There’s a viral video making the rounds. In it, a guy walks up to people and asks if it’s okay for children to transition. Most nod enthusiastically, praising inclusivity and freedom of identity. But then he completes the sentence: “…transition to Christianity.” Suddenly, their smiles drop. The mood shifts. People frown, get defensive, even offended.
The message is clear: when it comes to gender identity, kids should explore, question, and redefine themselves freely, even make life-altering choices. But when it comes to religion, even talking about it with kids raises eyebrows. Why?
This isn’t about being anti-trans or pro-Christian. It’s about a weird double standard. In today’s culture, one form of identity exploration is praised, while another is treated like indoctrination. If we’re okay encouraging kids to explore who they are on one level, shouldn’t that same openness apply to all parts of identity?
Let’s break this down.
Identity Is Complex, Not Selective
We tell kids, “Be who you are.” But somehow that only applies to certain aspects of self. Gender? Explore it. Sexuality? Discover it. Religion? Silence. Don’t talk about it in schools. Don’t bring it up in cartoons. Don’t even mention it unless you’re prepared for pushback.
This imbalance creates a culture where kids are told some identities are worth exploring and affirming, while others are outdated or dangerous. That’s not progress. That’s bias.
“Affirming” Only Goes One Way
When a child says they feel like a different gender, the expectation is affirmation. Not questions. Not pushback. Just support. But if a kid says they’re curious about prayer or faith? Suddenly, adults get uncomfortable. Now it’s seen as brainwashing, or being “pushed” into religion.
So what’s the real issue? Is it about kids being too young to make these decisions? Or is it about society deciding which choices are trendy and which are taboo?
Encouragement vs Indoctrination
A big argument people make is: “Let kids be who they are, don’t force beliefs on them.” That’s fair. But encouragement and indoctrination are not the same thing. Saying “you can change your gender if you want” is still a belief. It’s a worldview. So is saying, “you can choose to follow a faith.” The difference is that one is praised, the other is criticized.
If we’re worried about kids being influenced too early, we should be consistent. Either we protect all aspects of identity exploration, or we admit we’re just picking sides.
The Hypocrisy Hurts Everyone
This double standard doesn’t just affect Christians or people of faith. It creates a culture where tolerance is one-sided. Where people are scared to say what they believe unless it fits a specific script. Where kids are taught that only some paths of self-discovery are valid.
The truth is, children are curious. They’re trying to figure out who they are, what they believe, and how they fit into the world. That’s not something that should be filtered through political trends or public opinion. It should be open, honest, balanced.
Bottom Line
If we say kids are smart enough to question their gender, change their pronouns, even begin medical transitions, then they’re smart enough to ask questions about God. They’re smart enough to read scripture, explore faith, and find meaning beyond the material.
Let’s stop acting like some identities are too sacred to question and others too dangerous to mention. If we really care about kids growing into thoughtful, authentic people, we should trust them to think for themselves. Not just when it’s popular, but when it matters.