This workshop will examine how a new gender ideology is being promoted in schools and on social media, how rapid onset gender dysphoria (ROGD) among pre-teen and younger teenage girls has surged. It will examine how widespread–though far from universal–encouragement of ‘gender diverse’ identities and support for ‘affirming’ children in their chosen gender (regardless of birth sex, life-changing consequences, or mental health complications) has developed. We will explore what we know, and do not know, about the causes, effects and treatment of gender dysphoria among under-18s. However, our main focus will be on some practical steps-positive and protective-that parents and churches can take to promote in children and teenagers a healthy sense of identity, gender identity, and associated gender expression, rooted in God’s love to us in creation and in Christ.
