More and more young people, especially girls, are experiencing gender confusion. Ten years ago, the prevalence of transgenderism in children was 0.1% in the US. Now it’s 2-3%. That’s an increase of 4000%. Why?
Here’s another important question to answer: Is medical gender transition necessary to prevent youth suicide?
To answer those questions and others, I’m talking to Dr. Meg Meeker and Laura Perry Smalts on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “God’s Amazing Grace in a Transgendered Person’s Life.”
Dr. Meeker is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. She is the country’s leading authority on parenting, teens, and children’s health. She has been practicing pediatrics and adolescent medicine for over 30 years.
Laura is on staff with First Stone Ministries in Oklahoma City. Laura lived for nearly a decade as a transgender man named “Jake” before realizing the deception of the transgender lifestyle and leaving it all behind. She now embraces her true identity as a woman. She shares her story at churches and conferences, in articles, and on various programs, to help others find the same freedom she has found.
Dr. Meeker says there is sound research to show that medical transition may increase suicide risk in gender-confused teens. In her own words, “A 30-year-long study from Sweden showed that 10 years after reassignment, transgender patients were 19 times more likely to die from suicide. And those transitioning from male to female are at higher risk.”
That’s because some people who go through medical transition surgery end up even more depressed and uncomfortable with their bodies.
Like Laura.
After a confusing childhood, she decided in her mid-twenties to transition to a male. Her surgery did not improve her life. In fact, she felt even more hopeless and depressed. For many years, she dated a male who identified as a woman until they gradually learned that neither could truly become the other gender and feel satisfied.
Hear how God helped Laura find her true self through Christ on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
If this program touches a tender spot within you, we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Laura Perry Smalts’ book Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition that will Truly Set You Free as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
