SPRINGDALE, Arkansas – Gender identity has become one of the country’s most talked about issues and it’s not just a secular problem. Churches and Christian communities are also seeing a younger generation joining a culture that promotes gender dysphoria and gender transitioning. When this happens, Christian parents are often left in shock, desperate for resources to help them.
In an unforeseen turn of events for the West family, their child Jonathan suddenly embraced a new identity as Jenna.
“It came from nowhere,” expressed Melinda West, Jonathan’s mother, highlighting the suddenness of the transition, even within Christian households like theirs.
“My son was gone. This person in front of me was going to be changing. And it wasn’t the person I knew,” Melinda said.
Long hair, manicured nails, and hormone therapy have become components of the transition process.
“They went in and took two inches off each side of his collar bone and they closed it together so that his shoulders would not be so broad,” Melinda said.
Reflecting on the past, Melinda expressed bewilderment, stating, “I can’t figure out how I missed it. He grew up as a typical boy, playing baseball and attending youth group.”
Amidst the struggle, Gene and Anita
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