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Male, Female, Other? : A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender
What is gender?
Few words today generate as much controversy as “gender.”
Students, parents, and educators are
How many genders are there?What if my daughter says she’s trans?Do some people have an intersex brain?Should I use their preferred pronouns?Is gender a social construct?Does surgery prevent suicide?Are puberty blockers safe?What if I experience gender dysphoria?In Male, Female, Other? Jason Evert addresses the most common claims of gender theory and shows how to respond with charity and clarity.
If you care about someone who identifies as trans and don’t know how to respond, or you experience gender dysphoria and wonder what God’s plan is for you, you’ll find the answers inside.
Few words today generate as much controversy as “gender.”
Students, parents, and educators are
How many genders are there?What if my daughter says she’s trans?Do some people have an intersex brain?Should I use their preferred pronouns?Is gender a social construct?Does surgery prevent suicide?Are puberty blockers safe?What if I experience gender dysphoria?In Male, Female, Other? Jason Evert addresses the most common claims of gender theory and shows how to respond with charity and clarity.
If you care about someone who identifies as trans and don’t know how to respond, or you experience gender dysphoria and wonder what God’s plan is for you, you’ll find the answers inside.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2022
64 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Jason Evert
54 books229 followersJason Evert has spoken on five continents to more than one million people about the virtue of chastity.
Jason earned a master’s degree in Theology, and undergraduate degrees in Counseling and Theology, with a minor in Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a frequent guest on radio programs throughout the country, and his television appearances include Fox News, MSNBC, the BBC, and EWTN.
After speaking solo for several years, he teamed up with Crystalina, and the two married in 2003.
Jason earned a master’s degree in Theology, and undergraduate degrees in Counseling and Theology, with a minor in Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a frequent guest on radio programs throughout the country, and his television appearances include Fox News, MSNBC, the BBC, and EWTN.
After speaking solo for several years, he teamed up with Crystalina, and the two married in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 20, 2024
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read anyone else who weds truth and charity the way Jason Evert does—it’s amazingly compelling. The book is an extremely useful guide to not only the what but also the why behind our culture’s gender crisis. Additionally, despite his trouncing of modern gender theory, somehow Jason is simultaneously able to leave me feeling compassionate even for those who could (literally) be considered the mad scientists behind gender theory. He reminds his readers that it’s not enough to attack the ideology (though that’s necessary as well)—we as Christians also have a duty to show the love of Christ to even whom we may judge to be the worst of our enemies and to those who are victims of this epidemic. 11/10 recommend.
February 20, 2023
I heard about this book when I listened to Jason Evert on The Counsel of Trent Podcast. I was excited to read this book because he emphasized a pastoral approach, not simply scholarly head knowledge of why gender theory is wrong.
At the beginning of the book there is a beautiful message to transgender people. This book emphasizing that we must take the hands of our transgender loved ones in one hand and the truth in another and hold on tight. He really emphasizes that it is in gentle, loving accompaniment that we are to journey with our loved ones suffering from this cross. He says to the gender dysphoric person"You are not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be loved" BOOM
Most of the book then goes onto explore many of the talking points, and common arguments of the gender theorists. It gives background on the origin of some ideas, and reveals flaws in commonly pop statistics that are thrown around. Although there were some chapters that I felt would not be very convincing to a gender dysphoric person, I think it gave a fair representation of the various ideas and the responses were thoughtful.
The chapter on intersex conditions was particularly enlightening and it did not shy away to get into the particulars. Often intersex conditions are used in an overly general way or only one or two conditions are discussed but Evert didnt shy away from discussing the particulars as well as expose the misinformation regarding such conditions.
The most valuable section was on how to engage in conversation and strategies going forward. However because of this section I would hesitate from giving this book to someone struggling from gender dysphoria. I wouldnt want them to think that attempts at good communication are just disingenuous attempts to "stop the gender dysphoria". I would say this book is very complete and is valuable to parents and clergy as this issue becomes more widespread.
