and confusing road for Laura.

Teenager Identifies as Transgender

Why can’t my parents and the rest of my family get over the fact that I identify as transgender?

Parent Concerned About Tomboyish Tendencies in Daughter

Should I be worried that my daughter might be “transgendered” because she likes to dress and act like a boy and spends a lot of time playing sports with her dad? After watching a television talk show on this subject, I’ve begun to wonder whether there might be something more to her behavior than mere “tomboyishness.”

U.S. Catholic Bishops Ban 'Transgender' Interventions at Catholic Hospitals

U.S. Catholic bishops voted Wednesday to officially ban “transgender” surgeries at all Catholic hospitals and health centers, formalizing the Church’s opposition to medical interventions intended to make a person appear more like the opposite sex.

Doctors Admit Puberty Blockers Aren't "Reversible"

More proof that ‘gender-affirming care’ does not follow the science but instead follows ideology, even to its undoing.

Expert in 'Transitioning' Children Admits 'We Were Wrong' About Puberty Blockers

Dr. Susan Bradley was a pioneer and leading expert in treating children with what was once called “gender identity disorder” and is now labeled “gender dysphoria” by the American Psychiatric Association.

Transgenderism and Minors: What Does the Research Really Show?

Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released guidelines for “Gender-Affirming Care and Young People.”

AAP Calls for "Systematic Review of Evidence," Yet Reaffirms 2018 Gender-Affirming Care Policy

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced on AAP News on August 4, 2023, “AAP reaffirms gender-affirming care policy, authorizes systematic review of evidence to guide update.”

New Resources for Parents: "Responding to the Transgender Issue"

This guide is the product of a unique collaboration between organizations with very diverse political opinions and one common concern: The negative consequences of treating bodily sex as irrelevant. The resource provides input for families faced with gender activism in public schools as well as descriptions and cautionary information concerning “gender affirmative” treatment model that facilitates a child’s “transition.”

Chloe Cole: Gender Reassignment Surgery Regret

Nineteen-year-old Chloe Cole shares about the devastating effects of gender transitioning on children, her personal regrets of transitioning as a young teen, and the peace found by trusting in God’s perfect design.

Listen Now

Videos

End the Gender Ideology Movement

Chloe Cole speaks about her surgery as a minor. (Excerpt from the documentary and study Truth Rising)

Watch Now

Books

Embracing God's Design: Addressing the Spiritual and Psychological Crisis Behind Transgender Identity

Choosing

More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships

Additional Resources

Myths of Gender Affirming Care (PDF Download)

An infographic from The Paradox Institute which challenges the validity of conclusions in social research which suggest “Gender Affirming Care” as the only valid and healthy treatment for those with gender dysphoria.

Download Now

Help for My Adult Child

Browse by Category:

Articles

Feminine "Preferences" and Male Sexual Identity

As a guy do you think it means I’m gay because I’ve always had a preference and appreciation for feminine and “girly” things? I’ve been this way since I was a small boy, I’m not sure what to make of this.

Same-Sex Attractions and Sexual Identity

Does it mean I’m gay if I’m attracted to someone of the same sex? There have been times when I’ve experienced strong emotional connections with individuals of my own gender. On occasion I’ve even felt myself physically drawn to them. I’m confused and don’t know what to think of this.

Struggling With Same-Sex Attractions

Is there any way I can overcome my life-long struggle with same-sex attraction? I’ve tried to resist, but it seems inevitable that I will eventually act on these feelings. What should I do?

Attending a Family Gathering Including a Same-Sex Couple

Should we attend a family gathering where a same-sex couple are planning to be present? There’s a huge family reunion next summer and my husband wants us to go. I want to go too, but we have three children, and I don’t know how it will affect them. What should I do?

Grown Son Wants to Bring Gay Partner to Family Gatherings

Should we allow our adult son to bring his same-sex partner to family gatherings? This makes us extremely uncomfortable, and we’re also afraid that it may be harmful to the younger children in the family. What do you think we should do?

Support for Parent Whose Adult Child Identifies as Transgender

How should we respond to our grown daughter who told us that she no longer identifies as a woman?

Detransitioner Finds Faith, Realizes, ‘I Will Always Be a Female’

A young New Zealander, Issy, recently went public to tell her story of growing up with sexual identity confusion and being irreparably damaged by “transgender” ideology and medical procedures.

Key Differences Between Male and Female

Men and women have obvious physical distinctions. And I believe people should affirm the other essential and unique differences between male and female. But I don’t know how to respond when friends on the other side of this issue challenge me to identify and describe those specific characteristics.

What About Intersexuality?

Are people born gay or trans?

Transgenderism – Our Position

Created in God’s image and likeness, male and female, our sexuality is a gift from God that we offer back, in love, to Him. Transgenderism violates God’s design.

A Singularly Christian View of the Transgender Problem

Christianity has a wholly unique and powerfully true and beautiful understanding of what it means to be human as male and female. If we do not understand these critical issues from this singular perspective, we are not honoring our Lord and are failing our faith.

God and Man as Male and Female: Implications for Gender Identity

If God is both genders – or contains both genders – shouldn’t people be free to choose their own gender identity?

Scientific Support for Gender Distinctions

s there any scientific support for gender distinctions? Within my circle of friends, the subject has often led to some pretty spirited and controversial discussions. They assert that there is no scientific basis whatsoever for the differences I perceive between males and females. Are they right about this?

Casting God's Vision for Sex and Sexuality

Talking points on God’s created intent for the sexes.

Addressing Gender Identity With Honesty and Compassion

Laura Perry Smalts shares her story of childhood pain and trauma that led her to identify as a man for seven years. And it was the spiritual transformation in her parents and the love of many other Christians that convinced her to place her faith in Christ, which she fully unpacks in her book, Transgender to Transformed.

Listen Now

Becoming the Woman God Made Me to Be

Linda Seiler tells her remarkable story of finding healing in Christ and restoration of her identity as a woman after many years of struggle with gender confusion and same-sex attraction.

Listen Now

Accepting My True Identity in Christ (Part 1 of 2)

Rosaria Champagne Butterfield shares her dramatic testimony of coming to faith in Jesus Christ after living as a lesbian who was vehemently opposed to Christianity and the Bible. (Part 1 of 2)

Listen Now

Accepting My True Identity in Christ (Part 2 of 2)

Rosaria Champagne Butterfield shares her dramatic testimony of coming to faith in Jesus Christ after living as a lesbian who was vehemently opposed to Christianity and the Bible. (Part 2 of 2)

Listen Now

The Journey Back to My True Identity (Part 1 of 2)

Offering hope to those struggling with their sexual identity, Walt Heyer and Kathy Grace Duncan discuss their transgender journeys, during which they lived a period of their lives as the opposite gender until God’s restorative power enabled them to transition back to their biological sex. (Part 1 of 2)

Listen Now

The Journey Back to My True Identity (Part 2 of 2)

Listen Now

Videos

Trusting God to Pursue and Rescue Your LGBTQ-Identified Child

The Daily Citizen sat down with author Melinda Patrick to learn how parents can love and disciple children who experience same-sex attraction and sexual identity confusion – without compromising their biblical principles.

Watch Now

I Regret Transitioning

Chloe Cole speaks about how transition didn’t fix anything. (Excerpt from the documentary and study Truth Rising)

Watch Now

Gender Dysphoria is a Mental Illness

Rosaria Butterfield expains why failing to guide and care for those with gender dysphoria is dangerous, destructive.

Watch Now

Ken Williams Testifies Against California's LGBT Policies

In 2018 Ken Williams shared his powerful testimony of Christ helping him overcome his same-sex attraction in an effort to stop a California LGBTQ-affirming bill.

Watch Now

The Church & Transgenderism

Dr. Rosaria Butterfield explains the root of dysphoria. It is a condition which requires the church to address it with honesty and truth.

Watch Now

Books

Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition That Will Truly Set You Free

The Truest Thing About You

Trans-Formation: A Former Transgender Responds to LGBTQ

The Daring Rescue: Joining Jesus Christ In His Pursuit Of Your LGBTQ-Identified Child's Heart

Referrals & Additional Resources

The Bridge Between Us Podcast

Are you struggling to reconcile grace and truth in your relationship with your LGBTQ-identified child? It can feel impossible to navigate this tension, but it’s not. On The Bridge Between Us Podcast, you’ll find support, wisdom, and community.

Listen Now

Study: Gender Reassignment is No Cure for Mental Health Issues

People experiencing gender dysphoria cannot expect gender-reassignment interventions to solve other mental health issues, according to a large, Finnish study published last month in the journal European Psychiatry.

Sex Change Regret (Resources)

It takes a community to support those impacted by this issue. Here you’ll find resources for detransitioners, parents and everyone.

Learn More

ReStory Ministries (Referral)

Learn More

Restored Hope Network (Referral)

Learn More

Partners for Ethical Care (Referral)

Our mission is to raise awareness and support efforts to stop the unethical treatment of children and vulnerable adults by schools, hospitals, and mental and medical healthcare providers under the duplicitous banner of gender identity affirmation. We believe that no one is born in the wrong body.

Learn More

CHANGED (Referral)

Learn More

Additional Resources

Identity Project (Referral)

Learn More

Christian Medical & Dental Associations (Referral)

Christian Medical & Dental Associations serves as the collective voice of thousands of Christian healthcare professionals on bioethical and other healthcare issues. Their Position Statements on these issues can be found on their website.

Learn More

Do No Harm (Referral)

Do No Harm represents physicians, nurses, medical students, patients, and policymakers focused on keeping identity politics out of medical education, research, and clinical practice. They offer help, training and education regarding federal and state policy and litigation.

Learn More

The Public Discourse (Various Articles)

Articles by André Van Mol, MD featuring scientific review of medical and legal issues regarding transgender treatments in medicine.

Understanding Homosexuality (Various Resources)

There are many issues regarding sexuality being faced by our culture. Here at Focus on the Family, we care about helping families understand the complexities of sexual attraction and sexual identity labels and how best to address the difficult questions we face each day in the public square and in our own homes.

Learn More

Transgender Resources

Is there help for my situation?

Need to talk to someone now?

What to Expect

Is there help for my situation?

Need to talk to someone now?

What to Expect

Support for Parents

Browse by Category:

Articles

Broadcasts

Referrals & Additional Resources

Help for My Child

Browse by Category:

Articles

Broadcasts

Videos

Books

Referrals & Additional Resources

Help for My Teen

Browse by Category:

Articles

Broadcasts

Videos

Books

Additional Resources

Help for My Adult Child

Browse by Category:

Articles

Broadcasts

Videos

Books

Referrals & Additional Resources

Additional Resources