Gender stereotypes have altered our perception of what it means to be a man or a woman, but it is unhealthy to expect reality to conform to our perceptions.
Talking Points:
- What does it feel like to be a man? What does it feel like to be a woman? In reality, we have no idea what it feels like to be a member of the opposite sex. All we have are gender stereotypes.
- There is a specific disorder, Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) where someone looks at their hand, for example, and says, “this isn’t my hand.” This hand or some other body part feels foreign to that person. If that person came to a doctor and asked to have it amputated, the physician would certainly refuse. The person’s perception is wrong, not the reality.
- Our message as followers of Christ should be one of love. We are called to love and to walk through life with people. We need to listen to what others are saying and be willing to become involved. We are all broken and hurting people.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What do you think is the difference between being judgmental and making an assessment?
- Comment on the fact that no one knows exactly how it feels to be a member of the opposite sex. How does that relate to a person feeling that they have been assigned to the wrong gender?
- Read Psalm 145:17 If God is righteous in all He does, do you think he could assign the wrong sex to a person?
- How do you think gender stereotypes may have caused confusion in our society? Are some gender stereotypes accurate?
- Read I Timothy 6:6 Do you think it is possible to be content with your life circumstances? How might God help you to be more content?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
