I'm a Catholic who's struggled with gender dysphoria since I was a kid. I actually think this video is fantastic and totally on point. I never transitioned, and it is incredibly hard, but it really did get better for me as I strove to be a healthier person, supported by friends who both affirmed me as a male, and also affirmed that my differences are good and lovable as well. That did take many years and I'm still healing. I have friends who transitioned, and while they experienced satisfaction from their transition, I honestly feel I ended up in a much happier, healthier place. So yes, people experiencing gender dysphoria do need a TON of love and support, and it's a difficult path, but as someone who's experienced this, Father Mike is totally correct.

I believe it was Mother Theresa who said, “If we spend all our time judging others, we have no time to love them”.

I'm 35 and have been secular my entire life. I've recently begun looking into catholicism for the sake of my children. I'm hoping for an epiphany if I'm lucky. I've been listening to your videos for a couple weeks now and I seen this video and with the way things are going these days I have to admit I was worried but I think you hit the nail directly on the head and I'm grateful for that. Thanks father.

I'm a protestant, but I really appreciate this message 💞 Thank you! God bless

As a non-theist this was an amazing argument. Everything was calm and civil and extremely logical. I can now truly appreciate the catholic view on this issue Coming back to this years later just to say that just because I can appreciate the viewpoint and say it was a good argument doesn't mean it's necessarily a correct one, which I think is something a lot of people who responded to this are missing. This guy is still not an intelligent person who you should use to base any of your opinions off of (feel free to go through his other videos) and in all honestly comparing someone that feels like they are transgender to a boy who feels like a dog is a massively degrading thing in hindsight. What this comment was more so saying was that it's nice to see the ideas expressed in a calm rational manner rather than the "oH mY gOsH tHeY wAnT tO uSe ThE sAmE bAtHrOoM aS mE eWwWwW" manner that we see 99% of the time this is argued about. Now I'm also not saying that the transgendered community/supporters have the 100% right of everything either, but we all just need to remember that everyone is human and we should treat everyone with respect. If you want people to respect your personal beliefs you also have to respect theirs

As a Catholic, I truly appreciate the positive comments from atheists. While we differ on some issues, we’re all human. Thank you again for respecting our personal beliefs.

This is the best, most wholesome, truthful point of view I need to listent to over and over. Very logical and compassionate. Love it!

Thank you. As someone who is concerned for this group and people who suffer from body dysmorphia, or social gender expectations (myself being one of them) I was holding my breath thinking, "this is where the wonderful Fr. Schmitz lets me down"...and nope, he didn't. So compassionate, kind, and rational. Thank you for your kindness Father.

And people say this is a religion of hate

Father mike, I’m an atheist, but I wanted to say thank you for creating such a thoughtful video. Especially considering how sensitive some people can be about this topic.

I think the question at the end of the day is how can society treat tomboys and feminine men with respect and dignity. Society should stop focusing on the arbitrary expectations associated with male or female.

Thank you for your videos. I was raised Catholic and recently have rediscovered my faith in the Catholic church after 17 years of being agnostic. Your videos answered a lot of questions, doubts and confusion I've had.

With 7 billion people in the world you are the only one who explained it in a way that no one got hurt

"All we have is gender stereotypes" YES! "It's not reality that has to change; it's your perception that has to change." This is a great explanation, thank you!

I want to be Catholic but I’m transgender. Gender dysphoria is a real thing and treatment helps mental health. I could only live as a man

This just came up in my feed 7 years after release and I want to look more into other videos of his. If he is brave enough, and smart enough to take on delicate issues like this in such a compassionate manner I need to find out what more he has to discuss. Bravo!

I love this priest. He said it beautiful, “if perception isn’t matching up with reality then it’s not reality that has to change, it’s perception that has to change”

Thank you Father Mike!! I've been a tomboy forever and I hope people can respect my choice to remain a woman who simply doesn't like makeup, dresses, dolls, or the color pink. Thank you for giving me hope!!!

