Same-Sex Attraction or Gender Dysphoria

Authors: Julie Hamilton, Philip Henry
Publication Year: 2024
Title of Chapter: Same-Sex Attraction or Gender Dysphoria
Editors of Book: T. Hannor-Walker, L. Bohecker, J.A. King
Source: In Marriage and Family: God's Design (pp. 299-316). Kendall Hunt.
Access: Open access via Scholars Crossing, Department for Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University.

Upon completing this chapter, students will be able to:
  1. Recognize Myths: Identify cultural myths related to gender and sexuality.
  2. Examine Childhood Factors: Analyze childhood factors influencing gender insecurity and same-sex attraction.
  3. Support Clients: Assist clients in exploring underlying issues related to their struggles, aligning with their faith.

Scriptural Reference: Colossians 3:12-14 highlights the importance of compassion, humility, and love in addressing issues of same-sex attraction (SSA) and gender dysphoria (GD).
Counseling Approach: Emphasis on approaching clients with compassion and a lack of harsh judgment; recognizing the serious nature of their struggles.

Misunderstandings: Acknowledge societal misperceptions regarding SSA and GD; the necessity of compassion in counseling.
Scriptural Foundation: Starting point for understanding any issue should be scripture, which also harmonizes with good science.
Interconnection: SSA and GD address similar childhood issues and may present similar signs in early development, though they are distinct concepts.
- Common Childhood Factors: Gender non-conformity correlates with adult same-sex attraction (Green, 1987).

God’s Creation: God created humanity as male and female (Genesis 1:27), which is fundamental to human identity as God’s image-bearers.
Marriage: Defined in Biblical context as a union between a man and a woman, intended for procreation and nurturing (Genesis 1:28, 2:24; Mark 10:6-9).
Relation to God: Marriage serves as a metaphorical representation of God’s relationship with humanity (Old Testament and New Testament references).

Same-Sex Relationships: Explicitly forbidden in scripture (Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:24-27).
Cross-Dressing: Prohibited in scripture (Deuteronomy 22:5).
Transformation Possibilities: Change is possible through Christ; those struggling with SSA can find change through faith and counseling (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

No Biological Determinism: Studies indicate that SSA is not solely biological (e.g., twin studies revealing concordance rates below 20%).
Disproving Biological Myths: Address myths around being "born gay" or being "assigned" gender at birth; emphasize that gender is determined at conception.
Underlying Complexities: Gender dysphoria results from both biological and psychological factors but is not solely determined by biology.

Potential for Change: Research supports that change regarding SSA or gender identity can occur through various therapies (Jones & Yarhouse, 2011; Pela & Sutton, 2021).
Counseling Efficacy: Counseling aimed at understanding and resolving these issues is not inherently harmful (Sullins, 2022).
- Misleading Claims: The narrative that change efforts lead to increased suicide risk is refuted by studies showing reductions in suicide rates (Sullins, 2022).

Gender Affirming Care: Common practices in gender dysphoria treatment involve affirming a sense of wrong bodily identity, starting as early as age ten; can involve hormonal treatments (Bonifacio et al., 2019).
Detransition Regrets: Emerging stories from individuals who regret transitioning underscore the importance of caution in such treatments (D’Angelo et al., 2021).

Formative Years: Early childhood experiences greatly impact adult gender identity and sexual orientation.
Identified Risk Factors: Various factors influence gender confusion, including:
  - Parental desires for a child of the opposite sex
  - Involvement of sensitive temperament
  - Gender non-conformity (specific behaviors linked to SSA)
  - Poor relationships with same-sex parents and peers
  - Sexual abuse and family trauma.

Critical Stages: The natural progression through bonding with same-sex parents, same-sex peer interactions, and moving into puberty leads to secure gender identity. Without these, children may struggle with their identity.

Underlying Issues: Counselors must explore how perceptions and experiences have shaped clients’ identities.
Client-Centered Approach: Professional counselors should tailor their methods based on individual client histories.
Address Current Behaviors: Help clients modify both behaviors and faulty identities, emphasizing repentance and spiritual growth for Christian clients.

Cultural vs. Spiritual Understanding: Acknowledge that cultural myths prevail over biblical and scientific truths regarding SSA and GD.
Role of Counselors: Counselors can act as transformative agents by utilizing effective methods pertinent to individual client needs and by advocating for deeper connections with faith and scripture.

Restored Hope Network: Resource network for individuals seeking guidance on SSA.
International Foundation for Therapeutic Choice: Community of counselors addressing these issues.
Journal of Human Sexuality: Peer-reviewed journal on sexuality and counseling topics.

Gender-Affirming Care: Care that affirms clients’ perceptions of being in the wrong body, facilitating physical changes to align with that perception.