The American College of Pediatricians speaks out about the damage that politically correct gender ideology can do to children.

After Dr Lisa Nolland's article last week on the LGBT movement, today we quote at length from a statement made by the American College of Pediatricians (March 2016), which gives a professional medical perspective on the harm that gender ideology can do to children. You can read the full statement by clicking this link.

Originally posted March 21, 2016 – a temporary statement with references. A full statement will be published in summer 2016. Updated with Clarifications on April 6, 2016.

"The American College of Pediatricians urges educators and legislators to reject all policies that condition children to accept as normal a life of chemical and surgical impersonation of the opposite sex. Facts – not ideology – determine reality.

1. Human sexuality is an objective biological binary trait: "XY" and "XX" are genetic markers of health – not genetic markers of a disorder. The norm for human design is to be conceived either male or female. Human sexuality is binary by design with the obvious purpose being the reproduction and flourishing of our species. This principle is self-evident. The exceedingly rare disorders of sex development (DSDs), including but not limited to testicular feminization and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, are all medically identifiable deviations from the sexual binary norm, and are rightly recognized as disorders of human design. Individuals with DSDs do not constitute a third sex.

2. No one is born with a gender. Everyone is born with a biological sex. Gender (an awareness and sense of oneself as male or female) is a sociological and psychological concept; not an objective biological one. No one is born with an awareness of themselves as male or female; this awareness develops over time and, like all developmental processes, may be derailed by a child's subjective perceptions, relationships, and adverse experiences from infancy forward. People who identify as "feeling like the opposite sex" or "somewhere in between" do not comprise a third sex. They remain biological men or biological women.

3. A person's belief that he or she is something they are not is, at best, a sign of confused thinking. When an otherwise healthy biological boy believes he is a girl, or an otherwise healthy biological girl believes she is a boy, an objective psychological problem exists that lies in the mind not the body, and it should be treated as such. These children suffer from gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria (GD), formerly listed as Gender Identity Disorder (GID), is a recognized mental disorder in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V). The psychodynamic and social learning theories of GD/GID have never been disproved.

4. Puberty is not a disease and puberty-blocking hormones can be dangerous. Reversible or not, puberty- blocking hormones induce a state of disease – the absence of puberty – and inhibit growth and fertility in a previously biologically healthy child.

5. According to the DSM-V, as many as 98% of gender confused boys and 88% of gender confused girls eventually accept their biological sex after naturally passing through puberty.

6. Children who use puberty blockers to impersonate the opposite sex will require cross-sex hormones in late adolescence. Cross-sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) are associated with dangerous health risks including but not limited to high blood pressure, blood clots, stroke and cancer.

7. Rates of suicide are twenty times greater among adults who use cross-sex hormones and undergo sex reassignment surgery, even in Sweden which is among the most LGBQT – affirming countries. What compassionate and reasonable person would condemn young children to this fate knowing that after puberty as many as 88% of girls and 98% of boys will eventually accept reality and achieve a state of mental and physical health?

8. Conditioning children into believing that a lifetime of chemical and surgical impersonation of the opposite sex is normal and healthful is child abuse. Endorsing gender discordance as normal via public education and legal policies will confuse children and parents, leading more children to present to "gender clinics" where they will be given puberty-blocking drugs. This, in turn, virtually ensures that they will "choose" a lifetime of carcinogenic and otherwise toxic cross-sex hormones, and likely consider unnecessary surgical mutilation of their healthy body parts as young adults.

Michelle A. Cretella, M.D.
President of the American College of Pediatricians

Quentin Van Meter, M.D.
Vice President of the American College of Pediatricians
Pediatric Endocrinologist

Paul McHugh, M.D.
University Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the former psychiatrist in chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital

The bottom line: Our opponents advocate a new scientifically baseless standard of care for children with a psychological condition (GD) that would otherwise resolve after puberty for the vast majority of patients concerned. Specifically, they advise: affirmation of children's thoughts which are contrary to physical reality; the chemical castration of these children prior to puberty with GnRH agonists (puberty blockers which cause infertility, stunted growth, low bone density, and an unknown impact upon their brain development), and, finally, the permanent sterilization of these children prior to age 18 via cross-sex hormones.

There is an obvious self-fulfilling nature to encouraging young GD children to impersonate the opposite sex and then institute pubertal suppression. If a boy who questions whether or not he is a boy (who is meant to grow into a man) is treated as a girl, then has his natural pubertal progression to manhood suppressed, have we not set in motion an inevitable outcome? All of his same sex peers develop into young men, his opposite sex friends develop into young women, but he remains a pre-pubertal boy. He will be left psychosocially isolated and alone. He will be left with the psychological impression that something is wrong. He will be less able to identify with his same sex peers and being male, and thus be more likely to self identify as "non-male" or female.

Moreover, neuroscience reveals that the pre-frontal cortex of the brain which is responsible for judgment and risk assessment is not mature until the mid-twenties. Never has it been more scientifically clear that children and adolescents are incapable of making informed decisions regarding permanent, irreversible and life-altering medical interventions.

For this reason, the College maintains it is abusive to promote this ideology, first and foremost for the well-being of the gender dysphoric children themselves, and secondly, for all of their non-gender-discordant peers, many of whom will subsequently question their own gender identity, and face violations of their right to bodily privacy and safety."

For the full statement with footnotes and explanations, click here.

Quoted with permission from the American College of Pediatricians (ACPEDS). The ACPEDS website contains a wealth of scientific information and resources in defence of biblical principles regarding family, sexuality, health and life.

Dr Lisa Nolland, convenor of Anglican Mainstream's Marriage, Sex and Culture Group and a leading expert on gender issues, takes a critical look at the LGBT movement.

Have you noticed that the Sexual Revolution, beginning as it did in the 1960s, has unfolded in waves – each with its own specific focus?

The first wave involved 'liberating' sex from its previously close connections to traditional Judeo-Christian understandings of marriage, family and procreation.

The second wave has been about 'liberating' alternative sexualities (gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc) from the biblical structure of male/female relationships in God's created order. The third wave, which is happening right now, involves challenging the very idea of male and female through 'transgender' issues.

These are explosive topics, even within the Church – but as such, it is all the more vital to talk about them. Underneath all the arguments about rights, acceptance and love, the trend has clearly been towards the total breakdown of God's framework for gender and male/female relationships. This article presents a brief analysis of LGBT 'progress' in British culture and in the Church today and suggests some practical responses.

When Tolerance Becomes Intolerant

As Ecclesiastes notes, "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecc 1:9). There have always been various 'alternative' forms of sexuality around. However, up until now, the majority population were not forced to endorse them or face punishment for bigotry by an increasingly vigilant state! This is a new and deeply pernicious development. Dissidents (as those who continue to hold to 'traditional' biblical structures for sex and relationships now are) must hope that they can keep a low profile or, if forcibly confronted about their beliefs, must either appease the establishment or suffer the consequences.

There have always been alternative forms of sexuality around. But up until now, the majority population weren't forced to endorse them or face punishment for bigotry!

In 2014, during the debates on same-sex 'marriage' (SSM), leading evangelical groups got behind the moderate campaign group Coalition for Marriage (C4M). It raised awareness about the nature and importance of marriage and collected almost 700,000 signatures against the SSM bill - a huge accomplishment. It also highlighted the frighteningly draconian aspects of the new politically correct culture of 'toleration'.

However, the downside of the C4M was its avoidance of several key but controversial aspects of SSM and the LGBT movement. For instance, in focusing on defending the biblical definition of marriage, C4M underplayed the unhealthy realities of gay sex and different relationship norms (eg Elton John's and David Furnish's 'open marriage'¹).

Crucially, it also failed to challenge the LGBT claim that sexuality is core to the human identity – i.e. that it is a defining part of who you are. This claim, which immediately transforms a challenge to someone's sexual practices into an assault on who that person is – is now undergirding the present pro-transgender movement (see below).

The Rainbow Flag over Britain

Many countries now have massive LGBT+ 'Pride' events. London's Pride lasts almost two weeks, backed by powerful businesses (e.g. Starbucks) and the Government (e.g. the Mayor of London).² Its goal: "Make London the best LGBT+ City in the World".³ Even the Church of England is getting involved: York Cathedral flew the Rainbow flag during 2015's Pride, while the Archbishop of Canterbury praised "just stunning" gay relationships and now publicly foregrounds the issues of "LGBTI people".⁴

Meanwhile, Stonewall's 'Education Champions' programme has now been rolled out in hundreds of schools.⁵ Mandatory 'literacy' programmes like CHIPS (involving mock-SSM ceremonies for 8-9 year olds and Pride promotion to slightly older children) and 'Pride in Primary' (its replacement) mean that increasing numbers of children are now being marinated in pro-LGBT teaching from nursery age onwards.⁶

So far, the Church has failed to challenge the LGBT claim that sexuality is core to the human identity - that it is a defining part of who you are.

Gay as the 'New Black'

C4M and other Christian leaders have so far failed to address the new ideology which is filtering into every British institution and which underpins gay rights advocacy. This ideology is most clearly articulated in Kirk and Madsen's seminal After the Ball: How America will conquer its fear and hatred of gays in the 90s (1989). It is written by marketing and psychology gurus who miscalled only the timing:

The public should be persuaded that gays are victims of circumstance, that they no more chose their sexual orientation than they did, say, their height, skin color ... (We argue that, for all practical purposes, gays should be considered to have been born gay)...And since no choice is involved, gayness can be no more blameworthy than straightness. [emphasis in original, p184]⁷

The idea of being 'born gay' is foundational to the claim that sexual attraction is a core component of human identity – and therefore something that should not be challenged or criticised but celebrated.

Before this, homosexuality was widely considered to be a complex of sexual feelings and behaviours. But through this brilliant sleight of hand, homosexuality (and other politically correct sexual orientations and gender identities) is now included in 'protected' categories and perceived and treated as comparable to race. To object to this new definition is considered 'racist' and evil.

Not Born This Way

But the truth is that no-one is born gay. Identical twin studies demonstrate this (if one identical twin is gay, in most cases the other is not) - and even gay activists like Peter Tatchell and Julie Bindel admit it.⁸ The Royal College of Psychiatrists altered its statement on homosexuality originally submitted to the Church of England's Pilling Commission, conceding sexual 'orientation' is not set at birth, nor is it immutable.⁹ Lesbian psychologist Lisa Diamond's 'Sexuality is fluid: it's time to get past "born this way"' also makes this point (New Scientist, 22 July 2015).

Because this reasoning no longer holds up to scientific scrutiny, the claim of being 'born gay' is increasingly giving way to claims of sexual fluidity (as Diamond notes, above). Many report spontaneous change in sexual attraction/orientation which 'just happens'.¹⁰ This view is affirmed by 'ex-gays' who have experienced change through therapy.¹¹ Ex-gays exist even in the UK, though they tend to be closeted (the US is different, e.g. see the powerful clip of ex-gay voices and perspectives, Suchweresomeofyou.org).

The truth is that no-one is born gay. The assertion that they are does not hold up to scientific scrutiny.

Psychology and Sexual Orientation

From his work with over 900 clients, ex-gay therapist Floyd Godfrey understands homosexuality as the "sexualisation of emotional needs and wounds", à la Simone Weil's "all sins are attempts to fill voids".¹² Such attractions "will remain until the individual discovers the meaning of them and fulfils them in legitimate, non-sexual ways", according to another ex-gay therapist Christopher Doyle.¹³

Drivers of same-sex attraction frequently include early conditioning, perception and/or experience. There is no one easy explanation - but then, there never is in the world of psychology. However, it is important to acknowledge that same-sex attraction is often a fruit of an underlying emotional issue. To ignore this, says ex-transgender activist Walt Heyer, is unwise and (regarding children specifically) could even be tantamount to abuse.¹⁴

It is not the purpose of this article to propose a solution to the sexuality crisis currently plaguing our nation – but it bears stating that it is vital that those battling unwanted same-sex attraction are able to access help and support.¹⁵ And yet, the current transgender campaign perceives this kind of support as offensive. But even if we use their own logic, that all individuals have a right to choose their gender identity from a rainbow of options, surely people then have the right (if desired) to identify with their biological birth gender, with its heterosexual physiology and function?

Some Practical Responses

The basic biblical truth that is in danger of being lost here is that God made human beings male and female as a central part of his creation. When we tamper with this truth, we put ourselves against God. Ultimately, if we are to recover this truth today, we need to hold out a different definition of identity: one which has our position as divinely created human beings, male and female, at its core, not sexual preference. At its heart, the gender crisis in this nation is precisely this: a crisis of lost identity.

So what can ordinary, Bible-believing Christians do in response? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Pray: for the mythology and damage to be exposed; for the many victims of the tyranny of political correctness; and that groups such as CORE will be able to help the increasing numbers of strugglers who want out of homosexuality.
2. Equip your Church: ask experts to address these issues and raise awareness in your church or fellowship.
3. Give: groups like the Christian Legal Centre are spending a small fortune defending the victims of political correctness in the UK now. Can you help?
4. Educate: discover what your children are being taught and get fully involved in their education; Lovewise has excellent resources. Safe at School is another great resource.
5. Disseminate: pass on helpful resources to your networks.
6. Sign Petitions: Sign petitions and ask your network to do the same, such as AFA's Boycott Target petition or CitizenGO's petition against the World Psychiatric Association's condemnation of therapy for unwanted same-sex attraction.
7. Attend Events: The Wilberforce Academy is one of the most cutting edge events for 20s and 30s in the UK, aiming to resource them to deal effectively with issues like this. Encourage students and young professionals to attend.

If you would like more information or are interested in greater involvement, please contact me. I run a group (below) which does this 24/7 and we are always interested in meeting 'like minds'.

Lisa S Nolland, MA MCS PhD (Bristol)

Convenor, Marriage, Sex and Culture Group, Anglican Mainstream

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

References

1 Cook, M. How Elton John has changed marriage. MercatorNet, 27 April 2016.

2 Capital gets ready for London Pride 2015, ITV News, 26 June 2015. See also Pride in London's What's On page for the plethora of LGBTI events around London alone.

3 See Pride in London's Pledge for politicians.

4 Archbishop speaks of challenge posed to Church by 'stunning' gay couples. Pink News, 21 March 2013. Also Welby sorry for Anglican 'hurt' to LGBT community. BBC News, 15 January 2016, and Mawhinney, R, Evangelism in an age of terror, homophobia and indifference: an interview with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Christianity Today, 31 March 2016. Also private communication with Lambeth Palace, 22 April 2016.

5 See Stonewall's member list.

6 See Pride in Primary Education., also Gay and lesbian values to be taught in 36 primary schools in Birmingham. Birmingham Mail, 12 December 2014. For copies of CHIPs contact me (see below for details).

7 See online outline of After the Ball (pdf). Also commentary in The homosexual propaganda campaign in America's media, MassResistance.org.

8 See Tatchell, P. Born Gay or Made Gay? Biology is not Destiny. Also Julie Bindel: You can choose to be gay - I choose to live my life as a lesbian. Pink News, 4 July 2014. See also Whitehead, NE, 2013. My Genes Made Me Do It! Homosexuality and the Scientific Evidence. Click here for a synopsis. 

9 Royal College of Psychiatrists' statement on sexual orientation (pdf), April 2014.

10 Savin-Williams, RC and Ream, GL, 2007. Prevalence and Stability of Sexual Orientation Components during Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Archives of Sexual Behaviour, 36:385-394. Also Diamond, L, 2008. Female Bisexuality from Adolescence to Adulthood. Developmental Psychology, 44(1):5-14, and Diamond, 2015, above.

11 E.g. Schwab, J. Open letter to Psychology Today: You cannot ignore ex-gays that have changed! Voice of the Voiceless, 18 March 2015. Also Jones, SL and Yarhouse, MA. Honest Sex Science. First Things, October 2012 (though this cohort did not have proper psychotherapy, but engaged in religiously-mediated support group work to reduce their unwanted SSA).

12 Family Watch International. Understanding Same-Sex Attraction. Youtube, 17 November 2013.

13 Doyle, C. Hotel Homosexuality: Yes, you can check out, and leave. MercatorNet, 17 June 2015.

14 Smith, S. Ex Transgender: Parents who don't put their trans kids in psychotherapy are 'abusing' their children. Christian Post, 18 February 2016.

15 Dr Mike Davidson's CORE Issues Trust works with many such individuals.