What does science say about transgender people?

So what does science say about transgender people?

Gender dysphoria (GD) (1) is a facet of modern human biology which is believed to be derived from the sexual differentiation of the brain. GD “involves a conflict between a person’s physical or assigned gender and the gender with which he/she/they identify”, as defined in the DSM-5. Individuals report feeling uncomfortable and faced with prejudice from those around them, affecting their mental health. Elucidating the relationship between genetic influences on gonadal and brain development could give an insight into understanding this clinical condition.

Evidence suggests that abnormal biological processes, including mutations in certain genes, can lead to abnormal gonadal development, causing some fetuses to present with indifferent gonads and to be reassigned at birth to the default female sex. This disparity in genetic influences relates to an increased likelihood of a diagnosis of GD. An investigation into complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, involving androgen receptor (AR) gene mutation, suggests that such individuals also experience GD. It is known that the brains of males and females are different. Evidence further suggests that brain anatomy and neuronal signaling pathways are more closely aligned with a person’s perceived gender identity. Individuals who present with discordant gonadal and brain developments experience psychological challenges that may contribute to a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with their biological sex. These point to a possible biological and genetic underpinning of GD as stemming from a discordance between gonadal and brain development. (1)

Further research is required to elucidate the true mechanisms and possible inheritance pattern of GD for a better education and greater understanding by clinicians and the general public on perceptions regarding GD. (1)

Biological factors such as genetic influences and prenatal hormone levels, early experiences, and experiences later in adolescence or adulthood may all contribute to the development of transgender identities.

When Biology decides who you are what can say more about it?

The diversity of transgender expression and experiences argues against any simple or unitary explanation.

But sometimes they are ‘conditioned’ to behave in a certain way. In the place where I live  they demand and extract money from men in shops and streets by misbehaving with them. I saw this with my own eyes. Strangely men just laugh it away!

Funnily, they don’t approach women in this way. So they don’t bother me at all.

Whenever I see them, I think about biological conditions that made them transgender and move on.

No opinions, just understanding their condition and handling them like any other human being is the right way to deal with them.

Footnotes:

1. Gender Dysphoria: A Review Investigating the Relationship Between G...