Only a few months into this year, we have witnessed sweeping policy changes affecting transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. Even as Christians hold diverse views on the nature of sex and gender, we must recognize that these policies, along with social responses to them, create real hardships for our TGNC neighbors—hindering their ability to live, work, study, travel, and access basic needs safely.
More than 1.3 million American adults and 1.4% of American youth identify as TGNC, yet many policies frame them as threats rather than neighbors. This rhetoric fuels discrimination, job loss, legal repercussions, and even physical violence. How can we, as followers of Jesus, respond?
Following Jesus into allyship
Despite our belief in the God-given dignity of all people, we often struggle to take tangible action.
We hesitate:
- “I’m not sure what I believe.”
- “My trans friend would reject me if they knew I’m Christian.”
- “Christians would misunderstand me if they saw me doing this.”
- “Will my voice and presence really be helpful?”
- “What if I make things worse?”
Barriers to allyship—intellectual uncertainty, emotional discomfort, and spiritual hesitation—can keep us from fully showing up. Fear of awkwardness, embarrassment, and failure in pursuing relationships with trans people can immobilize us with shame.
But accompanying transgender people is an act of faithfulness to the Great Commission that we can’t afford to put off, especially in such a time as this.
To go where Jesus is sending us, we can’t rely on our own willpower or strength. We need the power of the Gospel—and the witness of God’s people who are around us and who go before us.
The author of Hebrews speaks to this reality in chapter 11, celebrating the faith-in-action of countless saints who have endured hardship together, trusting in God’s promise of a greater future. These faithful ones form a great “cloud of witnesses”—and we now take our place among them, running the same race.
But we do not run alone. Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, has gone before us (Hebrews 12:2). He has endured suffering, rejection, and shame—not only for our salvation, but also to model the way forward.
When we step into allyship, we follow Christ in a race that has already begun, joining alongside those—including transgender people—who are already enduring, already persevering, already running in faith. We are not here to be saviors, but to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) as part of Christ’s interdependent body,
And what is this all for? The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus endured suffering “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2)—a joy rooted in restored relationships, in a reconciled people groups, and in perfect love realized.
The beauty of the love we can experience in community through allyship is far greater than our present fears and hardships permit us to imagine. When we let shame, fear, and discomfort hold us back, we miss the beauty of these relationships that await us. But when we invite the Holy Spirit to break through our barriers, we encounter Christ anew through trans and nonbinary people who bear God’s astounding image. Together, through bearing each other’s burdens, we discover a joy in relationship with one another that could not be attained without trans people in our midst.
Knowing, then, of the call Jesus is asking of us, the power of the Spirit within us, and the cloud of witnesses alongside us, what practical steps can we take?
Here are three ways you can support trans people right now.
1. Tune in
Take 15 minutes this week to educate yourself on our legal climate. Look up current laws impacting TGNC people in your city, state, and country. Read from at least three sources, including one written by a transgender person. Take note of which laws dignify transgender people versus those that deny their dignity—perhaps under the guise of protecting women and children. (Protections for women and children do not have to be mutually exclusive from protections for transgender people.) This effort spares trans people the added burden of explaining everything to you.
For decades, TGNC individuals have faced criminalization, job discrimination, violence, family and church rejection, and housing insecurity. These struggles only intensify when compounded by racism, poverty, incarceration, and healthcare barriers. As you read, consider how recent policies may worsen these challenges—and how the Lord may be calling upon you to respond tangibly.
Building a habit of “tuning in” prepares us to engage politically and socially from an informed place. Politically, we can contact legislators, attend town halls, and support ballot initiatives. Socially, we can encourage others to also “tune in” with intentionality.
Remember to set healthy boundaries with media. Without balance, reflection, and spiritual disciplines that ground us in the hope of the Gospel, we risk being consumed by the news cycle rather than guided by God’s greater story. Staying informed is vital, but so is ensuring our engagement remains constructive and Christ-centered.
2. Check in
Text three trans people today. Let them know you see them, support them, and care about what they’re going through. A simple, genuine message can have a profound impact.
If you haven’t spoken in a while or don’t know them well, keep it simple: encourage and bless, without expecting them to educate you. This is about lightening their load, not adding to it.
If you don’t personally know three trans people, you can start by following three trans voices on social media. Commit to listening and learning for one full month without commenting. Notice what stirs discomfort, anger, compassion, or curiosity in you. Bring these reflections to God in prayer.
If you know more than three trans people, reach out to three people each day this week! Even better, build ongoing relationships. Set reminders—whether a photo on your wall, a phone notification, or their name in your prayer journal—to check in consistently. Many trans people wonder who will truly stand by them. Your message could remind them they are not alone.
3. Go all in
Christlike allyship isn’t a one-time gesture; it’s a lifelong commitment. The future is uncertain, but your dedication to loving your neighbor can remain steadfast. Will you be a consistent presence for trans people, even when the news cycle moves on?
Missional allyship means staying engaged through the highs and lows, not just when it’s convenient or trending. It means standing with vulnerable neighbors even when others look away. Jesus calls us into relationships, not just opinions.
Going all in is not easy, but support makes it sustainable. Tell a trusted friend, mentor, or spiritual director about your commitment to trans allyship. Invite them to pray for you. Seek out a group for support, mentoring, and accountability.
Importantly, stay humble and teachable without giving in to shame. Invite feedback from transgender people who feel safe being honest with you. You will make mistakes. But it’s always better to keep showing up and learning than to disengage. Your presence is needed in this Gospel work!
Take the next step
If you’re ready to deepen your allyship and grow in accountability, Kaleidoscope Ministries’ Aspiring Allies program offers a space for Christians across the theological spectrum to learn and act. Our cohorts help participants develop a personal vision for allyship and engage LGBTQ+ communities with Christ’s love.
Learn more and apply at www.kaleidoscopeusa.org/allies
LGBTQ+ people need your care, presence, and advocacy now more than ever. Will you answer the call?
Meg Baatz (she/her) is a peacemaker, bridge-builder, and educator whose desire is to see people grow personally and engage locally in diverse communities—particularly at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and spiritual life with Jesus. Meg is the co-founder of Kaleidoscope, a Queer-led ministry cultivating local communities where Queer people and aspiring allies journey together in mutual mission. Follow her on Instagram @kaleidomeg and on Substack at megbaatz.substack.com.
