Today’s youth struggle with difficult questions of sexual identity. How can a youth worker offer wise care and counsel on such a controversial and confusing subject? Mark Yarhouse, Director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity, writes to equip youth ministers so they can faithfully navigate the topic of sexual identity in a way that is honest, compassionate, and accessible. Reframing the focus away from the culture wars, Yarhouse introduces readers to the conversation beginning with the developmental considerations in the formation of sexual identity—all of which occurs in the teen years. He offers practical and helpful ways to think about people who experience same-sex attraction. Sections of the book are also dedicated to helping parents respond to their children and teens who struggle with questions of sexual idenity, as well as how youth ministry can become more relevant in the lives of youth who are navigating these issues.

Understanding Sexual Identity by Mark Yarhouse is a practical, compassionate explanation of how teens form their sexual identity in today's culture. Pastors and youth ministry volunteers will understand how to help individuals navigate today's culture and form a sexual identity that honors Jesus Christ.

Sexual identity has become an idol in both the culture at large and in the Christian subculture. And yet concepts like gay or straight are relatively recent developments in human history. We let ourselves be defined by socially constructed notions of sexual identity and sexual orientation--even though these may not be the only or...

Most people who attempt to change their homosexual attractions and behaviors experience only partial success despite their best efforts. Written for Christians whose beliefs and values support their work towards chastity, this book offers a unique look at how they can manage and develop their sexual identity through a number of practical strategies.

This book is the first exhaustive examination of empirical psychological data pertinent to both sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and gender identity change efforts (GICE). It offers contemporary, empirically based guidance for practitioners and educators in all major mental health and counseling professions. "Conversion therapy" and "reparative therapy" were the previous terms used to describe efforts to reshape an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The use of the term therapy tacitly and falsely implied that such efforts were based on empirically validated mental health practice. An introduction by the editor, Douglas C. Haldeman, provides the book's rationale and a summary of the major issues addressed. Ten chapters divided into four sections examine pertinent aspects of SOCE/GICE. This book can be used in courses relating to LGBTQ-affirmative therapy/counseling and mental health courses focusing on diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

The first comprehensive presentation of an explicitly transgender theory. This theory goes beyond feminist and queer theory by incorporating the idea of fluid embodiment and lived experience in conceptualizing gender and sexual identity. Beyond developing a formulation of transgender theory that incorporates the socially constructed, embodied, and self-constructed aspects of identity in the narrative of lived experiences, the authors discuss the implications of this “trans-identity theory” for theory, research, and practice.

'While Freud opened the door on the formative and motivating power of sexuality, contemporary psychoanalysts, with some notable exceptions, have consigned sexuality to the psychoanalytic closet. This book not only re-opens the door on the broad subject of psychosexuality, but also provides fresh insights into heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, gender identity disorder, transvestism and transsexualism. This publication brings together some of the leading psychoanalytic authorities from around the globe to consider in depth the complex interweaving of identity, gender and sexuality from theoretical, clinical, historical and research perspectives. The author strongly recommends "Identity, Gender and Sexuality" to those looking for a book that does not pull punches. The reader will find a debate about the relative merits of clinical, empirical, and conceptual research, critical assessments of interdisciplinary findings from infant and child development research, embodied cognitive science, academic psychology, neurobiology, genetics, ethology, and other fields of inquiry, and honest and illuminating psychoanalytic case studies. - Donald Campbell