Gender gene?

[freydis]

Link

The discovery of a genetic variation in male to female transsexuals adds weight to the view that transsexualism has a biological basis, the Australian researchers behind the find say.

Their study shows male to female transsexuals are more likely than non-transsexual males to have a longer version of a receptor gene for the sex hormone androgen or testosterone.

Some theories suggest causes include psychosocial factors including dysfunctional family dynamics and traumatic childhood experiences. But research is increasingly implicating biological factors including family history and genetics.

"There is a social stigma that transsexualism is simply a lifestyle choice, however our findings support a biological basis of how gender identity develops," Harley says. "It's a very tough condition. These people are often on the margins of society, are ostracised, poor, unemployed - it's not something you would want to choose yet still some people think it's a choice when it's more likely transsexuals are born like that."

[jynxxxedangel]

Even the native peoples of the Americas know of transgendered people.. they called those people "winkte," and still do. They are revered as powerful clansmen and most often shamans.

The Maori also have transgendered shamans. It is a gift to be able to transverse the sexes. If one can solve this mystery, they can surely transverse time and space.

[Head Wreck]

3 classes.

those unfortunate to be born in the wrong skin

those who think they should be

those who play at it and make a mockery of it.

i've had to deal with the latter this week. i could have throttled her/him for being so fucking narrow minded alone...

[Oh_My_Goth]

And/Or Duh.....

[aequorea]

It's interesting to hear about the research, and I certainly don't question it. I plan to look up the original research article.

However, the article that was quoted and linked was written by someone sadly ignorant of the science behind it all.

Examples:

"receptor gene for the sex hormone androgen or testosterone"

androgens are male sex hormones. testosterone is one of several androgens. androgen does not mean the same thing as testosterone.

"Transsexualism maybe a condition that develops in the womb"

let's ignore the spelling error and look at the science - if they are talking about a gene, then this statement is incorrect. genetics are determined at conception, they do not develop in the womb.

Sorry to be nitpicky, but as a science teacher i think it's important to look at the reliability of your sources. I'm certainly glad that someone's doing the research and people are spreading the word though.

[SaGa]

doh theres a genetic basis. but i whouldnt call it absolute. intersex people is a example, but then you get the male who is extremely thin, soft hands. he might pick to be a transsexual just out of the stigma that men have to be tough... its when people see things black and white. science may try to explain why, but theres just to much bloody information and factors. and the only thing this could lead is to keep girls girly and boys tough.

this will continue to be more known as gender roles are questioned. and gender roles have been around for a LONG ass time. im not against people who wish to relabel themselfs, thou there walking a tough road going against the grain of society.

[Rev.Reverence]

Check it out..

...seems the Easterners are ahead of the Western understanding of the Human Being..........A-Gain...

[Homicidalheathen]

i always thought so...most of the lesbos in my family tree have mustaches and deep voices,obviously some hoermonal things awry, doesnt explain the gay guys though as the men are quite robust and masculine as well

a few of us (not me, i refuse most legal drugs) on hormone pills

nature intends for some of us to be gay

[TheGimp]

i belive this i belive at one point its proven that people are born gay...so is it so hard to belive a man was born into a womans body or a woman into a mans bodyy and they still have to go threw the transgrestion to complete themselves that they arent just satisfied with being gay....i say more power to ya make the change feel they way you are suppose to feel