Affirming Identity: The Biblical Call to Support Trans Rights and Gender-Affirming Care
Affirming Identity: The Biblical Call to Support Trans Rights and Gender-Affirming Care
Church of Deets
Affirming Identity:
The Biblical Call to Support Trans Rights and Gender-Affirming Care
Beloved community, today we gather to discuss a topic that has been the subject of much debate in recent times, both within our churches and in society at large. As Christians, we are called to reflect deeply on issues of justice, dignity, and love, grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures. The focus of our conversation today is one that touches on the core of human identity: transgender rights and the moral and theological validity of gender-affirming care.
Some may ask: "Is there room for Trans identities in the church? Can we, as Christians, support gender-affirming care as an act of love and justice?" The answer is not only "yes," but it is deeply rooted in Scripture and the fundamental principles of our faith. Let us explore how the Bible, when interpreted with a spirit of love and compassion, calls us to affirm the dignity, rights, and care of our transgender siblings.
1. Created in the Image of God
The journey begins with the most foundational of all theological affirmations: that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The Imago Dei—the belief that humanity reflects God's image—applies universally to all people, regardless of their gender identity.
Genesis tells us that God created "male and female," but this description does not confine God’s creativity or the diversity of human experiences. It does not say that male and female are exhaustive categories that encompass all expressions of human identity. Rather, it speaks to the beauty of human diversity within creation. The Hebrew language and its literary structure often employ binary opposites to capture the entirety of a spectrum, such as "heaven and earth" or "day and night." Therefore, "male and female" can also be understood as an inclusion of the full diversity of gender identities.
When we recognize transgender people as bearers of God’s image, we are called to honor their existence and their journey. To deny someone their identity is to deny the sacredness of the Imago Dei within them. Supporting Trans rights and gender-affirming care, then, becomes a theological necessity for honoring the divine image in all people.
2. Jesus’ Radical Love and Inclusion
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently reaches out to those on the margins of society, embracing the outcast, the downtrodden, and the misunderstood. Jesus defies rigid social norms and advocates for those who are ostracized by mainstream society. Whether it was his interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42) or his healing of the bleeding woman who had been excluded due to her condition (Mark 5:25-34), Jesus constantly reaffirmed the dignity of those whose identities and conditions placed them outside societal acceptance.
Transgender people, like many marginalized groups throughout history, have faced rejection, misunderstanding, and violence. Yet, Jesus teaches us that they are exactly the kind of people the Kingdom of God is for. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we stand up for the rights of transgender individuals, we stand in solidarity with Jesus and the oppressed.
The heart of Jesus’ ministry was one of healing and restoration—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Gender-affirming care, which can include counseling, hormone therapy, or surgeries, is an extension of this healing ministry. It allows individuals to align their physical bodies with their inner sense of self, promoting wholeness and well-being. Supporting this care is in line with the compassionate, healing work that Jesus exemplified throughout his life.
3. Paul’s Teaching on the Unity of the Body of Christ
The Apostle Paul reminds us that, in Christ, we are all part of one body, where each member plays an essential role (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This powerful verse underscores the spiritual truth that, in Christ, the divisions and hierarchies imposed by society—including those related to gender—are transcended.
Paul’s teaching challenges the idea that rigid gender binaries are essential to Christian identity or fellowship. The body of Christ is diverse, and the roles we play are not determined by societal expectations of gender, but by the gifts we bring to the community.
In affirming transgender identities, we are acknowledging that gender diversity is a reflection of the diversity in God’s creation. Just as Paul teaches that we should not discriminate based on one’s ethnicity, social status, or gender, so too are we called to resist the marginalization of transgender individuals. Gender-affirming care becomes an act of solidarity, a way to ensure that every member of the body of Christ can flourish and live authentically.
4. The Biblical Mandate for Justice
The Bible repeatedly calls us to seek justice for the oppressed and the marginalized. The prophet Micah’s call to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) should be at the heart of our Christian response to the issue of transgender rights. This call to justice is echoed throughout Scripture in passages like Isaiah 1:17, which says, "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."
