Being More Like Daniel

It is probably a sad commentary on the state of things when I can say nothing really surprises me anymore.  The world I grew up in, it was pretty simple: there were girls and there were boys.   When it comes to sexual identities now, I hear all kinds of options, some lists contain more than fifty definitions of sexual identity.  Our present culture allows individuals to establish their sexual identity based on how that person feels.  The current environment can be particularly confusing and stressful for teens who as we know from experience struggle with their identity. 

Now a new proposal from the American Medical Association (AMA) seems to muddy the waters even further.  The recommendation is that going forward “sex should be removed as a legal designation on the public part of birth certificates.” A person's sex designation at birth would still be submitted to the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth for medical, public health, and statistical use only.  The actual birth certificate a person carries with them for life will contain no reference to their sex at birth.  In the words of the AMA, “Requiring it can lead to discrimination and unnecessary burden on individuals whose current gender identity does not align with their designation at birth, namely when they register for school or sports, adopt, get married, or request personal records.”

We should not be surprised by the AMA’s statement.  The medical field has been moving in this direction for decades.  In 2007 there was one pediatric gender clinic in America.  Today there are hundreds.  Today’s teens, without parental permission, can walk into any of these clinics and find testosterone therapy available.  We also need to be mindful that gender dysphoria has long been recognized as a condition that can afflict children. While historically the focus has been on gender dysphoria among young males, contemporary girls can face the same issue. 

Being a “good Lutheran,” I find myself asking the question “What does this mean?”  In the context of my personal relationship with God, it changes nothing.  I am still a “man of God” who has been called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I am still to be a person of grace, compassion and mercy.  The context into which I am called is vastly different than even ten years ago.  In many ways I am like Daniel, who was forced to live in pagan Babylon.  Daniel did not allow that toxic culture to change him.  He worshiped God and practiced his faith as he always had.  Yes, he paid a price for that, but in the end those around him saw his testimony and came to respect him and, in some cases, even worshiped his God.

Let us be people of grace, compassion and mercy, being slow to speak and quick to listen.  All the time, our actions and demeanor should reflect the Savior who gave his life for all people, even those who are searching for their sexual identity.

 

 

 

Who is Tommy Dorfman and Why we Need to Care About Her?

 I was drawn to an article in the most recent Time Magazine.  Okay, I will admit I drawn to the picture of what I thought was an alluring female.  After delving into the article, I was surprised to find out that it was Tommy Dorfman.   Tommy Dorfman is an actor who rose to fame playing a young man named Ryan Shaver on a Netflix show.  In her most recent roles Tommy Dorfman is being cast as a female.  You see, Tommy Dorfman has transitioned from a male to a female.  In the process, he/she has become a role model for LGTBQ youth in the United States.

While I find Tommy Dorfman’s transition troubling on multiple levels, I can reflect back on my own youth and my struggles with identity.  While I do not recall ever having questioned my identity as a male, I also realize I grew up in a different time when such ideas were not only tabu, but also not even on the cultural radar.  It is indeed a more challenging and difficult time to be a young person.  In many ways, the “you can be anything you want to be” dream has taken on a whole new meaning.

During my years in ministry, I had contact with countless teens and young adults who were struggling with their identity.  One of the great joys during my years as a school counselor was to watch students who were totally lost as middle schoolers, find their niche by the time they became seniors.  I found even greater pleasure when those students would return as successful alumni. 

I also counseled young people who were struggling with their identity as a person.  Yes, I did spend time discussing sexual identity with more than one student.  That was often a difficult conversation because as a faith-based school, the Gay/Lesbian issue was not supposed to be on the agenda. Of course, that was fourteen years ago and I suspect it is much different today. 

I know from Scripture that we are all, through the power of the Holy Spirit, being transformed into the people God wants us to be.  I know from personal experience, that God calls us to come along side those who are struggling with their identity.  This becomes a challenge for me today on multiple levels.  I know from experience that when I get involved with other people, it can get messy.  I might be drawn into situations or hear opinions that make me uncomfortable.  I also might encounter people who are heading down a path I see as running contrary to God’s desires for His people.

It is a challenge, but I sincerely believe it is one we must encounter. For too long the church, and church people, have become known more for “what we are against” than “what we are for.”  We have become quick to judge and slow to listen.  I truly believe we need to listen to people who like Tommy Dorfman are struggling with their sexual identity.  His behavior might be offensive to God, but then so is mine sometimes… and God loves me, just as He loves Tommy Dorfman just the same.