Transgender to transformed: an increasingly common story

A new and perhaps unexpected population has slowly emerged in churches in recent years: detransitioners. “Detransitioner” describes an individual who formerly identified as transgender and now has reversed course, taking the necessary steps to return to the status of their biological sex. 

While overall LGBT identification has remained steady or increased in recent years, a distinct cultural shift is occurring within Gen-Z (those born between 1997-2012). Recent studies suggest a sharp decline in transgender identification among Gen-Z respondents for the first time. Gen-Z is also the most “religious” generation in the U.S., when measured by churchgoing frequency. 

Stories of conversion and detransition are only going to become more common, and Christians need to be equipped to have these conversations head-on. Is the church prepared?

The biblical concept of self-denial (Luke 9:23) is central to understanding the schism between trans ideology and Christian living. For more on what the Bible says about transgenderism, see our deep dive article or podcast on the subject. But for quick context, two aspects of transgenderism stand out as particularly relevant to our current conversation:

• Trangenderism is an expression of our individualistic culture that promotes self-interest and instant gratification. 
• Transgenderism embraces the idea that you are born with gender dysphoria or unique sexual attractions. Meanwhile, Jesus commands us to be born again (John 3:3). 

Several significant figures have emerged in recent years to spearhead the growing movement of detransitioners finding transformation in Christ.

Three examples of God’s transforming power

As many of the lies behind the transgender movement become less accepted, an ever-increasing number of people are finding freedom from the lies that led them to see changing their gender as the answer to their problems. However, three stories in particular speak to the variety of ways in which God is often at work in that process. 

Chloe Cole

Chloe Cole is now a prominent advocate against transgender ideology. The 21-year-old began the medical process of gender transition at age 12. Medical professionals convinced her parents that if they did not support her desires, she would likely commit suicide. 

With the assistance of doctors, her body was chemically altered and surgically mutilated. After four years of confusion, complications, and regret, Chloe stopped taking hormones and detransitioned. However, it was not until she began her advocacy and interacted with churches and pastors more regularly that Chloe saw her story from a spiritual perspective. 

Scripture challenged her former beliefs, and it became evident that God had played a role in the darkest moments of her life. Today, Chloe is an outspoken Christian, transformed by the blood of Jesus. Chloe’s story is featured in the recent documentary, Truth Rising, which is freely accessible online. 

Neeza Powers

Another prominent example is Neeza Powers, a biological male who identified as a female for twelve years. He became a Christian over six months ago, amid his detransition. 

Neeza has emerged as a social media sensation, sharing his faith journey with over 500,000 Instagram followers. He documents what he is learning in his Bible reading and the experiences he and his girlfriend have as they visit churches each Sunday.

Careful not to speak from a place of spiritual authority, Neeza regularly acknowledges the infancy of his faith, and vulnerability often shines through. 

In a recent video celebrating six months as a Christian, he spoke to a superficial struggle: his hair. In response to those who have told him that keeping his long hair is keeping a piece of his past identity, Neeza said, “You’re right. I wanted to tell you so bad you weren’t…but the truth is, I am holding on to this. . .I am weak.”

Though transgenderism does not make an appearance in the testimonies of most Christians, weakness and pride certainly do. Doubts, shame, and selfish desires surface in the minds of all Christians. Despite Neeza’s unique context, his journey is remarkably relatable for many. 

There is still much to be seen as Neeza continues to grow and learn. While most comments on his videos appear to be supportive or helpful, there is certainly a contingent that wishes he would simply become holier quicker. 

Sanctification, though, is a lifelong process. At the very least, Christians can learn from Neeza’s experiences as we prepare to encounter more individuals with similar stories.

Jonathan Gass

For Chloe Cole, detransitioning led her to the gospel. For Neeza Powers, detransitioning coincided with his discovery of the gospel. But for Jonathan Gass, a professor at Arizona State, the chain-breaking work of the gospel came first, leading him to repentance. 

Jonathan began identifying as a female in his early thirties and even counseled and supported others in the transgender community who were exploring gender altering procedures. A methodical religious exploration eventually led him to the faith he despised the most: Christianity. 

In his own words, Christianity “was oppressive to me—too limiting and too judgmental. I strived to resist it at all costs. . .But then I was transformed.” 

When Jonathan began attending Trinity Bible Church in Phoenix, he still dressed as a woman and referred to himself as Andrea. It was not without the compassion of a friend, the warmth of a church, and the genuine care of a pastor that Jonathan learned and internalized the truth of the gospel. He found a church that did not condone his sin, yet instantly cared for his soul, and readily embraced him as a brother upon his transformation.

The challenge for the church today

The challenge for the church today is to pierce through the culture war and the sheer weight of the transgender conversation with a song of redemption. Each Christ-follower, as an ambassador of his grace, has a responsibility to carry this redemptive message with us (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

As with all sinful lifestyles, we cannot expect an unbeliever to live up to biblical standards. Jonathan’s story, in particular, serves as a critical reminder that no one needs to become righteous before coming to Jesus. Christ can transform anyone. The story of repentance and reconciliation is for all who trust in Jesus Christ, and all of us are dead in our sin apart from him (Romans 6:23). 

Identify the areas of your own life where you are still holding on to your previous worldly identity. The daily decision to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus is exceedingly difficult, and yet it is absolutely worth it. 

We should always marvel at the fact that God can reconcile someone lost in the maze of gender confusion. But he can also refine your impure thoughts, cleanse your language, calm your anger, and answer your pressing doubts.

This week, pray for Chloe, Neeza, Jonathan, and countless others who have detransitioned and found Christ. Pray that they would endure in their newfound faith as they face the consequences and complications of their past lifestyle. Pray that God would use each of their platforms for His glory. 

Finally, pray that their stories would become like a broken record in churches across the globe as the song of redemption is played on repeat to guide more and more transgender individuals to the truth of the gospel and its transforming power.