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Answer
Transsexualism, also known as transgenderism, Gender Identity Disorder (GID), or gender dysphoria, is the feeling that one’s biological, genetic, or physiological gender does not align with the gender one identifies with and perceives oneself to be. Individuals who are transsexual or transgender often express feeling “trapped” in a body that does not correspond to their true gender. They may engage in transvestism and may also opt for hormone therapy and/or gender reassignment surgery to align their bodies with their perceived gender.
The Bible does not explicitly mention transgenderism or describe individuals as experiencing transgender feelings. However, the Bible does address human sexuality extensively. Fundamental to the understanding of gender is the belief that God created two, and only two, genders: “male and female He created them” “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”, (Genesis 1:27). The contemporary discussions on multiple genders, gender fluidity, or a gender “continuum” with infinite genders are not found in the Bible.
The Bible’s closest reference to transgenderism is in its censure of homosexuality (Romans 1:18-32;1 Corinthians 6:9-10) and transvestism “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”, (Deuteronomy 22:5). The Greek term often translated as “homosexual offenders” or “male prostitutes” in 1 Corinthians 6:9 actually means “effeminate men.” Therefore, while the Bible does not directly address transgendeTransgenderism, when it mentions other instances of gender “confusion,” clearly and explicitly identifies them as sin.
What about the possibility that those struggling with transgenderism have a brain that functions as one gender while the rest of the body is biologically the other gender? The Bible does not even hint at such a possibility. However, neither does the Bible mention hermaphroditism (a condition in which a person has both male and female sexual organs), which undeniably occurs (although extremely rarely). Furthermore, people can be born with or develop various brain defects or malfunctions. How can it be said that it is impossible for a female brain to be in a male body (or vice versa)?
With hermaphroditism as evidence, it cannot be said that if the Bible does not mention something, it does not occur. So, it might be possible for a person to be born with a brain wired in such a way that it contributes to gender dysphoria. This could also be an explanation for some instances of homosexuality. However, just because something might have a biological cause does not mean embracing the effects is the right thing to do. Some people are wired with a sexuality on hyper-drive. That does not make it right for them to engage in sexual immorality. It is scientifically proven that some psychopaths/sociopaths have brains with severely weakened impulse-control mechanisms. That does not make it right for them to engage in every deviant behavior that crosses their minds.
Regardless of whether the gender distortion has a genetic, hormonal, physiological, psychological, or spiritual cause, it can be overcome and healed through faith in Christ and continued reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. Healing can be received, sin can be overcome, and lives can be changed through the salvation that Jesus provides, even if there are biological/physiological factors. The Corinthian believers are an example of such a change: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). There is hope for everyone, including transsexuals, transgender individuals, those with gender identity disorder, and transvestites, because of God’s forgiveness available through Jesus Christ.
