Emerging Sexual Identities: Navigating the Landscape with Today’s Youth

A thoughtful and orthodox approach to the sexual identity questions of today’s youth

According to a recent Gallup Poll, 20.8% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+. As youth culture continues to evolve around sexual identity, Christian leaders, parents, and counselors need practical guidance for ministry and care. Emerging Sexual Identities offers a measured Christian response to the diverse sexual identities that are embraced by an increasing number of adolescents and explains how these identities function in the lives of today’s youth.

Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky bring significant clinical and ministry experience to this timely resource. This comprehensive guide provides

● clear explanations - help for understanding the new language and categories of sexual identities;
● research-based insights - grounded in clinical experience and current data on Gen Z sexual identity trends;
● practical tools - actionable strategies for pastors, youth workers, counselors, and parents;
● Orthodox Christian perspective - maintains biblical foundations while offering compassionate engagement;
● cultural context - explains how queer theory and cultural shifts have shaped today’s identity landscape;
● relational approach - focuses on accompanying youth through their personal stories and questions; and
● real-world application - addresses actual controversies and challenges in ministry settings.

The book focuses on accompanying, engaging, and ministering to teens navigating diverse sexual identities in the 21st century.

Whether you’re a pastor seeking to understand youth culture, a parent walking alongside your teenager, or a counselor working with LGBTQ+ youth, this book equips Christians with the wisdom and tools needed to minister effectively in today’s complex sexual identity culture.

Mark Yarhouse (PsyD, Wheaton College) is the Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he also directs the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute.

Julia Sadusky (PsyD, Regent University) is a clinical psychologist who owns a private practice in Littleton, Colorado. She is also a consultant, a speaker, and a fellow at the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute.

They are coauthors of Emerging Gender Identities.