Unfortunately there is no silver bullet, or magic potion for this issue but I pray that the Lord would have mercy on us. It's hard. I feel that a person battling gender dysphoria would think that the only solution they can have is just "suck it up". Gender dysphoria is so crippling I understand the appeal to medically transition since they are promised some relief. However they are not to just suck it up but rather we are called to walk with them in their pain and love them as they are, no judgements just compassion and truth.
Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us
Please pray for R.
At the beginning of the book there is a beautiful message to transgender people. This book emphasizing that we must take the hands of our transgender loved ones in one hand and the truth in another and hold on tight. He really emphasizes that it is in gentle, loving accompaniment that we are to journey with our loved ones suffering from this cross. He says to the gender dysphoric person"You are not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be loved" BOOM
Most of the book then goes onto explore many of the talking points, and common arguments of the gender theorists. It gives background on the origin of some ideas, and reveals flaws in commonly pop statistics that are thrown around. Although there were some chapters that I felt would not be very convincing to a gender dysphoric person, I think it gave a fair representation of the various ideas and the responses were thoughtful.
The chapter on intersex conditions was particularly enlightening and it did not shy away to get into the particulars. Often intersex conditions are used in an overly general way or only one or two conditions are discussed but Evert didnt shy away from discussing the particulars as well as expose the misinformation regarding such conditions.
The most valuable section was on how to engage in conversation and strategies going forward. However because of this section I would hesitate from giving this book to someone struggling from gender dysphoria. I wouldnt want them to think that attempts at good communication are just disingenuous attempts to "stop the gender dysphoria". I would say this book is very complete and is valuable to parents and clergy as this issue becomes more widespread.
Unfortunately there is no silver bullet, or magic potion for this issue but I pray that the Lord would have mercy on us. It's hard. I feel that a person battling gender dysphoria would think that the only solution they can have is just "suck it up". Gender dysphoria is so crippling I understand the appeal to medically transition since they are promised some relief. However they are not to just suck it up but rather we are called to walk with them in their pain and love them as they are, no judgements just compassion and truth.
Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us
Please pray for R.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
Very thankful for this book - just what I needed as a guide through the murky waters of gender ideology. But most of all, Evert’s constant reminder that it’s with PEOPLE not IDEAS we talk to/meet/love… always seeing the person first… fills me with more confidence and lots of hope!
November 24, 2023
Jason Evert is both systematic and sympathetic. While he writes this book for a mainly Catholic Christian audience, he does not rely overly much on doctrine. Instead, he takes an empirical approach to discussing topics in gender theory, combatting these ideological claims on their own grounds of scientific research. His staunch criticism of gender theory is well-cited with research papers and experts on both sides of the discussion. However, he never lets ideas cloud his view of the individuals who must engage firsthand with these ideas. He has a truly compassionate stance toward those who identify as trans or who struggle with gender dysphoria. He repeatedly emphasizes that we should spend far less time caring about the latest news headline and far more time caring about persons in our lives who struggle with a sense of self. We must give space for our friends/children/students to flourish as their unique selves, not rushing them through a single pathway of transition treatment and not expecting them to conform to narrow stereotypes about their sex. There is a lot to appreciate and be challenged by here!
January 28, 2024
A good aid to beginning to understand the lens through which many today are experiencing the world and their sense of self. Hopefully parents and those who are forming the upcoming generations are able to utilize this knowledge to walk with and guide individuals back to the truth of their deepest identity, without alienation and instead true compassion.
March 12, 2025
I wish there was a way to give a book 0 stars on this app.
I would love to say this book is a well-intended Catholic perspective on gender ideology, but rather it is a manipulative attempt at dismantling gender theory that at its best supports trans people living with their gender dysphoria and at its worst condones conversion therapy.