We have examples of this in scripture too: King David, one of the manliest men in the Bible, wrote poetry, played the harp and was known for being a cryer. The ideal "virtuous woman" described in Psalms was a landowner, businesswoman, a farmer, a traveler and worked with her hands. These activities certainly don't align with today's accepted norms and stereotypes around gender. Evidently, the behaviors we associate with each gender are always in flux throughout time. Therefore, it is nonsensical for one to conclude that because they behave in a way that isn't currently associated with the popular norms or stereotypes of their gender, that they must have been born in the wrong body. The proper conclusion is simply that one doesn't fit the norms or stereotypes.... Which is okay!!

I was born male, unfortunately. I’ve hated it all my life. I have ALLOT of self hatred and depression. And part of that is knowing I’ll never be a real woman. Yet I don’t know how to be a man because I HATE anything masculine. I still look forward to not being here one day so I can be free of this body. So far I’m stuck here in misery. Not a day goes by where I wish I was born a normal man or woman. I don’t wish gender dysphoria on anyone! It is something terrible to be stuck with. I’ve often asked God and Jesus why was I was allowed to be born this way, when I could’ve just been a miscarriage or an abortion, of course no answer from them. I asked to let me know in a dream so I can at least have answers. Again NOTHING. I’m just waiting to be released from here sooner than later.

Father Mike... I'm a catholic and suffering financially and yet, and yet I have an aunt who never got married for a number of reasons. Our culture dictates that we take care of our own. And so when my mother the last of my aunt's siblings died i promised as she asked, that I take care of her youngest sister. She's now 70 odd years old and is suffering from dementia. With very little option to earn an income , I very often feel trapped and cheated out of ooportunities ( I also took care of my mother for several years until she died ) to practise what I got educated for.... But I also know in my heart that I cannot leave my aunt unattended lest she panics. Father Mike, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can now embrace the call for me to walk with my aunt. It will be a struggle but at least now I can understand why. Please pray for me and my family Father Mike. Thank you so much

as an ex trans identifying individual who is working through her healing and glorifying our father, I want to say thank you for this video.

Thank you Fr. Mike for this As a Catholic, I have been deeply troubled by the transgender question. Your explanation was truly helpful. I will always your words "Walk with them."

Fun fact pink was until sometime recently associated with boys not girls

Thank the Lord there are still sensible people in the world.

I love how loving and not judgmental you are. God bless

I’m not sure I agree with you but I have never heard anyone explain it with such respect and kindness for the people that are struggling. You are a true blessing .

This is why I love being a Catholic. We are not to judge, but to walk with. And I have found that true throughout my entire life with the Catholics I have encountered. Father, this was done in such a factual, true to faith, and compassionate way. Thank you.

I'm not Catholic but that was a very touching message. Really made me step back and think/listen. Thank you Father Mike..

You presented the truth in a very loving way. Although I’m more blunt in telling the truth, I respect your way of telling authentic Catholic Truth.

If you do some research, you find that the prevailing consensus among medical and psychological experts is that it is not possible to change one's internal sense of sexual identity to align with the sex assigned at birth. In fact, Research suggests that an individual's gender identity is deeply ingrained and resistant to change. Attempts to suppress or alter one's gender identity can lead to significant psychological distress and harm. Source: APA - "Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People"

What a beautiful message full of love, compassion, truth and light. Messages like this should be viral in a world full of hate, ignorance and people who only see these issues as a way to make a huge business.

I was always playing with baby dolls when I was a child and never interested in car-like toys. I liked pink over blue and after 25 years, I am a beloved and caring father to my daughter :)

OK, let me be completely honest, I was very skeptical and prepared to be offended when I saw a religion man talking about LGBT, but after watching this video I think he has got a point. I think it's good that we are liberal but there is a point to which our liberalism actually hurts the youth... I guess we as a society are again at the point where we need to get back to the men of faith and hear their point of view. No matter what religion you are this guy has a good point. Thank you!

