Focus on the Family with Jim Daly: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Helping Your Child Thrive with Gender Confidence
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Hosts: Jim Daly and John Fuller
Guests: Dr. Kathy Cook (Celebrate Kids) and Dr. Jeff Myers (Summit Ministries)

1. Introduction to Gender Confidence Issues

The episode opens with expressions of confusion and concern regarding contemporary gender identity issues. Listeners hear statements like:

• Kathy Cook: "I don't understand it. You're either male or female." (00:01)
• Jim Daly: "There's nothing in between." (00:03)
• Jeff Myers: "When she decided to transition, I've wondered how to stay friends but also tell her the truth." (00:13)

These opening remarks set the stage for a deep dive into the complexities surrounding gender dysphoria and the challenges parents face in today's cultural landscape.

2. The Rise of Gender Dysphoria and Transgenderism

John Fuller highlights the dramatic increase in gender dysphoria and transgender identification among youth:

• John Fuller: "Right now with gender dysphoria, it's up 1600%. I've seen estimates as high as 4000% increase in transgenderism and gender dysphoria." (04:00)

This surge is described as a relatively new phenomenon, becoming prominent since 2018-2019, and is significantly higher than historical levels of LGBT identification, which remained steady at around 2.5% to 2.8% globally.

3. Influence of Social Media and Educational Institutions

Dr. Jeff Myers attributes the rise to the pervasive influence of social media and the role of public schools:

• Jeff Myers: "Social media influence... if I could take that away, I think the numbers would get lower." (04:09)
• He references a study by Lisa Littman indicating that 66% of gender-dysphoric young women overuse social media, seeking validation and solutions for their discomfort (04:09).

Schools, driven by anti-bullying initiatives, are criticized for promoting gender ideology:

• Jeff Myers: "They're taking the anti-bullying impulse and weaponizing it for an agenda." (04:53)

4. Mental Health Implications

Both guests underscore the connection between gender dysphoria and mental health crises among youth:

• Kathy Cook: "They become even more suicidal after they've medically transitioned because it didn't work." (06:05)

The assumption that medical intervention resolves underlying mental health issues is challenged, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support.

5. Medical Interventions and Europe's Reassessment

The discussion contrasts the aggressive medical approaches in the US with Europe's more cautious stance:

• John Fuller: "Europe... ended up with about 1,000 lawsuits from patients... the medical community began to reverse itself." (11:22)

Europe's Tavistock clinic faced backlash for surgeries and hormone treatments on minors, leading to a reevaluation of practices based on patient harm.

6. Biblical Perspective and Gnosticism

A theological lens is applied to understand the issue, with Gnosticism cited as a root cause:

• John Fuller: "Elizabeth Wanning was talking about... Gnosticism... discounting gender... an attack on the Creator." (08:22)
• Jeff Myers: "Gnosticism says they're two separate realities... the spiritual is real, the physical is temporary and evil." (09:32)

The hosts argue for the intrinsic connection between body and spirit as intended by God, countering the Gnostic separation.

7. Role of Parents and Christian Community

The importance of parental guidance and Christian teachings is emphasized to help children navigate gender identity issues:

• Kathy Cook: Shares a personal anecdote about overcoming discomfort with height through parental support rather than medical intervention (15:05).
• Jeff Myers: "We're teaching students that who you are depends on whose you are... what you believe makes a psychologically healthy person." (17:32)

The guests advocate for affirming God's design and character development over societal or medical pressure.

8. Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health

John Fuller connects the COVID-19 pandemic to the exacerbation of mental health issues:

• John Fuller: "The CDC said between ages 15 and 25, there's been like a 50% increase... half the population in that group." (21:24)
• Kathy Cook: "Covid amplified what was currently going on... over protecting, over-parenting." (21:24)

The pandemic is portrayed as a catalyst that intensified existing vulnerabilities among youth.

9. Addressing Depression and Anxiety

The conversation moves to the authenticity of reported mental health struggles:

• Kathy Cook: "There are a lot of people who say, 'I'm so depressed,' but are they really?" (21:22)

The hosts stress the importance of truthful dialogue and accountability in recognizing genuine mental health issues versus transient emotions.

10. Cultural Conflict and Educational Curriculum

Conflicts between religious beliefs and educational policies are discussed, particularly regarding curriculum on gender ideology:

• Jeff Myers: "80% of parents do not want schools teaching this... only 4% of teachers support it." (24:36, 24:40)

This highlights a significant disconnect between parental concerns and institutional practices, further complicating the issue.

11. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of supporting families through faith-based resources and encourages listeners to engage with the provided materials:

• Jim Daly: "We've got copies of the book Raising Gender Confident Kids... Join us again tomorrow..." (26:35)

Listeners are urged to obtain resources, support the ministry, and participate in ongoing conversations to foster resilient, faith-aligned family dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Surge in Gender Dysphoria: There has been an alarming increase in gender dysphoria and transgender identification among youth, driven largely by social media and school policies.

• Mental Health Concerns: Medical interventions without addressing underlying mental health issues can exacerbate problems, leading to increased suicidality among transgender youth.

• Biblical Framework: A Christian perspective emphasizes the unity of body and spirit, advocating for character development and affirming God's design over societal pressures.

• Parental Role: Parents are encouraged to engage in honest, faith-based conversations with their children, providing support and guidance to navigate identity challenges.

• Cultural and Educational Conflicts: There is significant tension between religious beliefs and educational practices regarding gender identity, necessitating compassionate and informed parental involvement.

Notable Quotes

• John Fuller: "Right now with gender dysphoria, it's up 1600%. I've seen estimates as high as 4000% increase in transgenderism and gender dysphoria." (04:00)

• Kathy Cook: "They become even more suicidal after they've medically transitioned because it didn't work." (06:05)

• Jeff Myers: "Most young people who say I'm transgender or non-binary, it's not a sexual decision... It's an identity decision." (09:32)

• Kathy Cook: "We're going to teach our young people that being uncomfortable with yourself for a moment or for a year doesn't mean you surgically change yourself." (15:08)

• John Fuller: "We need to have compassion and recognize that some students actually do have issues... but not convert those dealing with discomfort into something more serious." (24:36)

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Raising Gender Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace their God-Given Design by Dr. Kathy Cook and Dr. Jeff Myers. Available through the Focus on the Family ministry.

• Ministry Support: For counseling and further assistance, contact Focus on the Family at 800–the-letter-A–family or visit the link in the show notes.

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of gender confidence issues within a Christian framework, offering insights, practical advice, and theological perspectives aimed at helping families navigate these challenging topics with faith and understanding.