Ask Amy: Mom of trans teen is worried about church
Dear Amy: I have a 17-year-old daughter who identifies as a male.
I am OK with this. I am a Christian and attend a traditional Methodist church.
I am involved in a lot of church events, but my child is not.
I am not sure how the church is going to react to my child’s transition. I also don’t know how my side of the family will react. I had one guy from the church already make a comment about my teen wearing a tux to the prom.
I told people that she doesn't do dresses, which is true.
My question is — how do I support my daughter/son and also hold on to my church?
– Confused Mom
Dear Confused Mom: If your child identifies as a male, then he is not a daughter/son — but a son.
This gender transition is also a transition for you, and you should continue along this path by using your child’s preferred pronoun.
Regarding your church, this may seem like a complex doctrinal or cultural issue, but it’s not!
...continued