So grateful for this. It's the most intelligent response to this issue I've ever heard. Thank you Fr Mike God bless you and all of us.

You make sense, and while I understand the issues with gender re-assignment surgery, I also need to point out that most of them people who regret getting that surgery have said that it's not the surgery itself, but the perception people have of transgender people overall. While I understand what you mean and you are right in many ways, I feel like the regret after coming out and being openly transgender isn't from any surgeries, HRT, or treatment, but just simply that people are so seriously judgemental that we feel bombarded almost daily with hate. I appreciate you for walking with us. I appreciate you for listening to us. And I get that you may not understand what we go through and what it's like to be us. Thank you.

I love this channel, After a couple years I’m back opening my heart to god through Catholicism.

Wow. I’ve never heard it being presented with such clarity. Without being judgemental or spreading hatred. Absolutely loved this. Thank you very much Fr. Mike for this amazing message.

I totally agree with you I'm a tomboy I dont like dresses I like pants I dont like makeup but I don't want to be a man I want to stay a girl but I can still like boy things

God bless you Fr Mike,thank you. May the Lord continue to use you mightily🙏🏽

As a trans person, I really love this. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and consideration you put into this video.

As a protestant I love this video. Great claim, great explanation, great guy. Thank you, Fr. Mike

GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES😊❤

Yes, we need to share the Truth, in love. God bless you Father Mike.

Father Mike is so refreshingly compassionate and logical. He is such a beacon of light in this confused, broken world.

If only every priest was as calm and collected and rational as you Father Mike. I'd have a lot more time for them. I am an atheist but have been watching through your videos and I have to say you've made some of the strongest arguments I've ever heard from a religious perspective.

I know its a bit old but I just found this video and had to comment... See THIS video is how you approach the subject without hate. All too often people hurl hate at trans folk and hide it behind "faith". But your approach was done with LOVE. Ill be honest, I pray with Father Mike via the Hallow app and im not catholic, im protestant but I get a lot out of his words and the way he does things. I clicked on this video admittedly afraid of what I would hear because I have some friends and extended family that are indeed trans. I was nervous my opinion on this guy would suddenly change... But again I stress, this video was refreshing and came from a place of real love... not hate hiding behind a mask of "faith". Well done Father Mike!

I don’t know what it feels like to be a woman. I just am. Liking dolls doesn't make a boy a girl. Im a straight woman who is a huge tomboy. I wear makeup every day and do my hair, but i love "guy things" like action movies and guns.

I love how so many atheists I see making a fair comment have no dislikes :) THIS is how we share thoughts and ideas.

As a trans person, I can respect this viewpoint. Thank you for sharing it.

AMEN!!! This video should be shown around the world and in all schools!!!

God bless you father Mike. Thanks for being this brave.

If I had met a father like you in the catholic church I would still be a catholic...thank you so much for representing what fathers should be like in this religion...💗 love your messages.

For all of you that are calling him an idiot or hating on him, please stop. He is expressing his beliefs, and isn't talking bad about transgendered people. He is simply expressing how he feels on this topic, which everyone has a right to do. He is providing logical reasoning and if you had an open mind, you would at least understanding where he's coming from instead of calling him intolerant.

That was amazing. Father Mike your explanation on topics are incredible. GOD bless you 🙏

As someone who has several friends in the LGBTQ+ community and who identify as trans, this makes me so happy. I got really worried for a second but I should’ve realized that I am allowed to share in their pain and walk with them

I'm a trans boy and I just wanted to state my experience. I knew I was transgender because being called a boy felt right. When people said "she" and "girl" I would feel very insecure and upset. When I asked people to call me "he" and "boy" I felt so much better and free. I still identify with some feminine traits but I know I'm a boy because it feels right. I changed my name from Rose to Phoenix and my pronouns from she to he so I felt happy and I could enjoy myself. If being perceived as a boy makes me happy, then I don't think I should have to change my perception of myself. When people are trans, we don't expect reality to conform to our perception. We know that our bodies are different and that's why we're hurting. Not because we think wishing on a star will make us the sex we want to be. Studies have been done that show how a transgender girl's brain patterns are the same as a cisgender girl. Anorexia, being transgender, and BIID are 3 very different things and shouldn't be compared to each other.

