508 | Gender Dysphoria: Five Truths, and Five Lies

Many faith-based parents are unsure of what to think or do when their child begins to question their gender. For some children, adolescents, and younger adults struggling with identity and gender confusion, a key theme that has emerged from their stories is their need for security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. When these legitimate needs are met through unhealthy means, they can lead to counterfeit solutions that fail to bring lasting satisfaction, resulting in confusion, anger, and even believing changing their gender will resolve these struggles. This workshop will focus on how to help faith-based parents understand their child questioning their gender and how they can help them during this struggle. In this workshop, Ministry leaders will analyze the connection between these core needs not being met and false beliefs, especially as they relate to young people questioning their gender. Participants will recognize how technology can contribute to this confusion through reinforcement of five key lies and will identify new questions and conversation starters for parents based on five core needs. Participants will learn tools to help parents focus on meeting these core needs in health ways through redirecting their child’s thinking, emotions, and decision-making to address the root issues behind gender dysphoria.