Hating Transgender Kids

loveWhy some Christians insist on harsh rhetoric, fear mongering, and hopeless political battles is beyond me. If you hate transgender kids so much, then share the Gospel with them. It’s the only weapon you have capable of victory.

Where will your justification for hatred be when medicine can change chromosomes? Instead of looking to pop science, why not consider what Scripture has to say about the issue?

In Acts 8:26 is recorded the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch.

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”

No harsh rhetoric there. No Pharisaical man-made rules. No chromosomes. Philip didn’t require anything extra before baptism.

Have you considered that Philip didn’t heal the eunuch? And yet, earlier in chapter 8, it says that

Acts 8:6,7: “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”

Perhaps the eunuch’s sexual difference was something that didn’t need healing? At the very least, we have God’s  promise that remaining a eunuch was for his good. (Romans 8:28)

Matthew 19:12 says “For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”

Jesus doesn’t condemn any of these people, but what the Bible does make clear is that eunuchs were not the same as males. Sexual status can be something other than male or female, and it can change.

I’m not saying that transgender kids are eunuchs. What I’m trying to point out is how the Gospel treats someone who is sexually different than your standard male or female, boy or girl. And that the Bible acknowledges that at least some sexual variations away from typical male or female are “from their mother’s womb.”

If you think that gender is entirely learned, I’d love to hear your Biblical argument for it. Might I suggest that such a view stems rather from feminism or our culture’s distorted view of the theories of Dr. John Money?

For years physicians used surgery and hormones to turn intersex babies into girls on the theory that, with the proper reinforcement from parents, the child would develop a feminine gender identity. Here’s a case typical of the sorts of failures that occurred.

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As an experiment, they even tried to raise a boy as a girl. As an infant David Reimer had lost his penis in a circumcision accident. Dr. John Money (pictured below) recommended castration and raising the child as a girl. If gender was learned, then David should be happy as Brenda.  Here’s one telling of the sad story:

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Isaiah 56:1-8 says

“Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.”

Let me repeat part of that quote, in case you missed it.

“For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.”

God has promised “a name better than of sons and daughters” for covenant-keeping eunuchs. He could have said as good as or the same as, but He didn’t. Even in blessing, God makes a distinction between eunuch(intersex, castrata, trans?) and male or female.

God has promised to bring in some of the people you hate the most. Share the Gospel with them and let the Holy Spirit and God’s Grace take care of whatever needs to be done in their lives.

You disagree? That’s great! Rather than slamming me, why not show me from Scripture where I’m wrong? I’m open to reproof and correction. I’d love to hear from you.

When Male And Female Isn’t Enough

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Megan DeFranza’s PhD Thesis, Intersex and Imago: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality in Postmodern Theological Anthropology, dealt with some aspects of how the Christian Church has viewed intersex.

The Wild Goose Festival advertises itself as

“We are called to embody a different kind of religious expression than has often dominated our institutions and culture.  We believe that the best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better; so we refuse to merely denounce the shadow of the tradition and abandon it. Instead, we humbly seek to both tear down and build up, walking a path that embodies love of God, neighbor, and self.”

Megan will be speaking on “When Male And Female Isn’t Enough,” and she was gracious enough to invite me along to talk about my experience as a Christian with an intersex condition.

If you’re in the area, drop by and say hello!

LS

 

Interview–Abigail Tarttelin

Author Abigail Tarttelin

Author Abigail Tarttelin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abigail Tarttelin, the author of Golden Boy agreed to speak with me again.

Lianne: Hi Abigail! Thanks for coming back again.

Abigail: Hi Lianne! Armed with a cup of tea now! How are you?

Lianne: Darjeeling?

Abigail: No, Green. I drink it all day!

Lianne: Ah. I’m great. Not sure I could drink tea all day, though.

Abigail: I know it’s a bit crazy. But I’m British. It’s what we do!

Lianne: I used to travel some for business. After a day in the air I like black tea with a shot of Bailey’s

Abigail: oo that sounds lovely!

Lianne: So, you’re working on a new book?

Abigail: No I’m working on a screenplay. I have a great friend I met on a job two years ago that I write with.

Lianne: Sounds like fun!

Did you accomplish your goals with Golden Boy?

Abigail: Which goals?

Lianne: You were writing about gender, neh? And wanted to express some ideas. Have readers reacted as you had hoped?

Abigail: By and large yes! My aim with Golden Boy was to add to a discussion, and perhaps also to bring that discussion into a wider forum. I wanted to pose questions rather than offer conclusions and I think readers seem to be galvanized to do their own thinking about gender norms, which was what I had hoped to achieve.

Lianne: I suspect that people will react in a wide variety of ways. Some of the things that resonate with an intersex person may fly right past someone else.

Abigail: That’s true.

Lianne: Mind you, I think you did an excellent job of presenting issues faced by an intersex teen.

Abigail: Thanks so much, Lianne. That really means so much coming from someone who has had to deal with these things on a personal level, and I’m really happy that you think so.

Lianne: One of the complaints I got about Confessions was that the protagonist didn’t stand up for herself more. But Max seems to have the same personality issue. Or perhaps it’s just his resilliance. There’s so much pressure to be what others expect. It’s not always overt, though.

Abigail: Yes, and I think this is a major difficulty with gender and sexuality issues for teens. There is so much negativity and feelings of fear and guilt surrounding the concepts of sex and gender that adolescents find themselves overwhelmed into silence. And I think it’s a really good point – for Max and Jamie – that this is also indicative of an inner resilience and an attempt to not bring an argument about who they are to the table, but to withhold themselves from others and remain as they are, inside.

Lianne: Exactly!

Abigail: 🙂

I do think it’s hard too, from my own perspective as well as Max’s, to stand up for yourself when you’re an amenable person surrounded by strong personalities.

Lianne: But why are you amenable? And, perhaps that means you’re stronger? With Max, he seemed okay at the beginning. Lots of kids are insecure about anything to do with sex.

Abigail: I think amenable, in the sense of being open and responsive, is a great thing to be! But when you reach adulthood, as Max does, you find there are decisions to be made that will mark the rest of your life, and you have to stand up for yourself in a way you didn’t when you were younger.

Lianne: Lots of kids are insecure about anything to do with sex.

Abigail: That’s very true.

Lianne: I’m glad it wasn’t Max who made the final decision regarding the medical procedure. I would have been upset with you.

Abigail: I think Karen’s point of view in the book, particular with her influence over Max and his medical decisions, is one of the most divisive parts of the novel for readers. On the one hand, she’s being a good mother and trying to take hard decisions off his hands; on the other hand, perhaps she goes too far with a choice that Max should have taken responsibility for.

Lianne: And, actually, I had to put the book down for a while after he got his mom’s attention.

Abigail: I know. It was such a sad scene to write, and I’m pretty sure I had to take a breath afterwards before beginning the next chapter.

What did you think of Karen?

Lianne: For some parents of intersex kids, it’s about them. For Karen, it was about her. I don’t care how much she claims to love Max. What she did was unconscionable. Doctors panic about intersex. The kids can’t afford to have parents who do.

Abigail: That’s very true. That’s one reason I think it’s so important to have books like Confessions and Golden Boy, that speak to parents and adult readers.

Lianne: Yes. And I wish you success!

Abigail: And to you!! 🙂

Lianne: Fortunately, the growth of support groups has meant an increasing number of activist parents.

Abigail: Yes! Which is wonderful.

Lianne: I understand you’re doing an audiobook? Mine is in process.

Abigail: Yes, Simon and Schuster are putting out an audiobook. I read the part of Sylvie. I really hope people like it! I’m so interested to hear the final version. I have heard snippets from each of the narrators, and they all sound fantastic! It’s still set in England, so all the voices are English.

Lianne: Is she the character you most identify with?

Abigail: Sylvie is probably the character I sound most like in any case! Max and Sylvie equally I very much identify with. I was very like Sylvie as a teenager – although nowhere near as cool or confident, particularly with people I had crushes on!!

Lianne: I’ll be interested to hear what Max sounds like. I assume he had enough Testosterone to change his voice.

Abigail: Well in the book, I think it’s nice because people can really make their minds up. For me, his voice wouldn’t be so deep. I’m interested too to see what it sounds like in the audio book!

Lianne: Can you share something personal that might surprise your readers?

Abigail: Ok, a thought: I am the luckiest person I know, largely because I haven’t always been lucky. I have had to work really hard and think outside the box to get to where I am as a writer and a person, and the fact that my career and achievements aren’t based solely on luck means that I’m prouder of those achievements than I would have been otherwise. I think this is a thought that could be very relevant to intersex readers. Your gender hasn’t been handed to you on a plate, and you have to make choices that others never have to. But perhaps that means that, in the end, you can be prouder of the person you become, because you had to fight for yourself and assert who you are every step of the way.

Lianne: Thanks!

Abigail: No problem 🙂 You are the master of your own fate, and not a product of a gender role you arbitrarily received, and had to submit to.

Lianne: I liked the way Golden Boy ended, at least in terms of the issue of intersex still being unresolved. Even if Max had ‘normalizing’ surgery, he’d still be intersex.

Abigail: I agree. As much as we change ourselves, we are still ourselves. And there’s nothing wrong with Max.