This man is what religions need more of. He preaches it straight. He's not a bible thumping angry preacher. He preaches what he believes and their point of view. No matter what side you take you need to look at both sides. Religious or not.

Do you know any transgender individuals? I do. I agree that God calls us to walk with them and to also accept them as individuals made by God in the image and likeness of God. For many, trying to fit into our society and live in a body that does not fit who they are in every sense other that physical appearance causes psychological damage and self-loathing. Please meet transgender people who are happy living their authentic lives. I feel you can learn from them. Being a tomboy is not the same as being transgender.

Great video, thanks Fr Mike. I’ll b showing this to my kids (most of their Catholic school classmates really should see it too). Prayers & best wishes from the UK 🙏

Well father Mike it is apparent that we are in the minority. Thanks for the vid. Really solid points. Continuing to pray for you and our one Holy Catholic and apostolic Church. God bless. -Chris

As a trans man, I'd like to offer a different light to some of the very important issues Father Mike has brought up. I don't expect him to see this or answer it (though I would be very interested in what he has to say); mostly I bring this here so that anyone interested in this subject might have access to a different point of view. Brace yourselves, it will be a long one. *1. "Feeling like a certain gender"* No one knows how to answer what that feels like. Not cis people, not trans people. We can describe how we feel more comfortable or connected around people of one gender or another, or how we relate more to "masculine" or "feminine" things or traits, but that doesn't mean one is transgender at all. This "feeling like a certain gender" rhetoric is simply an easy, although very unfortunate, way for trans people to describe their very confusing and traumatizing experiences as trans. Believe me, as self aware and introspective as I am and try to be, I still couldn't possibly explain exactly what it feels like. I don't condone using this "feeling" explanation and I wish people would quit it, but I understand why some trans people go for it. *2. Relating to opposite gender stereotypes = Trans* This is an *extremely* harmful notion that is heavily perpetrated both by those who hate and those who avidly support trans people. (of which I think Father Mike is neither, btw) Transphobes use this idea to belittle trans people's experiences, which is of course harmful, but even more harmful are allies who use this as a ruler to try and tell whether someone is trans or not. Have this ruler applied to kids by the adults around them and you end up in a very dangerous situation that could easily lead the child into confusion and trauma. Not to mention how detrimental it can be for adults too, as Father Mike pointed out, that a woman who's masculine suddenly should have her gender questioned. *You might be asking yourself then, if not through stereotypes or a subjective "feeling", how do trans people know they're trans?* Well, basically through this thing called *Gender Dysphoria*: when your primary and secondary sexual characteristics feel alien to you and put you under _enormous_ distress for no apparent reason - no illness, no sexual trauma, etc -, so much so that it affects your ability to even function, sometimes from an age as early as 4 years old. Which leads me to my third topic... *3. Body dysmorphia* Now this is one of the many reasons why psychological and psychiatric therapy are greatly encouraged and necessary for gender transition. Although dysphoria and dysmorphia are two very different things, when one's mind is clouded by the distress caused by their condition it can become very hard to tell them apart. Thing is, while a person with dysmorphia sees their body differently from what it actually is, usually due to trauma or societal/their own impossible expectations, people with gender dysphoria experience the exact opposite. They see their bodies *exactly* as it is, *exactly* as their biology dictates, and their distress over that has... No known reason, really. Medicine is trying to get to an answer to that, and most of their findings point to neurology and fetal development, but there really isn't a definite answer on what causes gender dysphoria. And dysmorphia may come as a consequence of the tool dysphoria can have on one's mental health, but ultimately they're very, very different things. Which is why therapy is of ultimate importance. *4. Patients continuing to be unsatisfied even after transition* Another great reason why therapy is extremely necessary. Although medicine has gotten very far on the options available for gender transition, none of that is a cure to gender dysphoria. *There is no cure for gender dysphoria.* But some trans people do cultivate a very high hope that transition *will* cure them, leading to the dissatisfaction this doctor observed. While transitioning is, to this day, the most successful treatment to gender dysphoria, it is very important for the person under treatment to understand that it will not cure it, and the parts that can't be cured through transition? Well you're just gonna have to learn to make the best out of them. But it's much, much easier to make the best out of a few sources of distress than out a hundred, which is why medical transition is still the best option. Think of it like a chronical pain: there is no cure for it, but it's much easier to deal with it if it's only one or two parts of your body that are in pain, and not all of it. Hence why treatment is still the patient's best hope, even if it isn't a cure. After writing all this I can't really recall if there were any other topics I wanted to discuss, but honestly I think I've written enough for one comment. lol I'm open for questions if anyone is curious, though I'm not open for bigotry. :) I hope this way too long commentary has brought in some clarifications on this issue.