The writer claims to have consulted with professionals from a variety of disciplines, as well as trans people. However, he cherry picks data (often from outdated, unverifiable, or biased sources) to support his claims. Many of the medical and mental health professionals cited in this book are known to be “anti-LGBTQ”, some having even been condemned by GLAAD and the Southern Poverty Law Center for their generation of pseudoscientific support for denying gender affirming care. The writer misrepresents these “professionals” as established members of the medical and mental health communities, when their viewpoints do not match what is supported by the American Medical Association and other similar organizations.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Look for other more reputable sources for understanding gender identity.
I would love to say this book is a well-intended Catholic perspective on gender ideology, but rather it is a manipulative attempt at dismantling gender theory that at its best supports trans people living with their gender dysphoria and at its worst condones conversion therapy.
The writer claims to have consulted with professionals from a variety of disciplines, as well as trans people. However, he cherry picks data (often from outdated, unverifiable, or biased sources) to support his claims. Many of the medical and mental health professionals cited in this book are known to be “anti-LGBTQ”, some having even been condemned by GLAAD and the Southern Poverty Law Center for their generation of pseudoscientific support for denying gender affirming care. The writer misrepresents these “professionals” as established members of the medical and mental health communities, when their viewpoints do not match what is supported by the American Medical Association and other similar organizations.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Look for other more reputable sources for understanding gender identity.
March 11, 2024
Great insight! Especially with a science point of view it is wonderful to be able to look at the cold hard facts that align with the Truth!
March 21, 2023
10 stars.
As a citizen, Christian parent, teacher, Catechist and a Director of Religious Education, I say thank you.
Open and honest communication including references and research I've been seeking but haven't found the time to collect.
Loving Christian outlook.
The Spirit has led me to follow the same advice given yet the last two chapters are difficult and caused rapid breathing and heart rate etc. They are excellent though!!
As a citizen, Christian parent, teacher, Catechist and a Director of Religious Education, I say thank you.
Open and honest communication including references and research I've been seeking but haven't found the time to collect.
Loving Christian outlook.
The Spirit has led me to follow the same advice given yet the last two chapters are difficult and caused rapid breathing and heart rate etc. They are excellent though!!
August 26, 2023
Work book club 🤪
May 16, 2023
A considerate look at gender dysphoria and a Catholic response that doesn’t lack compassion or just treat things in a totally abstract way. Well researched and very helpful.
September 10, 2023
A phenomenal overview of an incredibly complex subject. While simultaneously being very well researched and nuanced, there’s a level of humanity in the pages that allows the reader to now approach conversations with an attitude of, “I may not know all the answers, but I would certainly like to know you.”
It’s a much needed book that offers replies to complicated questions and advice on navigating conversations can very quickly and easily become heated. I would recommend to anyone who wants a Christian/Catholic perspective on the subject of gender theory while truly loving those around them well.
It’s a much needed book that offers replies to complicated questions and advice on navigating conversations can very quickly and easily become heated. I would recommend to anyone who wants a Christian/Catholic perspective on the subject of gender theory while truly loving those around them well.
June 2, 2024
Jason Evert approaches this topic with clarity and charity! Well nuanced and a very insightful read on a variety of topics concerning gender theory and walking with people who identify as transgender, while still being grounded in Church teaching and JPII's theology of the body. This is the Christian way to approach this topic!
July 2, 2023
I'm saddened that in these times we need to read a book like this. However, it brings some sanity and understanding but most of all charity to this topic. Jason Evert, as always, never disappoints in his way of communicating the truth of God's love and how we are made for true fulfillment.
May 3, 2024
Very good description of the issues related to gender theory and transition from several points of view and solid references.
August 22, 2024
Terrific overview of the topic.
September 13, 2024
A well researched book about gender ideology and how to respond with truth and compassion.
