Why It’s Always About Identity

Trent Langhofer, PhD, LPC 
Adjunct Professor, Colorado Christian University 
Clinic Director, Community Counseling Center at CCU

There’s a reason those who want political control use a tactic called ‘identity politics’. It’s an effective tool to exploit people’s understanding of their identity to separate and manipulate them for political gain. But the effects go so much deeper—especially for young people. 

We asked Dr. Trent Langhofer, Adjunct Professor at Colorado Christian University and 
Clinic Director of Community Counseling Center at CCU, to explain what’s really at stake. Dr. Langhoffer was a speaker at AZWOA’s “Back to Reality Summit” last year about “The Dark Side of ‘Gender-Affirming Care’”. 

This month, AZWOA’s SALT connection groups learn “How to Engage on Identity Issues”. Click HERE to learn more and find (or start) a group!  

Dr. Langhofer says, ‘When identity is confused or fragmented, … anxiety, depression, disconnection, and dependence emerge.” But he also says, “Identity is simpler than we think.” 

The Nature and Significance of Identity 

A.W. Tozer once wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”  That’s true.  And, if that’s true, then the second most important thing about a person is what comes into their mind when they think about themselves.  That’s called identity – and it shapes everything.   

So what is identity, exactly?  According to most scholarly research, identity is a multidimensional construct made of both biological and psychological traits.  Gender (linked to actual biological sex), age, ethnicity, height, and even facial features are all biological traits that influence identity.  Personality, core beliefs/self-concept (I am worthy, I am unlovable, etc.) preferences, interests and values are psychological constructs that influence identity.  In essence, identity is a label, but it’s more than a label – it’s a person’s all-encompassing core sense of self.   

When a person’s identity is clear, coherent, and aligned with reality, people tend to thrive.  They set boundaries, take responsibility, and live with integrity.  When identity is confused or fragmented, the opposite often happens – anxiety, depression, disconnection, and dependence emerge.  That’s what makes identity such a significant issue – it’s foundational to health, wholeness and human flourishing.   

Identity is Simpler Than We Think 

Modern culture has made identity increasingly complex.  People are often told identity is something that must be created rather than received.  It is often stated that identity can be fluid, self-authenticated and endlessly customized. But in reality, identity is more stable, more received, and more biologically grounded than woke, far-left culture might suggest.   

One of the clearest and most foundational components of identity is gender.  Gender is not an abstract feeling or a social construct – it is rooted in biological sex, which is measurable, observable, and objective.  There are two genders, male and female.  These are not restrictive categories; they are anchoring realities.  They give form to identity, clarity to roles, and security to one’s sense of self.   

Grace for Those Who Struggle 

Tragically, there are individuals who struggle deeply with their identity.  This most often becomes clinically significant in the realm of gender identity.  Individuals struggling with this feature of identity have what’s called gender dysphoria – which is a profound discomfort between a person’s ‘felt gender’ and their biological sex.  This is not something to minimize or mock.   

Much has been written on exactly why a person comes to struggle with gender dysphoria.  Often, gender dysphoria manifests when the psychological traits of identity become saturated with negativity and self-loathing.  Usually this occurs because of some type of emotionally painful situation or traumatic experience.  This creates profound psychological distress that, unfortunately, influences people to seek relief by modifying their biology rather than resolving their distress psychologically.   

Helping People Come To Terms With Gender and Identity 

It is critically important to approach people struggling with their sense of self – particularly those struggling with gender dysphoria – with empathy, grace and patience.  Initially, it’s very helpful to take the time to learn about a person’s life journey, to understand their experiences, and to demonstrate compassion for their struggles.  This ‘grace first’ approach is humane, disarming, and promotes rapport.  It also communicates to struggling people that they are worthy of grace, empathy, and patience.   

Next, it’s helpful to explore the psychological traits related to a person’s identity.  Almost always, people struggling with their sense of self have very high levels of self-loathing.  This self-loathing is the result of experiences that influence a person to believe very negative things about themselves.  Helping people see past the pain of their experiences into their inherent value as a person can resolve self-loathing and come to terms with their identity.   

Final Thoughts 

In a culture of confusion, clarity is an act of compassion.  Identity doesn’t need to be endlessly reconstructed, it needs to be rediscovered – by returning to what is true, what is given, and what is good.   

Your identity isn’t something you invent, it’s something you receive – from your Creator, by design.  And, wonderfully, your identity was given to you on purpose, which makes your life meaningful, valuable, and worthwhile.   

Trent Langhofer, PhD, LPC 
Adjunct Professor, Colorado Christian University 
Clinic Director, Community Counseling Center at CCU 
Teaching Pastor, Trace Church