Thank you Father Mike. So good to hear someone share the truth in love. God bless!

Finally a voice of sanity

I am a born again Christian and this message was very well said. Very logical and clear. I appreciate this message

Lincoln once said, "I don't like that man. I must get to know him better.

I feel like the implication is that we should all be happy with the bodies god gave us but the fact of the matter is that pretty much everyone on earth alters their appearance in some manner every single day. Some to a greater extent than others. But does that matter? Did God draw some arbitrary line that says altering some characteristics are ok (makeup, hair removal, hair coloring, clothing, teeth whitening, braces, etc) but not others? The body is just a shell for the soul, and as long as you have a good soul, why does it matter what the outer shell looks like?

As a non-religious person I struggle to empathize with your hateful perspective, so you'll excuse me if I have no interest in walking with or anywhere near you.

Thank you Father, for your bravery on this subject.

Father Mike, bravo sir. I am a baptist christian but wow my good sir! I love how you share the word and love of god, and that is what we are here to do in general, and you sir are absolutely brilliant. Aside from this, the message you put forth is fantastically full of grace and love. I love to see you spreading it amongst others as we should. We are here to walk alongside them on this path, not here to judge. God bless you Father Mike, and your messages to the people.

As an agnostic, I must say this is one of the best put ways to address the Transgender situation. Love and support does not mean agree with, let/help you go through with it. Just accept that you're going through this tough time and that we're here for you.

I can't handle it anymore. I've been coping with and repressing my dysphoria for 15 years, since I was 8. I get it's wrong but I just can't see another way. At this stage, it's either I start HRT or I keep on the slow spiral towards alcoholism and/or suicide.

I’m not religious but I subscribed because to me you are a great guide in important life aspects that will make me a better person. I hope you know that even if you cannot make people come close to God you can improve their lives. That’s what a good human being does.

This video is why I'm an atheist. A happy, smiling face telling me that what others feel makes them wrong. A celibate giving advice on sexuality. A man trying to order the world to conform to his supernatural beliefs. I’d rather do without the comforting illusion of heaven then sell my soul to the clergy.

(Long comment) Thank you so infinitely for this video, it's the only thing that has been able to help me feel better about my gender, and thanks to this video I'm working on changing how I see myself. I've struggled with gender dysphoria since I was 13, and I was entirely convinced that I really was a girl trapped in the body of a boy. The pain is something no one could understand without experiencing it, and I've felt so alone because of it. I'm 16 now and my gender dysphoria has gotten worse this year. A few months ago I couldn't stand it any longer, and I changed my Gmail account from 'Nicholas' to 'Melissa'. It made me feel a little better, but it didn't make the pain go away, and I felt like an imposter. Long story short, I ended up realizing I would never be happy if I transitioned. But I'm weak, and I almost fell into using a female name again. Then I found this video, and Father Mike isn't talking down about people who struggle with their gender, he's talking with love and understanding. Thanks to this video, I'm finally working to address the extremely difficult truth that I will never be a girl. So, thank you.