Lianne: It is important, however, to get to the point where intersex (or whatever) isn’t the all-consuming focus of your life.

Abigail: Totally. That’s really the point of the book. Max is Max. There’s nothing wrong with him and intersex isn’t the only facet of his personality. What happens in the novel hopefully makes the reader ask ‘Why is it such a big deal?’

Well! I am late for a date!! Not a romantic date, a work one…! I have to go. But it’s been so lovely talking to you again!

Lianne: Thanks so much for taking the time. 🙂

Abigail: Thank YOU! Very best of luck with Confessions and talk soon! 🙂

Lianne: Thanks. 🙂

You can read our first interview here at MuseItUp Publishing;s blog

Thought To Be Faie

Hysterical laughter burst from my lips the first time I ran across this photo of my grandfather with his older brother. I was, after all, named for him.

Robert and Charles Long

Robert and Charles Long

In spite of the banana curls and dress, my grandfather grew up to be a burly steelworker with a wife and four children.

His father was one of the last blacksmiths to shoe horses in the Chicago area.

But it was his grandmother that held my interest and put an end to several years of genealogical research.

Anne Kirkpatrick was born in 1838 in Kirkgunzeon, in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. In an ancient genealogy book regarding her sept of the Kirkpatricks, it simply says, “Thought to be faie.”

Now faie is a Middle English word, also found in the old French, meaning enchanted.

My family has extra genetic material, a second satellite attached to one of our autosomes. It’s a variation so rare that LabCorp has only seen a handful of cases. Geneticists don’t really know what it does. But we have an unusually high incidence of twins, rare cancers, and endocrine disorders.

And then there’s me. With the satellite and my mosaicism, my karyotype may well be unique in all of humanity. But, ultimately, my intersex condition is from God’s hand and is somehow for my good. It certainly keeps me running back to the cross.

Golden Boy–Abigail Tarttelin

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Not since Herculine Barbin’s autobiography has a book so thoroughly opened up old wounds. After reading the opening scenes, I set Golden Boy aside for several days while I debated how wise it would be to finish it.

The protagonist in Golden Boy is Max, an intersex teen living as a boy. At the beginning of the novel he’s raped by a male friend who treats Max sexually as female. And Max doesn’t go to the authorities.

Long ago, a roommate in the boys’ dorm–yes, boys’ dorm–proved that he could do whatever he wanted to me. No, I wasn’t sexually assaulted. Not exactly, anyway. But it was clear that, to him, I wasn’t a boy. And I didn’t go to the authorities. Why not? Read Golden Boy. Max would understand.

Max has a close family–father, mother, brother–that doesn’t seem to realize just how dysfunctional they are. Father is running for Parliament. Mother’s a hot-shot attorney. Brother has his own issues and is a bit annoyed at Max’s perfection.

But the opening was compelling enough to draw me in. I’m glad I finished the book, but it took several weeks to get over the visceral reaction I got every time I recalled some of the novel’s events. Yes. Entirely too close to home.

Abigail Tarttelin deals well with issues faced by one intersex teen, and how it all changes when someone discovers his secret, and how little control some kids have over their lives.

Very few of us get to the point of not caring who knows we’re intersex. Even fewer, perhaps, can forget that we are. For Max, coming to terms with his condition is traumatic. No. Let me restate that. For Max, the trauma isn’t his condition. It’s how everyone around him treats him. Ms Tarttelin does an excellent job of demonstrating how each person in Max’s life reacts. In the end, even those who are supposed to be closest to him, won’t let him make his own decisions.

Golden Boy should be released in May. Highly recommended whether you’re into YA or #yasaves or not.

You can see a discussion I had with the author on the MuseItUp blog.

Andrea Horner—Turner Syndrome

Andrea Horner

Andrea Horner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for being here, Andrea. Would you tell us a little about yourself?

It’s great speaking with you today, I’m Andrea Horner, I reside in Kansas City. I was born with a Chromosomal disorder called Turner Syndrome. I am the author of the book Beauty for Ashes, By Andrea Leigh Horner. I am founder of the ministry Beauty4asheskc here in KC. I love coffee and good music, hanging out with my friends, traveling and the outdoors.

How and when were you told your diagnosis?

When I was 4 years old I was diagnosed with Mosaic Turner Syndrome. I did not really learn about it till I was seven years old and I had to stay in the hospital several days. That is where I heard it that is also when they started my treatment which was growth hormone therapy.

Can you explain a little about your condition?