June 19, 2025
Oh brother this guy STINKS
Mrs. Evert is very clearly coming at this whole topic from the “hate the sin love the sinner” angle, but she also tries and fails to use cherry-picked science as a backing for transphobia. But being the founder of an org called the “Chastity Project�� that totally tracks. Before reading, I wrote down a (rather long) list of tired transphobic talking points that the Ben Shapiro types bring up, and I shit you not this book hits every single one. I don’t think she was approaching this from a malicious angle like some tend to do *cough* Matt Walsh *cough*, but her very limited conservative worldview does not allow her to even approach the idea that trans people actually exist as more than a mental illness or someone playing pretend. She says otherwise, but the constant “man who believes he’s a woman” etc lines show her true underlying (and not at all surprising) perspective.
The part that brings it so far down for me is the faux attempt at being neutral to the topic, when she only gives surface level straw men arguments or incredibly niche unknown YouTube videos from the pro “trans ideology” side, then proceeds to cite well known, established transphobes such as Abigail Shrier, Blaire White, or Jordan Peterson.
To give her credit, she does make an attempt at actually humanizing trans people and advocating for kindness/listening to the stories and perspectives of trans people, which is way more than most in the transphobia game do. So I’d give 1.5 stars if I could for that alone.
All in all, if you’re a parent or friend of a trans person or just a Christian wanting to learn more to be a good ally, find a better book. Preferably, go for one that actually teaches the reader about the topic instead of spouting opinions and think tank talking points that just reinforce the author’s own previously held beliefs ok byeeeeeeeeee
Mrs. Evert is very clearly coming at this whole topic from the “hate the sin love the sinner” angle, but she also tries and fails to use cherry-picked science as a backing for transphobia. But being the founder of an org called the “Chastity Project�� that totally tracks. Before reading, I wrote down a (rather long) list of tired transphobic talking points that the Ben Shapiro types bring up, and I shit you not this book hits every single one. I don’t think she was approaching this from a malicious angle like some tend to do *cough* Matt Walsh *cough*, but her very limited conservative worldview does not allow her to even approach the idea that trans people actually exist as more than a mental illness or someone playing pretend. She says otherwise, but the constant “man who believes he’s a woman” etc lines show her true underlying (and not at all surprising) perspective.
The part that brings it so far down for me is the faux attempt at being neutral to the topic, when she only gives surface level straw men arguments or incredibly niche unknown YouTube videos from the pro “trans ideology” side, then proceeds to cite well known, established transphobes such as Abigail Shrier, Blaire White, or Jordan Peterson.
To give her credit, she does make an attempt at actually humanizing trans people and advocating for kindness/listening to the stories and perspectives of trans people, which is way more than most in the transphobia game do. So I’d give 1.5 stars if I could for that alone.
All in all, if you’re a parent or friend of a trans person or just a Christian wanting to learn more to be a good ally, find a better book. Preferably, go for one that actually teaches the reader about the topic instead of spouting opinions and think tank talking points that just reinforce the author’s own previously held beliefs ok byeeeeeeeeee
December 8, 2025
Male, female other by Jason Evert is a profound book about gender ideology from a Christian standpoint. It adresses out some claims that you can hear from people that support gender ideology, it answers and points out the flaws with religious and scientific facts, quoting many researches on this topic. And it even touches and considers people's personal feelings and beliefs, their own experience as trans people and de-transitioners. It talks about trasphobia, feminism gender and body dysphoria, mental health and many other important topis that correlate to trans movement, as well.
The book is very "beginner friendly", so if you don't know anything about gender, trans and non-binary and other LGBT terms this will certainly clear out some things for you and help you be less confused. If you're a parent, teacher, friend, sibling or priest who is in contact with a trans person but doesn't know how to help them, this book might be helpful. It might be helpful to de-transitioners, as well as people that lead the battle with gender and body dysphoria or are not sure about the whole gender thing.
What I loved most about this books is that the whole time it was pointing us to Christs love. It was about poiting out the fact we're talking to the people, not the ideology and that at every point we must show the same love and compassion Jesus showed us. They are not out enemies, they are our neighbours and children God created and children God loves with all His heart. Even if we don't understand people we are talking to, it's out duty to love them and help them. Evert is telling us to look beyond the news headlines and stereotypes and meet the person to its core.