Thanks so much for doing this video, Father. This is so necessary into today's crazy world!

Thank you for telling the truth in such a caring and non judgemental way. I only hope people will listen, this world is so scary and messed up now it is so sad

I love that you said we are not called to judge just walk with them. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 prayers

Hello father Mike .I am a transgender woman of color. I do not identify as a cis gender woman. I am fully aware of who i am. I am perfectly ok with that. I do not wish to be any thing other than myself. I am not broken or hurting. I just wanted to be clear from my position on the matter. Thanks for your prospective just same.

Thank you Father Mike Very helpful An excellent video Your videos are always a blessing to me

Thank you for this, as a Catholic I'm now much more prepared for discussions on this topic. I'm hoping someday I'll gain even a fraction of your ability to explain and discuss such sensitive topics.

Keep speaking the truth father. No matter how many people it angers. God bless!

Thank you for this! I’ve gone through this with my Grandson when he was 5. His kindergarten teacher said he could be a boy or a girl if he wanted to! I explained as gently as possible that, you are in fact, a boy. It was an eye opening experience! At 12, he’s all boy!

Thank you Fr. Mike your explanation helped me understand what’s going on and what concerns me is that it’s being taught on our schools at a young age. Could you address this issue and gender dysmorphia books in libraries.

Thank you for a great talk on transgender. I love being a woman and I was baptized catholic. It’s wonderful a catholic priest speak with such love and wisdom.

As a Muslim I agree with you father, I respect the real honest Christians! Christianity needs people like you to show the world what real faith in God is!

I am a woman and I love it. I am blessed that God made me a woman. Thank you God. I am sorry for those that uncomfortable with their gender. May God help you. ❤❤❤

Thank you so much for this information. Never looked at it like this. ❤

Your reasoning is both logical and loving in equal measure. Thank you, Father Mike.

came in, ready to be angry, but left the vid enlightened, and more in love with the church.

Thank you father. An important message.

Nice job of taking a serious, complex issue and making it simplistic to the point of ridiculousness. All you've shown here is that you don't know anything about this issue, and that you are arrogant enough to discuss something without studying it.

if anyone is offended by the way he approached this topic, i don't know how he could be any more forthcoming with it. i don't get offended ever time someone call me and idiot because of my faith. he didn't even come close to offensive. great message.

Beautifully and logically reported. Thank you Father . Keeping you in our prayers.

When I was in second grade, my friend, Mary and I decided it would be more fun to be boys. I took the name Frank, she took Joe. We let our parents know. They said ok. Our second grade Nun( God rest her Soul) even allowed us to write our new names on our class papers. Can't remember how long this lasted , not very long I think. Then my friend and I decided we like doing girl stuff too so we decided we would be girls. I thank God we were kids then and not now. The adults knew we were CHILDREN and let this phase work itself out. In the process of growing up, you go through a lot of phases. It is heartbreaking to see all the people trying to detransition. They are abandoned and forgotten. There is a lot of money to be made in the " transitioning" business. I pray for parents of children these days. You are fighting off so much evil to protect your kids.

7 years ago Father Mike was predicting what we would be going through in 2023. God bless you Father.

I agree 10000000% with what you said. Bless you, fr. Mike

I really appreciated what you had to say in this video. I'm actually Baptist but I love seeing other people who love Jesus trying to point the lost to Him. Thank you!

Beautifully said Father . Many can judge, but only a few will choose to walk with someone who is hurting or just needing a friend. Reminds me of the story of Jesus being questioned about the adulterous woman. “”””Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.””” John 8:7-9

Thank you for speaking with compassion and love.