As a counter response, some have not only kept their “non-affirming” convictions, but have also become rather obstinate about the manner in which they hold them. For example, last week, political commentator Matt Walsh made headlines when he appeared on the Dr. Phil Show to debate gender identity. In a conversation with two individuals who both identify as non-binary, Walsh outlined the traditionally held view of gender, but he also referred to his fellow guests on the show as delusional and mentally ill, comparing them to four year-olds.
After the episode aired, the transgender couple expressed that they felt ambushed by Walsh and that the experience left them feeling anxious.
In response, Walsh doubled down not only on his stance but also the gruffness of his tone, saying, “I think you’re wrong about everything you say. What’s more, I think you’re narcissists and bullies. I think you don’t give a d–n about anybody or anything but yourselves…I think you have evil intentions. I think you’re bad people.”
Many evangelicals, including some pastors, lauded Walsh for his appearance on Dr. Phil, as well as his follow up commentary regarding the episode. This came despite (or in some cases because of) Walsh’s harshness of tone when speaking to and about members of the trans community.
Nevertheless, other Christian leaders share a great concern for holding to the long held convictions of the faith regarding sexuality while also inviting LGBTQ individuals into an experience of Christian community.
For example, while biblical scholar and author Preston Sprinkle says that the current mainstream views on gender identity are “a hot mess,” he also says, “The one thing that the Bible does say with anybody, whether they have gender dysphoria [or not], is that we all are in desperate need of community, of belonging, of being part of something that is bigger than ourselves.”
“We need to create communities of love and repentance and care, especially for people—like many trans people—who have not at all experienced that from the church,” says Sprinkle.
