Week 9.2

Traditional model of biological sex development

XY → SRY gene → testes → testosterone and MIS → male-typical reproductive structures. XX without SRY → ovaries and Müllerian duct development → female-typical structures.

SRY gene

Sex-determining Region Y, typically located on the Y chromosome. Triggers testicular development in the traditional model of sex determination.

Hormones in sex development

Testosterone and other androgens promote male-typical reproductive development; Müllerian-inhibiting substance (MIS) suppresses Müllerian ducts. Hormones and their receptors influence development.

Complexity of biological sex development

Sex development involves interacting chromosomes, genes, gonads, hormones, receptors, and anatomy. These characteristics can vary independently and do not always follow typical XX/XY pathways.

Intersex / Differences in Sex Development (DSD)

Naturally occurring variations in chromosomes, gonads, hormones, or reproductive anatomy that differ from typical male/female patterns. Some are identified at birth; others appear later.

Prevalence of intersex traits

Approximately 1.7% of the population, according to the lecture; comparable to the prevalence of red hair.

Biological sex vs. assigned sex at birth

Biological sex involves chromosomes, hormones, gonads, and anatomy. Assigned sex is a classification given at birth, usually based on visible external genitalia, which may not capture every biological characteristic.

Assigned male at birth (AMAB) vs. assigned female at birth (AFAB)

Terms describing the sex classification given at birth, rather than necessarily describing someone's current gender identity.

Sex vs. gender

Sex refers to biological and physical characteristics. Gender involves identity, expression, and social/psychological experiences.

Gender identity vs. gender expression

Identity = internal sense of gender. Expression = outward presentation through clothing, appearance, behavior, or other characteristics.

Cisgender vs. transgender

Cisgender = gender identity aligns with assigned sex at birth. Transgender = gender identity differs from assigned sex at birth.

Gender nonconforming vs. nonbinary

Gender nonconforming = identity or expression differs from traditional gender expectations. Nonbinary = identity does not fit exclusively into male or female.

Genderqueer, agender, and bigender

Genderqueer = identity outside conventional gender categories; agender = identifying with no gender; bigender = identifying with two genders.

Transmasculine vs. transfeminine

Terms describing identities or experiences associated with masculinity or femininity, often among people whose gender differs from their assigned sex.

Gender identity vs. sexual orientation

Gender identity concerns who a person is; sexual orientation concerns whom they are attracted to. Gender identity does not determine sexual orientation.

Gender-neutral pronouns

Pronouns that do not specify gender, such as they/them, ze/hir, and xe/xem. Using someone's correct pronouns promotes respect, inclusion, and trust.

Health effects associated with hostile LGBTQ+ policies

Research associates hostile or nonprotective environments with increased depression, anxiety, psychological distress, suicidality, substance use, and poorer physical health outcomes.

Trevor Project 2024: policy and mental health statistics

90% of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth reported politics negatively affected well-being; 45% of trans/nonbinary youth reported family consideration of moving states due to LGBTQ+-related policies.

Impact of accepting communities

The lecture cites research finding LGBTQ+ youth in very accepting communities reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those in very unaccepting communities.

Gender-affirming healthcare

Healthcare that respects patients' gender identities and individual needs through inclusive communication, trained staff, nondiscrimination policies, and appropriate clinical services.

Ways healthcare providers can promote affirming care

Use correct names/pronouns; avoid assumptions; provide inclusive forms and environments; train staff; support appropriate referrals, medical services, and insurance access.

Three dimensions of gender transition

Social: names, pronouns, expression, community. Legal: name/gender-marker changes. Medical: hormones, body modifications, surgery. Not every transgender person wants or pursues every form of transition.