Transgender individuals face systemic injustice in the form of discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and social services. Many are denied access to the very care that would enable them to live authentically and thrive. As Christians, we are called to stand against this oppression. To advocate for transgender rights and gender-affirming care is to fulfill the biblical mandate for justice.
In Proverbs 31:8-9, we are reminded to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Transgender individuals, who often face silencing and marginalization, are precisely the people we are called to defend. Gender-affirming care is not only an issue of healthcare, but also of justice. It is a means of addressing the physical and emotional harm that comes from denying individuals their full humanity.
5. Gender as a Sacred Journey
One of the most beautiful truths of Scripture is that God is present with us in our journeys of transformation. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who undergo profound change and growth—whether it’s Abram becoming Abraham, Jacob becoming Israel, or Saul becoming Paul. These transformations are often marked by new names, new identities, and new purposes in God’s plan.
For many transgender individuals, the process of embracing their true gender identity is a sacred journey, one that mirrors the biblical theme of transformation and renewal. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse speaks to the profound truth that in Christ, we are continually being renewed and transformed.
Just as Abram’s name change to Abraham signified a new covenant and purpose with God, the adoption of a new name and identity for a transgender person can signify their own embrace of their true self, as God intended. Gender-affirming care is part of this sacred journey, helping individuals live in alignment with their authentic selves.
Our role as Christians is to support and walk alongside our transgender siblings in their journey, offering love, compassion, and affirmation, just as God walks with each of us in our own journeys of faith and identity.
6. The Misuse of Scripture: A Call for Hermeneutic Humility
It is important to acknowledge that some Christians have used Scripture to condemn transgender identities and deny gender-affirming care. Passages like Deuteronomy 22:5, which prohibits cross-dressing, or the creation narrative in Genesis have been weaponized to support rigid gender norms. However, as people of faith, we must approach Scripture with humility and discernment.
Jesus himself critiqued the misuse of Scripture when it was employed to oppress or exclude. In Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing that mercy and justice must take precedence over rigid rule-following. Likewise, when Scriptures are used to harm and marginalize, we must ask whether this reflects the heart of God’s justice and mercy.
The Bible, when read through the lens of love, inclusion, and justice, reveals a God who values the dignity and humanity of all people. It does not justify the exclusion of transgender individuals from the fullness of life or deny them the care they need. Instead, it calls us to protect, affirm, and love them as our neighbors.
7. Love as the Fulfillment of the Law
Ultimately, our highest calling as Christians is to love—love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus teaches that all of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. The apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 13:10: "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law."
If love is the fulfillment of the law, then our response to the transgender community must be one of love. This love is not passive, but active—it requires us to stand up for justice, to affirm their rights, and to advocate for their well-being, including access to gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care is an expression of this love, as it seeks to bring healing, peace, and wholeness to those who need it.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on the teachings of Scripture and the example of Jesus, we see that transgender rights and gender-affirming care are not only compatible with our faith but are essential expressions of it. We are called to be advocates of justice, healers of the brokenhearted, and bearers of God’s radical love for all people. When we deny the rights of transgender individuals or refuse to support their access to the care they need, we deny the very essence of Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Today, I urge each of us to reflect deeply on how we can live out this calling in our own lives. How can we be allies to the transgender community, both within and beyond our churches? How can we speak out against injustice and work to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity?
To support transgender rights and gender-affirming care is not to abandon biblical values, but to live them out in their fullest expression. We are following in the footsteps of Jesus when we choose to affirm the dignity and worth of every individual, when we stand against exclusion and oppression, and when we advocate for healing and wholeness. This is the Gospel in action.
8. The Church as a Place of Radical Inclusion
The Church is called to be a sanctuary for all people, a place of refuge and radical inclusion where God’s love is made manifest in our relationships with one another. In Luke 14:13-14, Jesus tells us to "invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind," to the banquet of God’s Kingdom—a powerful image of inclusion that embraces those who are often marginalized or excluded.