The book is very "beginner friendly", so if you don't know anything about gender, trans and non-binary and other LGBT terms this will certainly clear out some things for you and help you be less confused. If you're a parent, teacher, friend, sibling or priest who is in contact with a trans person but doesn't know how to help them, this book might be helpful. It might be helpful to de-transitioners, as well as people that lead the battle with gender and body dysphoria or are not sure about the whole gender thing.
What I loved most about this books is that the whole time it was pointing us to Christs love. It was about poiting out the fact we're talking to the people, not the ideology and that at every point we must show the same love and compassion Jesus showed us. They are not out enemies, they are our neighbours and children God created and children God loves with all His heart. Even if we don't understand people we are talking to, it's out duty to love them and help them. Evert is telling us to look beyond the news headlines and stereotypes and meet the person to its core.
November 13, 2023
I loved this book, however, I felt that certain chapters were taken verbatim from other sources (i.e. the chapter on people with intersex conditions was taken largely from Favale's Genesis of Gender). Chapters on the history of the ideology were particularly impactful, and necessary for understanding the current culture and climate.
Ultimately, I felt as though Evert wanted to write two books: one in the fashion of MFO, addressing the studies, history, and well-researched areas of the topic that are so necessary for understanding; the second would be something more pastoral, more richly packed with the stories of people, and Evert's own heart bleeding for them. As someone who admires Evert for his compassion, I felt profoundly the lack of this second book, and I hope he soon returns to the topic to write another book on the topic that one can feel confident handing to the young person in youth group struggling with their gender, because, unfortunately, this book is not yet wholly that thing.
Ultimately, I felt as though Evert wanted to write two books: one in the fashion of MFO, addressing the studies, history, and well-researched areas of the topic that are so necessary for understanding; the second would be something more pastoral, more richly packed with the stories of people, and Evert's own heart bleeding for them. As someone who admires Evert for his compassion, I felt profoundly the lack of this second book, and I hope he soon returns to the topic to write another book on the topic that one can feel confident handing to the young person in youth group struggling with their gender, because, unfortunately, this book is not yet wholly that thing.
September 16, 2025
This book is written with true compassion, is exhaustively researched and goes through the main assumptions or talking points of gender ideology. The whole person is held up with dignity, and I really appreciated and respected how he actually had people in the trans community proof-read his book to make sure he didn't discount or misrepresent anyone. While this book is solid in the Catholic teaching of the Theology of the Body, you could read this book as a non-religious person and get useful information.
June 19, 2023
A thoughtful Catholic perspective on the gender issue, that carefully holds balance between "clarity and charity." There were some gems in here that not only disprove gender theory, but also point to creating a culture of true acceptance of diverse bodies and gender expressions, no "identity" or "transition" needed, in which people are accompanied in learning to love themselves as they are.
June 26, 2025
This topic is overwhelming for everyone, but Jason writes with clarity to reach the heart of the matter: trust in God. He writes consistently about what it looks like to trust in God while wrestling with the confusion of gender ideology that our modern age presents to us. This book is full of wisdom, hope, and compassion.
April 15, 2023
Remarkably sublime, informative, and powerful. I must-read for every Christian who is trying to make sense of our generation's greatest deception.
June 29, 2023
Impeccable research, thoughtful discussions, and practical steps to speak the truth with compassion. Good to see the clarity reality offers.
November 13, 2023
Generally very good.
January 1, 2024
Compassionate and informative. A truly Christian approach and perspective of the issue.
February 9, 2024
This was such a helpful book in understanding both sides of the "Trans" issue. It was charitable and fair in covering many sub-topics and it explores countless data and personal stories. Thank you, Jason, for putting in so much effort into bringing light and love to the discussion!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews