In today’s society, we are increasingly told that children have the right to determine their own gender identity, and that they should be affirmed in whatever direction they choose, even to the point of medical transition. This includes puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries that permanently alter the body. But beyond the immediate dangers posed by these procedures lies a deeper, more insidious issue: what if some children are not coming to these conclusions on their own, but are being manipulated by external forces? What if their gender dysphoria is a symptom of something far more sinister—like childhood sexual abuse or manipulation by an online influencer or other adult figure? And how can we, as Christians, respond with both compassion and truth?
The Path from Dysphoria to Dissociation
Gender dysphoria, the distress one feels when their biological sex does not align with their internal sense of gender, is increasingly common among children and adolescents today. But it is rarely an isolated phenomenon. For many children, this dysphoria is comorbid with other psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and, in particular, body dissociation—a psychological condition where the child feels disconnected from or even alienated from their own body.
In many cases, body dissociation is linked to a history of sexual abuse. Children who have been sexually abused often develop dissociative coping mechanisms. For some, this manifests as a desire to distance themselves from their own body, which has become a source of pain, shame, and betrayal. In such cases, gender dysphoria can be the way the child expresses this dissociation: a belief that they are in “the wrong body” is often a subconscious attempt to escape the trauma associated with their biological sex.
The Role of Social Contagion
One of the most troubling aspects of today’s gender dysphoria epidemic is the role of social contagion. Many studies show that a significant number of young people who develop gender dysphoria report having been influenced by peers or online communities. In particular, adolescent girls—who now represent the majority of those diagnosed with gender dysphoria—are increasingly vulnerable to these external pressures.
Dr. Lisa Littman’s 2018 study on Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) found that many of these girls began to identify as transgender after exposure to online content or peer groups that were promoting gender transition as a form of self-expression or identity exploration. This phenomenon bears a striking resemblance to other forms of social contagion, such as eating disorders or self-harm, which are also more common in girls than in boys.
The pressures to conform to this ideology often come from sources outside the immediate family—be it peers, teachers, or even anonymous online influencers. In some cases, these online “mentors” may provide emotional validation and encourage children to pursue drastic life changes like medical transition. This, in turn, can worsen the child’s dissociation from their body, especially if there is a history of trauma or abuse that has gone unaddressed.
Hidden Abusers: The Power Behind the Curtain
While the popular narrative often focuses on parents as the primary influencers of a child’s gender transition, the truth is that the abuser may not be the parent at all. In many cases, there could be an abuser lurking behind the scenes—an online figure, an anonymous “trans mentor,” or even a relative who has abused the child in some way. These figures may not only manipulate the child’s perception of their gender but may also reinforce the idea that they are “in the wrong body.”
For children who have been sexually abused, this is especially dangerous. Abusers thrive on control, secrecy, and emotional manipulation. By encouraging the child to transition, these individuals are effectively silencing the child’s distress, preventing them from receiving the proper care and healing. The abuser may also foster an environment in which the child’s gender confusion is affirmed by family members or professionals, thereby increasing the isolation and control over the victim.
This dynamic highlights the reality that not all who advocate for gender transition are acting out of compassion. Some may be exerting emotional or psychological manipulation to control the child’s identity, leaving them further disconnected from the truth of their body and their identity.
A Spiritual Assault on the Image of God
As Christians, we understand that every person is created in the image of God, as Genesis 1:27 reminds us: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Our bodies—whether male or female—are a direct reflection of God’s design. To attempt to erase or alter this body is not just a psychological or medical issue; it is a spiritual issue.
The drive to alter one’s body through gender transition is, in part, an attempt to destroy God’s image in us. It is a powerful reflection of the spiritual battle for our souls. The enemy of our souls, Satan, has always sought to deface the image of God in humanity. In this case, gender dysphoria, when compounded by abuse and confusion, becomes a tool for that spiritual warfare.
From Being in Adam to Being in Christ: The New Identity
For those who are struggling with gender dysphoria, the answer is not to follow the world’s advice to transition. The answer is Christ. Through faith in Him, we are not only forgiven for our sins but are given a new identity—one that is anchored in Him. The Bible teaches that in Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We no longer belong to the old, broken system of this world, where sin, trauma, and confusion reign. In Christ, we are given a new birth—a spiritual rebirth that moves us from being “in Adam” (the old nature) to being “in Christ” (the new nature).
This transformation is profound. It is not just a change of beliefs or desires, but a renewal of the soul. The old identity—shaped by abuse, lies, and the distortion of the body—is put to death. We are raised to a new life, not by the world’s standards, but by Christ’s. Our bodies, which were once broken by sin and trauma, are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are no longer defined by our brokenness but by the love and grace of God.
Gender Dysphoria and Trauma: Healing in Christ
It is crucial to remember that for many children suffering from gender dysphoria, the roots of this distress lie in trauma—whether sexual, emotional, or relational. The response to this trauma should not be more trauma in the form of medical intervention, but compassionate care and healing. Christ offers us that healing. He came to heal the brokenhearted and to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). And in Him, there is no condemnation—only the promise of restoration.
To the person struggling with gender dysphoria, to the parent wondering what to do, to the counselor who feels powerless: turn to Christ. Seek His help. He offers the true identity that transcends all the labels of this world. Only in Christ can we find the peace that passes understanding, the wholeness that mends the broken soul, and the freedom from the lies that seek to destroy us.
The Role of the Church
For the church, this is a moment to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are called not to condemn, but to offer the hope of the gospel—an eternal hope that does not change with trends, cultures, or ideologies. The gospel offers an identity far greater than anything the world can provide. It offers healing, restoration, and redemption for all who come to Him.
If you are reading this and you are struggling with gender confusion or trauma, know that God sees you. He loves you deeply. And in Christ, there is healing—healing for the mind, for the heart, and for the body. There is freedom from the lies that bind you. And there is restoration to the image of God that was marred but not lost.
Christ offers a new identity to all who believe. The old has gone; the new has come. Let us not define ourselves by the confusion, trauma, or ideologies of this world, but by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Him, we find our true selves, and in His arms, we find healing and hope for the future.
Robert Sparkman
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