Transgender individuals often feel alienated from faith communities due to rejection or condemnation. But the church has an opportunity to extend the hospitality of Christ, creating a space where transgender people are not just welcomed but celebrated for the unique gifts they bring to the body of Christ.
To create this space, we must dismantle the barriers that prevent transgender people from participating fully in the life of the church. This includes advocating for gender-affirming care as part of our commitment to justice and inclusion. Just as Jesus embraced those on the margins of society, so must the church embrace transgender individuals, affirming their right to live authentically and to receive the care that supports their well-being.
9. Gender Diversity in Scripture
It is also important to recognize that the Bible contains examples of individuals who, in some ways, challenge or transcend conventional gender norms. Consider the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. Eunuchs, in the cultural context of the time, did not fit neatly into the categories of male and female due to their physical condition, which often placed them on the outskirts of society.
Yet, in this story, the Holy Spirit leads Philip to the eunuch, and the eunuch is welcomed into the Christian community through baptism. This narrative demonstrates that God's grace is not limited by societal norms regarding gender and that those who exist outside traditional gender categories are fully embraced by God.
The story of the Ethiopian eunuch serves as a reminder that gender diversity is not new, nor is it something to be feared or rejected. It is part of the complexity of human experience, and Scripture provides us with examples of God’s love and inclusion of those who fall outside traditional gender roles.
10. Practical Steps for the Church
As we conclude, it’s important to move from theology to action. How can we, as individuals and as a community of faith, support transgender rights and advocate for gender-affirming care in meaningful ways?
Educate Ourselves and Our Congregations: It is essential that we seek to understand the experiences and needs of transgender individuals. This means engaging with transgender voices, reading their stories, and learning about the medical, psychological, and social aspects of gender-affirming care. We must also challenge harmful myths and misinformation that contribute to the marginalization of transgender people.
Advocate for Policies That Protect Transgender Rights: As Christians, we are called to seek justice in all aspects of life, including the public sphere. This means advocating for laws and policies that protect transgender individuals from discrimination and ensure access to gender-affirming care. We must support legal protections that affirm the dignity of transgender people in healthcare, employment, housing, and public services.
Offer Support to Transgender Individuals: Whether it is through direct support, providing financial assistance for gender-affirming care, or creating safe spaces within our church communities, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of transgender people. Listening to their needs, validating their experiences, and being willing to stand in solidarity with them are practical ways we can extend Christ’s love.
Create Inclusive Church Practices: Churches must ensure that they are truly welcoming spaces for transgender individuals. This includes allowing people to use their chosen names and pronouns, providing gender-neutral bathrooms, and ensuring that all church activities and ministries are inclusive of transgender people. Our churches should be places where transgender individuals feel seen, respected, and loved.
Preach the Gospel of Love and Justice: Pastors and church leaders have a responsibility to preach sermons and offer teachings that affirm the dignity of all people, including transgender individuals. This means explicitly addressing transgender issues from the pulpit and challenging harmful theologies that marginalize and oppress. Our preaching should reflect the inclusive and liberating message of the Gospel.
Conclusion: A Gospel of Love, Justice, and Affirmation
As we close, let us remember that the heart of the Christian faith is love—love for God and love for our neighbors. This love calls us to stand up for justice, to protect the vulnerable, and to affirm the dignity of all people. Transgender individuals are our neighbors, our siblings in Christ, and our fellow bearers of God’s image.
To support transgender rights and gender-affirming care is to live out the teachings of Jesus. It is to recognize that each person, regardless of their gender identity, is beloved by God and deserving of dignity, respect, and care.
As we go forth from this place, let us commit to being advocates for justice, voices for the marginalized, and bearers of God’s inclusive love. In doing so, we not only fulfill the commandments of Christ but also participate in the unfolding of God’s Kingdom, where all are welcomed, affirmed, and made whole.
May God grant us the wisdom, courage, and compassion to live out this calling, and may we, as a church, be a beacon of love and justice in a world that so desperately needs it.
Amen.
Resources:
Trans Rights Are Human Rights Timeline
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