Mark Yarhouse

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Mark Yarhouse, a psychologist and expert on sexual and gender identity, joins to explore the intersection of transgender experiences and the church. They unpack a theological overview of transgender identities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion within religious contexts. Personal testimonies from individuals with diverse experiences bring depth to the conversation, shedding light on gender dysphoria, faith, and the complexities of transitioning, all while aiming for respectful dialogue.

Dr. Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist who specializes in conflicts tied to religious identity and sexual and gender identity. He assists people who are navigating the complex relationship between their sexual or gender identity and Christian faith. He is the Dr. Arthur P. and Mrs. Jean May Rech Chair in Psychology at Wheaton College, where he runs the Sexual and Gender Identity (SGI) Institute. He is an award-winning teacher and researcher and is the past recipient of the Gary Collins Award for Excellence in Christian Counseling. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and is author or co-author of several books, including Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministers and Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture. His most recent books are Sexual Identity & Faith and Costly Obedience: Listening to and Learning from Celibate Gay Christians. In this conversation, Mark and I talk about many things related to his journey in the sexuality/gender conversation over the last 25 years including sexual orietnation change efforts, the cause of same-sex attraction, the complexity of gender dysphoria and gender identity, the role that social influence plays in the rise in teens identifying as trans, and many other questions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices