Reddit mentions of Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books)

Get good counseling. It's incredibly difficult, but try to find a Christian counselor who knows about this issue. They can help you find a way to have peace with yourself and others. Someone like PFLAG might be able to point you in a direction.

For reading, I recommend this book. It is written from a Christian perspective, but with a strong scientific and medical background. It may help you understand who you are.

I am in a similar situation. It's not me, but my 16-year-old child who struggles with gender dysphoria. Like you, we have prayed, and God appears to be sitting this one out. We all feel like we are on our own. I don't know why God would remain silent on such an important issue, but up to this point God has offered no comfort, no encouragement, no direction. We'll keep plowing through it on our own and hope He shows up somewhere.

Certainly!

PREFIX / DISCLAIMER: Well, our therapy sessions are openly "Bible-based" which means there is a very minor slight religious base to it, but only very rarely does religion come into the session. But they are extremely liberal sessions where no concerning thing mentioned is even an issue. My therapist says, "You could say you punched a random person and I would not flinch." When I told my therapist about my crossdressing her first immediate question was "What kind of female clothing do you like?" I love my therapist.

With that said: she would not present a book that was remotely against anything we bring up in therapy. (Our therapist has 2 beloved transgendered siblings in her immediate family, if that means anything.)

THE BOOK: With all of that said, the book she handed us seems to be (based on description and reviews) a Christian perspective of how the reader can understand and support and love someone going through transition. It's very PRO-Transgender, and the author seems to offer even Biblical support for accepting and embracing transgender. Here is the book has good reviews

There are soooooo many non-religious Transgender books on Amazon as well. I am having a hard time picking one to read first!

After I came out, my dad (conservative, Catholic, watches Fox News) bought this book, and he said it helped him:

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Gender-Dysphoria-Transgender-Psychological/dp/0830828591/

I also bought him a copy of True Selves as a general trans reference, and gave him a two-page letter to read. (I came out to him over the phone.)

I'd thought my dad would be the person I'd most likely lose in this, but he accepted me without hesitation (later texting me, "we love you no matter what"). I wish you similar good fortune when you come out! :)

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all this! ive been down the same road (hell, im probably not even halfway to figuring everything out). I was like an uber christian before figuring out my gender, now I’m still a christian but a lot of my values have changed. it was VERY scary when that happened because i questioned like everything i believed, because my beliefs prior mirrored my parents beliefs (super conservative, christian. i was also extremely sheltered). So if you want to talk, I can relate haha.

As for your friend, I’m so sorry, I have a falling out with my previous best friend who is very transphobic. I am most likely going to lose him, but not sure yet. (we’re going to “talk” in the next couple days, but it’s a long story hehe). So relatable there too.

You have friends here okay? You’ll get through this ❤️

as for your battling with God, r/TransChristianity is a good resource, also the book Understanding Gender Dysphoria by Mark Yarhouse is an excellent book to read, and can be a very powerful information source to give to Christian friends who want to understand. I also found it extremely helpful for sorting stuff out with God for myself.

Also feel free to PM me and rant or vent, whatever you need. All the love and hugs ❤️❤️❤️😊

Understanding Gender Dysphoria by Mark Yarhouse is excellent. It’s not too long, but goes into detail about what being trans is, possible causes, and what should be done as a trans Christian. He supports transition as the solution to GD, and shows what churches should do to help trans Christians as well. I highly recommend it.