How Should Christians Interact with the Transgender Community?

By Gabriella Burns

“In America, Europe, and Asia, transgender people frequently experience verbal

harassment, prejudice, and discrimination” (Amnesty International, 2018, as cited in

Myers & Dewall, 2023, p. 108; James et al., 2016, as cited in Myers & Dewall, 2023, p.108). That being said, how should we, as follower of Christ, interact with the

transgender community? Should we avoid those who are transgender, or should we

associate with them?

1 Corinthians 15:33 states: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good

character’” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, 1 Corinthians 15:33). Furthermore,

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, 2 Corinthians 6:14)

Ac cording to these verses, associating with thetransgender community seems like a bad idea; one, our own characters could be marred, and two, morality and evil are not compatible. But, let’s look at some more verses.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one

has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made

complete in us” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, 1 John 4:11-12). Luke 6:35-36 is similar:

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to

get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the

Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as

your Father is merciful.” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, Luke 6:35-36)

And Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the

most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with

salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011,

Colossians 4:5-6). With all of those verses in mind, we see that, as believers, we should

be loving to unbelievers and those who are our enemies, taking advantage of chances

to witness for Christ. Jesus Christ’s love is immense, and we should spread that love.

Indeed, Peter (speaking of Jesus) says in Acts 10:42, “‘He commanded us to preach to

the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living

and the dead’” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, Acts 10:42).

Myers & Dewall say, “Some transgender people experience profound distress,

increasing their risk of gender dysphoria” (McNeil et al., 2017, as cited in Myers &

Dewall, 2023, p. 108; Mueller et al., 2017, as cited in Myers & Dewall, 2023, p. 108).

Furthermore, Myers & Dewall explain that “To receive a gender dysphoria diagnosis,

you must experience clinical levels of distress associated with your gender identity, or

enough to reduce your ability to consistently work and interact with loved ones” (Myers

& Dewall, 2023, p. 108). Though I believe that transgender people’s thinking is

incorrect, they’re still humans who may experience hurt; they are loved by God, and he

values them and longs for them to repent. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,

as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to

perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, 2 Peter 3:9).

As believers, I believe that we should take advantage of opportunities we have to

be a light for Christ to the transgender community. As we do, we should keep this verse

in mind: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (NIV Thinline Bible, 2011, Romans 12:21).