The reason I am posting about this story, in spite of transgender issues not being a primary topic of Exodus International, is because it has been buzzing around our circles for a few weeks now. While I can’t speak to the underlying personal issues of why Chastity Bono became Chaz Bono, there are three issues that this cultural discussion raises that are very important for those of us on a Christian post-gay journey – genetics, identity and self-determination.
Genetics
Let me state right out of the gate that there is no proven genetic link to homosexuality.
That said, It’s always confounded me that my gay activist friends will vehemently defend people who identify as transgendered as having a “right” to go against their biology to “become who they truly are.” Yet that same activist will vehemently say that for people like myself, homosexuality is genetic and there is no way to escape that reality. That I should just accept being gay and stop the self-loathing they seem to think I live in.
If you take that thinking to its logical conclusion, genetics has a tyrannical hold on my life, identity and self-determination but does NOT hold that same power over the transgendered.
That, my friends, is hypocrisy.
It is hypocritical to demand that “false social constructs” not be imposed on transgendered people but turn around and then try to impose what we feel is a false ideological construct on us.
Apparently pro-gay self-actualization trumps religious convictions in some activist’s minds.
So transgendered people get a pass and are allowed to “become their true selves,” in spite of what is actually a proven genetic link to gender (genitalia, hormones, bodily organs, chromosomes, etc.…), while people like myself aren’t allowed to become who we know we truly are according to our spiritual beliefs?
Regardless of what others might think, I am not gay or ex-gay. I don’t live in a world contextualized by those two very limiting and narrow words.
Identity
If we look at the example of Jesus’ life, teachings, the whole of scripture and the Golden Rule it is obvious that there is a preferred order of how God, our Creator, would want us (His created) to identify. Because identity is power – the power to define us and our world around us – He is very clear that He wants us to love Him with our whole being and love others as we would love ourselves. In other words our primary identity was intended to be found in worship and service of God first and in humble service to the people around us before we start taking a look inward.
Our world has that completely backward. It’s the worship of self before others and God. Something akin to Jungian “self-actualization” is lauded as the path toward enlightenment. It isn’t a gay thing or even a modern phenomenon; mankind has been looking inwardly to define our reality, sometimes in spite of reality, since Genesis 3.
We were also created with a supernatural drive for identity. It’s one of the ways we bear the image of God: to know and be known. When identity is self-derived a myriad of complex and I believe unfulfilling options manifest. However, when identity is based in Jesus, our Creator, a huge burden is taken off our shoulders, that was never meant to be there to begin with. The journey becomes a hopeful, natural outgrowth of discovery through sacrifice and service. Biblical identity is meant to be a gracious and liberating experience of God’s blessing instead of a humanly derived system of belief that does not actually fulfill. That is why the soul will not be satisfied until it finds its home in Christ alone.
Self-Determination
I love God’s wisdom. He created us with the ability to self-determine our course in this life. He does so because when we choose to follow Him, to fall in love with Him, to obey Him, it is honest and authentic.
Chastity has determined that she is really a he and wants to be known as Chaz. I don’t agree with Chaz’ views of gender, homosexuality, genetics, social issues or that his decisions for his life are even healthy. But if you notice, I did use masculine pronouns because that is what he prefers. It is an attempt to show that while I believe what I believe I don’t want to be offensive for the sake of being offensive. My intent is to not bring up a topic to gossip or engage in flippant humor.
I know that some would disagree with me and say that we cannot affirm, even passively, a gender identity that God did not create. I fully understand and respect that opinion but I have a personal conviction of meeting the transgendered person where they are at and trusting God to work in their hearts. Plus, it isn’t like I would be hiding my opinions about God’s creative intent if the Lord leads us into that type of conversation.
I’ve determined that my life will be defined by God alone and He commands me to love Chaz Bono regardless of what decisions Chaz makes for his life. I will love Chaz by being honest about my beliefs, praying for him and always humanizing and never stigmatizing him.
Just as I have determined to submit to God’s definition and leading in my life that does not mean others have to embrace or accept what I have determined as right and good. Along the same lines, honoring and respecting Chaz’ right to self-determination does not automatically mean I agree with him. It does not mean that I have to accept that Chaz’ decisions are what is best for those who feel alienated from their own gender. However, I can honor him by seeking to meet him where I can but being clear and honest about where I can’t.
Conclusion
It is unfortunate but many people, even those who identify as gay, tune-out when it comes to transgendered issues. It genuinely grieves my heart when I see Christian leaders getting freaked out or jokingly responding to transgendered issues.
The truth is, these are people who God knows by name and He knows them more intimately than any loving parent. They are people who are trying to find answers to the questions in their lives that are actually very familiar to all of us. What honest person has not struggled with issues concerning identity and self-determination?
I have never personally struggled with wanting to wear female clothing or identify as a woman but I do know what it is like to feel like my identity was a void that had no structure or definition. The void in my own life was repaired and healed to overflowing contentment and freedom in Christ. I pray that Chaz will find that same liberation someday.
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For help concerning family members of those struggling with transgender issues please check out Help 4 Families and a book titled, “My Daddy’s Secret” by Denise Schick.
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