Turner Syndrome or TS as I refer to it affects approximately 1 in 2500 females. So as we say Turners is a girl thing. It happens when there is either an x chromosome missing (classic) or both x chromosomes are present and one is misshapen or deformed in some way (mosaic). It is usually found on the second x chromosome in a TS girl. It has a 1-2% survival rate before birth. It is believed to be responsible for about 10% of all miscarriages. There are two types Classic and Mosaic. I have mosaic, and usually with that there are less of the typical features present and less severity in the health issues. There are a variety of health issues that associated with TS that can vary for each girl, some server some are not. Most can be managed with proper medical care. The biggest health issue with TS girls is heart issues and hearing issues. TS also has some learning issues as well called non verbal learning disorder. I struggled the most with that fortunately I have not had many health problems thus far. The most common characteristic is short stature, the other is infertility. TS can affect our female development. That is why most of us get on growth hormones and estrogen therapy hormones because of my TS I don’t do that naturally and that helps with development. With that said that means I don’t have periods. So if I don’t have the hormones I won’t have a period. So it’s nice to not have to deal with those like females normally have to.

Writing a book about your life is a pretty bold move. How has the publicity affected you and your family?

There has not been a lot of publicity yet, however they do very well. My family has been great. They very supportive. My mom has always encouraged me. She has told me she thinks I needed to go around and speak more and get more involved with the TS society. I like to say we are pretty normal and we like to keep it that way.

How has your condition affected your relationships?

My friends are great they accept me many of them I think forget I’m short. Sometimes they tease me but most of my friends don’t freak out and treat me like anyone else. It is usually when I am in public and strangers comment where I feel the most affected and aware of my condition.

Has it affected your religious views? How have Christians treated you?

I used to have a denial about having Turners because I am so independent and normal. I wanted to think that I’m no different than another person. Reality is being as short as I am it is a daily factor. So I can’t always do everything just like everyone else. I used to not like that, however now as a Christian I see that as a good thing. God made me unique and special and I realize I am created perfectly. I believe it is a miracle that I am here and God has a purpose for our lives. So I don’t mind standing out.

Have you ever thought about who you might have been without your condition?

Yes I have a lot as a kid, I would think how did this happen? I wanted to figure who I could blame…where did the bad gene come from? I honestly don’t know. My family is tall, I was tall when I was first born. I have long legs for my height. So I know I would have been tall. I don’t know how I would be personality wise, but I know I would have a different view on life and how precious it is or appreciation for those with disabilities than I do now. When I was a kid if I could have been taller I would have loved it. But now I like being me. Sure being as short as I am it can be inconvenient and frustrating at times. But I think I am a better me having TS, than if I would have been if I had been born without it.

Is there something you’d like to share that might surprise people?

I have a variety of interest, I like being girly but one of my interest is Taekwondo. Many are surprised when they find out I am a Taekwondo martial artist.

What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I am just a girl that just wants to make a difference in the world, and hopefully I can do my part to make it a better place. I love to let those that I am around know that they are loved no matter the struggle. I don’t know your situation, if it’s a disability, or another issue, but it does not matter what the world or people may say about you. you matter! We all have a purpose in this life I encourage everyone to find there’s and don’t be afraid to try.

Well, thanks for dropping by!

Andrea’s book is available on Amazon.

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“This is not just a story about being short, or having Turner Syndrome. Though it is my story it can also be anyone’s story. We all have a story and difficult circumstances we have faced. This book has something everyone can relate to. I have found that the true beauty in our lives can be found when we live our life fully for the one who created it. I was made to stand out growing up I did not know I could do that with a purpose. I wanted to fit in. I did not like growing up short the obstacles seemed more than I wanted or thought I could handle. That is where God steps in and when we give the brokenness of our lives over to God, He will make something beautiful from them. Our weaknesses can often be our greatest strength when God uses them. This is my story of how I experienced Gods life transforming power and exchanged my ashes for a life full and blessed by God. I have two growing disorders. I talk about what it is like to live with one of them called Turner Syndrome. Turners is a growth disorder many do not know about and comes with complications that I share as you read about it I believe you will see how I am blessed to be here and living life today. Miracles do exist and I am just one of them. God is making something beautiful out of my life, and He deeply desires to do that for you. I hope this book will be the window to help you see all who you were made to be.” —Andrea Horner

Intersex Theology and the Bible

Intersex Theology and the Bible poster

For more information and details about how to register for this conference, click on the poster image.

Tuesday, March 12th, The University of Manchester

Speakers
Nathan Carlin
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas

Megan K. DeFranza
Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts

Sally Gross
Director, Intersex South Africa

Patricia Beattie Jung
Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri

Stephen Craig Kerry
Charles Darwin University, Australia

Joseph A. Marchal
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

Respondent
John Hare
Quondam Fellow, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge

Conference Chair
Susannah Cornwall
Lincoln Theological Institute, The University of Manchester