"Emerging Gender Identities" (Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky)

TITLE: Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today's Youth
AUTHOR: Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2020, (256 pages).

The issue of gender identities is one of the most controversial topics in our cultures today. With political lobbying, gender identity is increasingly becoming a political tool. Some even use science to prove their point of view. Others blame it on psychological profiles while still others point to genetic makeup, questioning links between chromosomes and emotional well-being. It is becoming a confusing array of opinions and arguments. What used to be clearly male and female is not so clear today. There are accusations of liberal gender-switching as well as confusion over what exactly is gender. Some take the scientific approach to try to make sense of gender confusion. This may pass the chromosomal tests raises doubts about their direct relevance to emotional attachments. The notion of gender being classified either binary or not is increasingly challenged even as society grows more tolerant with gender definitions that transcend conventional thinking. For authors Yarhouse and Sadusky, they call it nuancing gender identities. One of the key ideas is "gender dysphoria" which zooms out of gender identity discussions and zooms into the "distress experienced" by the persons. In other words, the authors propose addressing the emotional distress so that we could discuss "alternative gender" instead of "assigned gender." They cite studies about such emerging gender identities to highlight the need to go beyond mere binary assumptions. Research suggests distinguishing "biological sex, gender identity, and sexuality." Gender identity is sometimes not assigned per se but applied using political force to the point that transgenderism has become an umbrella term to cover all non-binary interpretations of gender. In order to clarify what gender identities are, one needs to be free from the political pressure to conform to certain expectations. This means we need to understand how political pressure leads to public identity; and factors such as the sexual revolution, feminist movements, deconstruction of sex, and others.

How should Christians view this matter of evolving or emerging gender identities? For Yarhouse and Sadusky, they propose a three-part framework to help with our discussion. Part One begins with definitions of terms we use so liberally and casually. What is transgenderism? What is agender? What about "essentialist?" There are many different reasons why there is an uptick in number of people acknowledging their transgender identity. Reasons such as undetected in the past and misdiagnosing what is gender dysphoria; and more specialty studies pertaining to different types of transgender as language, science, or culture would fit. For some, transgender identity could very well be used to say one does not belong to the norm. We learn about the looping effect; the gender identity disorder; "new storylines," and how to distinguish between transfer and emerging gender identities. This is crucial as there are implications for care and mental health. Should one presume gender based on biological sex? What about changing sexualities? What if one feels differently later on in life? The authors caution us from adopting any extremes. One way into the care approach is to focus on "alleviating suffering" instead of conventional cold turkey treatments, etc. 

In Part Two, they urge us to look beyond labels toward seeing the person as they are. This is especially so for teenagers and young people who are in search of their own sense of identity. We need to be aware of the pressures from above and from below. The former hems the person in based on their assumptions of sexual labels. The latter lets the person evolves toward a label they are more comfortable in. The authors suggest progression through science, social acceptance, and sociocultural influences. In terms of theological perspectives, the authors propose the Integrity lens; the disability/differences lens; and diversity lens, and compared with the three main theological perspective views. The Ultraconservative/fundamentalist position is firmly binary and most rigid in terms of clear distinctions. The liberal position pushes back against the fundamentalist by putting their understanding of God's affirmation and one's inclination ahead of one's chromosomes. The orthodox view avoids taking either extremes and chooses to begin with complexity and hesitates on immediate labeling. They ask for more dialogues and studies first. This middle position is most appropriate for nuancing the gender dysphoria the authors talked about. the authors also give readers a fascinating overview of the different "chapters" of a young person's search for identity. This is also called the "narrative-developmental perspective" which outlines the search according to physical stages:

1. Early Childhood (Ages 2-4): Awareness of their boy or girl experiences of "ignorance" and "innocence."
2. Subsequent Conflict (School age): Conflicts about what is normal
3. Christian Faith (Youth): Identity and faith matters as followers of Christ
4. Revisiting Gender Identity (Adulting): Faith and gender conflicts
5. Learning to Cope (Growing): Coping with gender identity.

After the description of the various nuances we can adopt to understand the emerging gender identities, the authors lead us through some ministry structures for ministry to youths as well as how to interpret Christian hope in the light of such developments.

My thoughts

I believe the authors start off well by telling us that gender matters are increasingly complex. The old ways of seeing gender as binary is not shared by many in the younger generation. With their focus on the young, Yarhouse and Sadusky wants to create an environment for maximum participation and mutual acceptance. The person is more important than the position. By outlining the different approaches to view sexuality and gender matters, they convince readers that they understand the wide spectrum of views without dumbing down on any of them. For the most part, they are respectful. In moving from the middle line, they try to show both extremes that there is room for everyone to dialogue and remain in conversation. Nothing is clearcut from the start. Understanding needs time. Such an approach is probably most appropriate when dealing with younger members of the population. Many among the previous generation would not be able to understand the rapid cultural changes and wider acceptance of non-traditional interpretations of sexuality. While I appreciate the care and caution presented by the authors, I wonder if there are limits to being too open. Calling something complex should be applauded to avoid adopting any simplistic solutions. Unfortunately, it can also be another way of letting things be or avoiding tackling the issue altogether. Perhaps, it is more about buying time to create a larger space for honest interactions. 

I wonder how many people would be able to nuance like the authors. How many would know how to tolerate dissent like God would? Yarhouse and Sadusky tell us that there is hope because God will walk with us even in our wrong choices. That same argument could also be applied the other way, that God will also walk with us if we choose otherwise or refuse to choose at all! So the argument might very well become superfluous eventually. The reality of our world is that we cannot please everybody. If we try, we will end up pleasing nobody. That is why I feel that the weakest part of this book is actually the last chapter on hope. It reads like a hastily put together afterthought on love. The authors try to address the different sectors of life: pessimism among the older folks; disillusionment among the young; and the fear of making erroneous decisions in many. In particular, I feel this book is aimed at the people who are fearful of coming out. While I acknowledge the perspective of gender dysphoria and the wisdom to alleviate suffering as a priority, one question remains critical: Do we obey God or people? 

The part about ministry structures for youth is most redemptive. Love is essentially about connecting. If one insists on using words like "mentally ill," "abomination," or even "sin," that might put off the persons we want to reach out to. I appreciate the use of the term "beloved," which essentially looks beyond any hurtful labels toward seeing the person instead of the choices they make. If we truly want a community of tolerance and love, people from different ends of the continuum must meet somewhere in the middle. If this book could facilitate that, it would be an immense help. 

In summary, this book equips us with new tools for understanding a new generation. 

Mark Yarhouse (PsyD, Wheaton College), a licensed clinical psychologist, is the Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Chair of Psychology in the School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he leads the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute. Yarhouse has authored or coauthored several books, including the well-received Understanding Gender Dysphoria.

Julia Sadusky (PsyD, Regent University) works as a clinical psychologist in Denver, Colorado. She also serves as a youth and ministry educator, offering trainings and consultations on the intersection of sexuality, gender, and theology. Her research experiences and clinical training have focused on the study of sexual and gender identity, including providing individual, family, couples, and group therapy for those navigating sexual- and gender-identity concerns. She is an advisor for the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender.]

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book has been provided courtesy of Brazos Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.