An Attempt to Understand the Biology of Gender and Gender Dysphoria: A Christian Approach

The recent rise in the number of transgender individuals has perplexed many. A study of possible biological origins of gender dysphoria presents a complex picture. In some cases, prenatal hormonal imbalance may cause early-onset and persistent gender dysphoria. In contrast, late-onset cases are associated with a high incidence of comorbidities such as trauma, depression, and autism. In such cases, social isolation and an impaired body image may make individuals susceptible to social media suggestions of gender dysphoria. Moreover, affirmative counseling without addressing underlying comorbidities can strengthen this misperception, further moving these individuals along a trajectory toward transition. Care must be taken when considering early transition, given the fact that childhood gender dysphoria frequently desists. One must balance sparing a child from the distressing sexual changes of puberty with beginning transition in someone who might otherwise have desisted. Recent studies of perception suggest that it is a top-down predictive, "best guess" process. Although these "guesses" are continuously modified by sensory experience, they can persist; they might also apply to some cases of gender dysphoria. While some people have managed to detransition back to their natal gender, we should not assume that this is possible with everyone. As Christians, we need to examine each case individually, removing the stigma and supporting them through this distressing condition.