Welcome back to Week Two of our series on identity! This week, we’re diving into a super important yet challenging topic: sexual and gender identity. I’ll be honest, having this conversation initially felt intimidating. But after hearing Rachel Gilson speak and reading her book, I knew she was the right person to guide us through this discussion.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Rachel emphasizes how our identity is ultimately tied to our relationship with God, which sets the foundation for navigating complex topics.
• We touch on the cultural elevation of romantic relationships to a place they were never meant to fulfill and how this impacts our understanding of intimacy.
• Rachel encourages us to point our children to Jesus as the true source of life and intimacy.
• A helpful tool introduced by Rachel for discussing difficult topics with your kids in a structured, compassionate way.

Rachel Gilson is a speaker, writer, and author of Parenting Without Panic in a LGBTQ-Affirming World and Born Again This Way. She shares her journey of coming to faith and navigating her sexuality, offering a unique and powerful perspective on identity in Christ. Rachel’s wisdom and vulnerability make her an invaluable voice for parents grappling with how to address topics of sexual and gender identity with their children.

This episode is filled with hope and encouragement, even as we tackle tough topics. I hope you feel as uplifted and equipped as I did after talking with Rachel!

(02:59) Understanding Identity in Relation to God

(05:48) The Pitfalls of Salvation by Romance

(09:02) Teaching Children the True Source of Life and Intimacy

(12:03) The 'Yes, No, Yes' Framework for Difficult Conversations

(19:21) Parenting from Love and Grace

(24:50) Supporting Children with Same-Sex Attraction

(27:17) Continual Communication and Love

(30:57) Living the Gospel

Connect with Rachel

RachelGilson.com

Resources mentioned

Parenting Without Panic in a LGBTQ-Affirming World

Born Again This Way

Identity Simplified

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org