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Sexual and Gender Identity Institute

Through research, training, and consultation, we work to further understanding of sexual and gender identity from within a Christian worldview, to explore the intersection of these identities with religious identity, and to be a resource to the church and to the broader culture.

Learn More About Our Work

“I witness many signs of hope. I don’t have to wait until all is well, but I can celebrate every little hint of the Kingdom that is at hand.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen

When Children Come Out: A Guide for Christian Parents

"Yarhouse and Zaporozhets reframe the focus away from "culture war" questions that are not helpful to families in favor of practical counsel for maintaining and deepening relationships."

Find out about the new book from Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets

Dr. Yarhouse offers learnings from scientific research in civil and compassionate language for Christian parents to have healthy and helpful conversations with their children about gender identity.

Order "Talking to Kids about Gender Identity" on amazon

Sexual & Gender Identity Institute

The mission of the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute is, from a Christian worldview, to further our understanding of sexual and gender identity, and the intersection of these identities with religious identity, and to be a resource to the church and to the broader culture.  We do this through research, training, and consultation. Learn More >

The mission of SGI is consistent with the Wheaton College Community Covenant.
Podcast Ep-362---Mark-Yarhouse
Addressing Gender Dysphoria with Conviction, Civility, & Compassion

Raising Christian Kids- September 16, 2024 During this episode, Dr. Yarhouse dives into the complex and often misunderstood topic of gender dysphoria and how parents can navigate these conversations with their children. 

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Gay Celibate Asceticism: An Exploration of Eros and Desire in the Theologies of Augustine and Contemporary Anglicanism

The 2024 Inaugural SGI Lecture on Christianity, Sexuality, and Gender was presented by Dr. David Bennett on October 8, 2024 and was sponsored by the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute.

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Gender Identity & Faith

Clinical Postures, Tools, and Case Studies for Client-Centered Care

Drawing from their extensive research and experience with clients, Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky provide a timely, practical resource for practitioners to help people who wish to take seriously their gender identity, their religious identity, and the relationship between the two.

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Talking to Kids about Gender Identity

A Roadmap for Christian Compassion, Civility, and Conviction 

As gender identity, transgender experiences, and emerging gender identities continue to be normalized and celebrated, many parents are left struggling with what to think about these issues--let alone how to talk to their children about them. The leading Christian expert on LGBTQ+ concerns, Dr. Mark Yarhouse has spent years counseling and teaching on these issues.


SGI Lab 2022

Research

We have anywhere from 5-6 lines of research being conducted at any one time. Discover our current highlights.

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Consultation and Training Services

We offer consultations and clinical trainings related to sexual and gender identity concerns.

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Resources

Browse a variety of helpful resources around gender identity issues including articles, workbooks, videos, books, professional referrals, and academic papers.

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About the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute

Learn more about who we are and what we do. Meet the professionals who conduct original research on sexual or gender identity and faith to help further our understanding of these complex experiences.

Upcoming Events

October 8, 2024 

The 2024 Inaugural SGI Lecture on Christianity, Sexuality, and Gender
By Dr. David Bennett