Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Donica on January 30, 2024, 02:15:56 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male
Post by: Donica on January 30, 2024, 02:15:56 PM
Some of you may have seen this. Definitely something we trans folx already know of ourselves, and fuel to help educate others. It's a bit winded, but worth the listen. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/39uen84KnNg
Title: Re: Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male
Post by: Susan on January 30, 2024, 03:05:54 PM
Title: Exploring the Complexities of Gender and Biology: Insights from "Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male"

In the video "Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male," a deep and nuanced discussion unfolds, challenging simplified perceptions of biology and gender. The video begins with a critique of how transgender women are often labeled "biologically male" in public discourse, media, and scientific discussions. This misrepresentation, as argued in the video, stems from a superficial understanding of biology and a failure to appreciate its complexity.

Understanding Biology Beyond Stereotypes

The presenter, a transgender woman herself, emphasizes that the binary view of biological sex (male or female based on XX or XY chromosomes) oversimplifies the diversity of human biology. She discusses various conditions like intersex, where individuals may have different chromosomal combinations (e.g., XXY, XXX), which defy the traditional binary classification. The video highlights that biology is more nuanced than what is typically taught in basic education.

Transgender Identity and Biological Reality

A significant point made in the video is that transgender individuals are not denying biological realities. Instead, they advocate for a more sophisticated understanding of these realities. Transitioning, as explained, involves altering certain physical attributes, but it doesn't necessarily change one's genetic makeup. The focus, therefore, should be on how transgender individuals experience and navigate their gender identity, rather than a reductive focus on chromosomes.

Societal Implications of Simplified Biology

The video also delves into how the oversimplification of biology can lead to discrimination and misunderstanding. For instance, sports policies that exclude transgender women based on the premise of them being "biologically male" ignore the complex interplay of hormones, physical ability, and identity. Such policies often stem from a lack of understanding or, worse, an intentional disregard for the complexities of human biology.

A Call for Inclusive and Informed Discussions

The presenter advocates for more inclusive and informed conversations about gender and biology. She urges viewers to consider why and in what contexts the focus on biological sex is emphasized, suggesting that these emphases often serve to reinforce biases or discriminatory practices. The video is a call to move away from oversimplified views and towards a more comprehensive, compassionate understanding of gender and biological diversity.

Conclusion

"Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male" is a thought-provoking video that challenges conventional views on biology and gender. It encourages a shift towards a more informed, nuanced understanding of these concepts, advocating for respect and recognition of the diverse experiences of transgender individuals.
Title: Re: Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male
Post by: Donica on January 31, 2024, 02:16:45 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_gender_incongruence

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-05683-4_3

Gender identity variance has been associated with distinct morphological characteristics of specific neuroanatomical structures, such as the interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus 3 and the central part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, supporting the hypothesis that gender identity evolves as a consequence of the interaction of the developing brain and sex hormones. Gender identity development is complex and most likely stems from an intricate interaction between biological, genetic, social, and psychological factors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INAH_3

Question: Couldn't gender incongruence be another variation of intersex? We know gender incongruence is not a psychological condition (DSM-5-TR American Psychiatric Association), therefore, GI is biological?

Donica
Title: Re: Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male
Post by: JaneL on February 12, 2024, 06:08:22 PM
Hi Donika

I also strongly suspect there is an "intersex" element to the known biological differences in some trans women.

For me it makes sense
Title: Re: Why Transgender Women Are Not Biologically Male
Post by: Susan on February 12, 2024, 06:32:54 PM
Look up the works of Professor Milton Diamond (http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/biblio/index.html) at the University of Hawaii at Minoa