HONG KONG: The Bioethics Resource Centre and the Holy Spirit Seminary College of Theology and Philosophy hosted a symposium on gender ideology at the Catholic Diocese Centre on September 1. The event brought together over 80 attendees, including scholars, medical experts, and religious leaders from mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong, to discuss the implications of gender theory on society and the Church.
The symposium provided a platform for diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and implications of gender theory within the context of Catholic teachings.
A poignant moment came when a mother shared her experience through an audio message. She spoke about her daughter who has been showing signs of gender dysphoria and autism since the age of three.
With the support of the Hong Kong Psychosexual Education Association, she discovered that spending quality time and offering heartfelt companionship helped her daughter appreciate feminine qualities.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing opened the symposium by addressing the conflict between Catholic teachings and contemporary gender theory. He emphasised the differences and complementarity between men and women and expressed concern about the impact of gender-neutral terms on traditional family structures in some countries like France.
A poignant moment came when a mother shared her experience through an audio message. She spoke about her daughter who has been showing signs of gender dysphoria and autism since the age of three
Bishop Ha also acknowledged the struggles faced by individuals with gender dysphoria, highlighting the need to balance Catholic doctrine with compassion for those grappling with gender identity issues.
Deacon Thomas Lam Chiu-wan discussed the challenges presented to traditional Christian perspectives on marriage and family by the increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. He noted the complex struggles of transgender individuals and questioned how healthy family structures can be formed for them.
Deacon Lam called for a strengthened Christian ethical framework to address these changes, emphasising the importance of natural marriage as a model of truth and beauty. He stressed that the complementarity of men and women is essential for a healthy society.
Doctor Hong Kwai-wah, a specialist in psychiatry and founder of the Hong Kong Psychosexual Education Association, warned about the risks of irreversible medical treatments for transgender individuals. He explained the stages of the “gender-affirming care” approach for transgender children, and stressed the importance of family relationships in addressing these issues.
He [Kwan] warned against reducing gender solely to subjective feelings, suggesting that this approach ignores biological differences and can lead to confusion and harm
This includes affirmation and support for children under 12, the use of puberty blockers for those aged 12 to 13, hormone therapy for teenagers aged 15 to 16, and possible gender reassignment surgery after the age of 18.
Hong aims to understand the root cause of the problem, help repair family relationships, and rebuild self-image.
Professor Kwan Kai-man from Hong Kong Baptist University discussed the societal implications of transgender identity. He highlighted the conflict between traditional gender roles and the modern movement advocating for self-identification of gender.
Kwan also examined the legal and social ramifications of the movement, referencing a recent legal case in Hong Kong where a transgender individual gained official gender recognition on their ID card without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. This case illustrates the tension between individual legal rights and social norms.
He warned against reducing gender solely to subjective feelings, suggesting that this approach ignores biological differences and can lead to confusion and harm. He cited the case of Karen White, a transgender man convicted of raping female inmates in the United Kingdom in 2017, as an example of potential dangers.
Doctor Charon Cheang Teng-fong, chairperson of the Association of Catholic Health Service Personnel of Macau, discussed the challenges of treating gender dysphoria in Macau due to limited resources, lack of specialised facilities and knowledgeable medical professionals, and the absence of official statistics
Despite not endorsing all aspects of the transgender movement, Kwan called for a Christian perspective on transgenderism, emphasising the need for compassion, understanding, and the Christian belief in equality and human dignity.
Doctor Charon Cheang Teng-fong, chairperson of the Association of Catholic Health Service Personnel of Macau, discussed the challenges of treating gender dysphoria in Macau due to limited resources, lack of specialised facilities and knowledgeable medical professionals, and the absence of official statistics.
A representative from China shared the experiences of LGBTQ+ Christians in China, particularly within Catholic and Protestant churches. He highlighted the challenges they face, including lack of acceptance, discrimination, and insufficient guidance from Church leaders. He emphasised the need for education, understanding, and support from both the Church and society to create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Christian community.
Dr. Andrew Yeh Wei-chiang from E-da Dachang Hospital in Taiwan talked about the experiences of transgender people in society and the discrimination they face. As a mental health expert in family therapy, he also shared research data showing that more transgender individuals are seeking support in Taiwan. This increase may be due to a more accepting society, greater awareness through media and education, and more openness to seeking help.
He called for ongoing dialogue and continued efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for transgender individuals.
Dr. Andrew Yeh Wei-chiang from E-da Dachang Hospital in Taiwan talked about the experiences of transgender people in society and the discrimination they face. As a mental health expert in family therapy, he also shared research data showing that more transgender individuals are seeking support in Taiwan
Dignitas Infinita, a 2024 declaration on Catholic doctrine issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith outlines the importance of human dignity and addresses the complex issue of gender theory. While affirming the inherent dignity and respect due to every individual regardless of sexual orientation, it denounces the mistreatment and persecution faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in some parts of the world.
However, it also expresses concerns about aspects of gender theory. It argues that while the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established fundamental and universally accepted rights, certain “new rights” introduced in recent decades may not align with these foundational principles.
It considers these new rights to be part of an “ideological colonisation” where gender theory, in particular, poses a danger by seeking to eliminate inherent differences in its pursuit of equality.
