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What the Bible REALLY Says About Transgender People

What the Bible REALLY Says About Transgender People

Last updated on: November 17, 2025 at 4:24 pm by Robert Cottrell

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What the Bible REALLY Says About Transgender People 2025-11-17T16:24:21-05:00 Robert Cottrell

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It seems that every time there’s a debate about transgender rights, someone pulls out a Bible verse and claims that God is against transgender people. We hear it from pulpits, politicians, and even family members: “The Bible says…” as if that settles the argument. But here’s the truth—the Bible doesn’t say what many claim it does. In fact, the Bible doesn’t mention transgender people at all.

So, what does the Bible really say? And what doesn’t it say? And why does this matter so much in today’s political climate, where laws are being passed in the name of “Christian values” that target transgender children, families, and communities?

Let’s dig in.

What the Bible Doesn’t Say

First and foremost: The Bible does not say a single word about transgender identity.
Not one. There is no verse that addresses being transgender, nonbinary, or gender diverse.

So why do some Christians insist otherwise? Often, they misinterpret verses about clothing, creation, or “God’s design” for men and women. For example:

Deuteronomy 22:5 talks about not wearing clothing of the “opposite sex.” But this verse was written in a cultural context where clothing was tied to pagan rituals, not gender identity. And let’s be honest—most of us don’t wear first-century robes and sandals.
Genesis 1:27 says that God created humans “male and female.” But this is a poetic description of humanity, not a scientific or exhaustive statement about gender. Even in creation, we see diversity—day and night, land and sea—but we also know there are sunrises and tidal zones. Gender is not as binary as some would like to believe.

The Bible does not address modern understandings of gender or sexuality, because these conversations simply did not exist in the ancient world. What we do find is a God who cares about authenticity, justice, and love.

What the Bible Does Say

The heart of Scripture is not about rules for identity—it’s about love. Jesus summed it up perfectly:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31).
There’s no fine print that says, “except your transgender neighbor.”

The Bible teaches that every person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). If that’s true, then transgender people—just like all of us—reflect the divine in their authenticity and humanity. The call to love and affirm others isn’t optional. It’s the very essence of following Christ.

Why This Matters Now

Right now, in 2025, we’re seeing a surge of anti-trans legislation across the United States. Some politicians are using Scripture as a weapon to ban gender-affirming healthcare, restrict bathroom access, or punish parents who support their trans children.

This is not what Jesus would do. Jesus did not side with powerful lawmakers or those who sought to control others. He sided with the marginalized, the oppressed, the misunderstood. If you look at His life, you’ll see that He constantly broke the “rules” of His day to bring healing, inclusion, and love to those the religious elite cast aside.

The Real Danger of Misusing the Bible

When Scripture is twisted to exclude, it becomes a weapon instead of a source of life. It pushes people—especially young people—away from God, sometimes with devastating consequences. Transgender youth are already at higher risk for depression and suicide, and being told “God doesn’t love you as you are” only deepens that pain.

But let us be clear: God’s heart is for you. All of you. Exactly as you are.

How to Read Scripture Through the Lens of Love

If you want to know what the Bible really says about transgender people, start by asking these questions:

Does this interpretation bring life and love, or does it bring harm?
Does it reflect Jesus’ radical inclusion, or does it align with fear and control?
Does it honor the image of God in every person?

If the answer is not love, it’s not from God. It’s as simple—and as challenging—as that.

A Call to the Church

The church has a choice: continue to cling to fear and outdated interpretations, or embrace the fullness of God’s love by affirming transgender people as the beloved children they are. This is not about “giving in” to culture—it’s about living out the heart of Christ.

If the church truly wants to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it must stand with those being pushed to the margins. Right now, that means standing with trans people and their families—especially as politicians try to erase their existence in the name of “faith.”

The Bible doesn’t condemn transgender people. But it does condemn something else—hypocrisy, judgment, and the failure to love.

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