Spirituality, Healing and the Whole Person: Reconciling Faith in the Transgender Community

Abstract

Introduction Transgender culture, perspectives, and issues have become heated topics of conversation because of recent events in government, the news, and social media. This has caused much attention to be drawn toward people who identify as transgender. Some of the attention has been positive and empowering. On the other hand, some of the attention has been negative and hurtful. Within religious circles, there are clergy and faith leaders who support the transgender community and there are those who ardently oppose it to the point of judgment and name-calling. This opposition toward transgender people by faith-based organizations (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.) can have a profound effect on the spirituality of their congregants-the people who identify as transgender, their friends, and their acquaintances. The message that is transmitted from these places of worship that disagree with transgender identities is one of dismissal. Transgender people hear that they do not belong in faith circles because of rules, dictated by an interpretation of Scripture and religious tradition, that say they are "confused" or are "an abomination" and "sinners." As a result, people wonder about their belonging, their ability to remain faithful, and their self-worth as spiritual beings. Children and teenagers, those just at the point where they begin to question their identity and their sense of self, are especially at risk when they hear these messages of disdain. This article seeks to address how children with gender dysphoria and those who identify as transgender might overcome the religious and faith-based stigma that they may encounter. By seeking guidance from supportive people and affirming spiritual care providers, these children and teenagers have a chance at preserving their faith and their sense of the sacred. The children, teens, and families who are seen at the GENECIS Program clinic at Children's Health-Children's Medical Center of Dallas are seen as whole persons. The GENECIS Program exemplifies how to provide holistic care for children with gender dysphoria. Despite the religious culture surrounding some of the children and teens who frequent the GENECIS clinic, the spiritual care practitioners who work with these patients attempt to uphold and encourage their spirituality. This article is based on the encounters between children, teens, family members, and the spiritual care providers at Children's Health. It does not reflect a larger population than the patients in the GENECIS clinic, but it does address how spiritual care can be integrated into the holistic healing and care of people with gender dysphoria and those who identify as transgender.