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Many religions have narratives that transcend gender going back millennia, ASU professor says

Debates around gender and gender identity have become some of the most heated flash points in the culture wars today.

However,  new research from the Public Religion Research Institute shows that Americans’ views on gender identity have shifted in recent years; and when it comes to religion, the breakdown of who believes what often jives with their political views. 

Tracy Fessenden says even though politics might play a big role in this debate, conversations around gender identity and existing outside the binary are not new at all. In fact, in many religions, narratives that transcend gender go back millennia. 

Fessenden is a professor of religious studies at Arizona State University and she focuses on religion and culture, including gender. The Show spoke with her more about it — beginning with the survey results from Public Religion Research Institute and where public opinion falls on gender issues.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.