News and Events => Opinions & Editorials => Topic started by: Shana A on August 07, 2009, 12:18:01 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Critiquing Brain Sex Activism (ie. woman’s brain in a man’s body)
Post by: Shana A on August 07, 2009, 12:18:01 PM
Post by: Shana A on August 07, 2009, 12:18:01 PM
Critiquing Brain Sex Activism (ie. woman's brain in a man's body)
Posted on August 1, 2009 by Jasper Gregory
http://jasperswardrobe.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/critiquing-brain-sex-activism-ie-womans-brain-in-a-mans-body/ (http://jasperswardrobe.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/critiquing-brain-sex-activism-ie-womans-brain-in-a-mans-body/)
I have been bothered for a while about what I am calling Brain Sex Theory. This theory is very prevalent among trans activists and can be summarized as:
* The Gender Binary is real and biologically based
* Everyone has a Male or Female physical sex
* Everyone has a Male or Female biological, neurological sex (ie Brain Sex)
* Confusingly, Gender Identity is used as a synonym for Biological Brain Sex (ie Gender Identity is biological)
* Brain Sex develops in the womb
* All people fall into one of four categories: M-in-F (Male brain in Female body), M-in-M, F-in-F or F-in-M
* F-in-M and M-in-F are called transexuals. M-in-M and F-in-F are called cisexuals.
* There is a clear biological distinction between Cisexual/Transexual. (ie. cisexual is not a ambiguous concept but something in your dna, and anyone who is not transexual (gender non conformists) are cisexual)
* The term cis privilege is used to silence all critiques of brain sex activism. (This leads to the paradox that only brain sex activists are allowed to have an opinion about brain sex activism)
* Transexuality is a biological syndrome which can be treated with hormones and surgery
* "True" transexuals have their condition treated.
* Gender nonconformists are trendy, attention seeking cissexuals. (see attacks on subversivism)
This series of beliefs is very widely held. Among trans activists and allies, brain sex is presented as the only enlightened viewpoint. Brain Sex Activists identify trans people as sufferers of a biological condition. Unfortunately, this sets up brain sex activists on a collision course with feminists, genderqueers, gender non-conformists, social constructionists and gender activists who believe that gender is social.
Posted on August 1, 2009 by Jasper Gregory
http://jasperswardrobe.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/critiquing-brain-sex-activism-ie-womans-brain-in-a-mans-body/ (http://jasperswardrobe.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/critiquing-brain-sex-activism-ie-womans-brain-in-a-mans-body/)
I have been bothered for a while about what I am calling Brain Sex Theory. This theory is very prevalent among trans activists and can be summarized as:
* The Gender Binary is real and biologically based
* Everyone has a Male or Female physical sex
* Everyone has a Male or Female biological, neurological sex (ie Brain Sex)
* Confusingly, Gender Identity is used as a synonym for Biological Brain Sex (ie Gender Identity is biological)
* Brain Sex develops in the womb
* All people fall into one of four categories: M-in-F (Male brain in Female body), M-in-M, F-in-F or F-in-M
* F-in-M and M-in-F are called transexuals. M-in-M and F-in-F are called cisexuals.
* There is a clear biological distinction between Cisexual/Transexual. (ie. cisexual is not a ambiguous concept but something in your dna, and anyone who is not transexual (gender non conformists) are cisexual)
* The term cis privilege is used to silence all critiques of brain sex activism. (This leads to the paradox that only brain sex activists are allowed to have an opinion about brain sex activism)
* Transexuality is a biological syndrome which can be treated with hormones and surgery
* "True" transexuals have their condition treated.
* Gender nonconformists are trendy, attention seeking cissexuals. (see attacks on subversivism)
This series of beliefs is very widely held. Among trans activists and allies, brain sex is presented as the only enlightened viewpoint. Brain Sex Activists identify trans people as sufferers of a biological condition. Unfortunately, this sets up brain sex activists on a collision course with feminists, genderqueers, gender non-conformists, social constructionists and gender activists who believe that gender is social.