So, one of the regular things I hear from many against
transgender people state is “There is no science behind it.” And X any Y Chromosomes
determine the gender and you can’t change that…
Well that is in many ways both right and wrong. The science
of transgenderism has been in play longer than many studies. It predates cancer
studies, the polio vaccine, Radio, television and automobiles. As I covered in
the chapter History of Transgender, the scientific diagnosis of the issue arose
in 1869 by Karl Friedrich Otto Westphal. While it’s been acknowledged and even treated
with surgery all the way back to current studies in archaeology as back to Roman
times. The fact this isn’t a quote new science and new thing like some in the
media wants you to think. And don’t take my word for it a quick research in
this subject brings one to the science of transgenderism in our world. It just
goes selectively pick and chosen by both sides of the argument to where that
science stands…. So today I will take on that challenge as always presenting
both sides of the argument and showing where I stand. As always, I am not a
doctor… and in this case, I do want to point out I am not a scientist. What I
can do is the research and like always I will provide sources to the
information I provide.
Let’s Begin with the basis of life… genetics
It’s in our Genes!
Okay so as basic biology will tell you chromosomes make up
our physical gender and this is repeated in nature. X is the female gene, and Y
is the male gene. Now all creations have at least one X chromosome. To sum it
down these two are based on the passed down genetics one gets from their biological
father and mother. The first X in the definition of gender is passed down from
the mother. The second the father. This isn’t argued science… But some will
stop there and say “See that defines it all! There is no such thing as transgenderism”
and well they are right but also wrong. They refuse to look at the details
further and understand a few things. While such genetics do often form male and
female … that isn’t always the case. In fact several genetic disorders and
issues arise from these two simple chromosomes.
Most Notable are Hemophilia and Color Blindness.
Color Blindness is often carried in the Mothers genes to be
a genetic defect that causes the subject to not be able to process certain
colors in the spectrum.
While Hemophilia is more often carried by the father gene.
And often will affect men over women. This is caused by a X Linked Recessive
Gene.
Why is this important for the further end….
Because there are more genetic disorders in the world of
science, as one breaks down the study you come across the fact that XY or XX aren’t
the only possibilities and even still they don’t always mean that XY would develop
into a male physically or XX would do the same for a female. While they are the
majority it’s not a constant. Which is the fault of those that use that as an argument.
Because each person’s genetics are unique. There are many in the world that
have three or even four genetic markers. The existence of Hemerophytes in the natural
world is one such case study.
It also is ignored that in Nature not only do such cases exist
outside the influence of the hand of mankind. But there even is points in
nature where sex is interchangeable. Clown Fish, Wrasse, Moray Eels, Gobi are
all fish species that can and do change gender when its needed to survive. But let’s
look a bit closer at an animal a bit closer to us and likely something you had to
eat in some manner in the past few hours…. The Chicken. Yes boys and girls the
chicken can change its gender.
Chickens can sometimes
undergo natural sex changes. Normally, female chickens have just one functional
ovary, on their left side. Although two sex organs are present during the
embryonic stages of all birds, once a chicken's female hormones come into
effect, it typically develops only the left ovary. The right gonad, which has
yet to be defined as an ovary, testes, or both (called an ovotestis), typically
remains dormant. Certain medical conditions can cause a chicken's left ovary to
regress. In the absence of a functional left ovary, the dormant right sex organ
may begin to grow, if the activated right gonad is an ovotestis or testes, it
will begin secreting androgens. The hen does not completely change into a
rooster, however. This transition is limited to making the bird phenotypically
male. The condition could also be caused by mycotoxins that can develop when
animal feed is stored, and these have the same effect as synthetic hormones. In
about 10 per cent of cases, if eggs fertilised with male chromosomes are cooled
by a few degrees for three days after laying, the relative activity of the sex
hormones will favour development of female characteristics. The sex chromosomes
work by coding for enzymes that affect the bird’s development in the egg and
during its life. This cooling will produce a chicken with a fully functioning
and reproductively fertile female body-type; even though the chicken is
genetically male. – Wikipedia article on chickens
In fact, there the more we study about the world around us
the more we find how nature “will provide” its need to reproduce. So, in
science and in Nature the X and Y chromosomes while they do determine sex…. Do not
fully define it alone. To base it simply as the solid answer to confront
transgender people about their feelings and desire to change… Then selective
science is being destructive in the further of progress in scientific study.
So, if genetics don’t quite support the argument against
transgenderism is there another place to focus on. Well how about the “feeling”
or “desire” of the person. Was it wrong for it to be removed from mental health
as a mental disorder?
It’s a Mental
Disorder!
As of 2013 the definition of Transgenderism was changed from
a mental disorder to an identity issue. So first of its still treated as such.
But most often when I read about this they point to John Hopkins doctor, Dr. Paul R.
McHugh.
As reported in these articles cover
However, that is one medical opinion… and it’s from a former
doctor. If you ask John Hopkins themselves these days… They support the international
findings over the former doctor and his findings.
Why this change? Because the issue is showing more and more
to be not fully psychological issue. As science studies, it further and in
greater detail there is truth behind what people say.
The more we look into psychological understanding of how the
brain works…. Something we are still vastly far from fully understanding. So we
are told by some that “Oh I should accommodate to how you feel!” in many ways
yeah. Is it against the law? No. Then be respectful and treat the person as
they present themselves. It’s called human decency. Something this world needs
a whole lot more in this and other issues of the world.
So break it all down. Does science support Transgenderism?
Yes, between genetic issues and mental study as it is
growing it does. And as Science advances transitioning will become more of a
common and advanced process. With the current ability to rebuild or build new
functional sexual organs. Advances in medication and nanotech. There will be a
point in the future… as soon as the next decade where changing one’s gender
maybe common place. And decades after that it may be so common it will be like
changing cloths.
So why is it such an issue!
Because it’s a moral issue. No I don’t mean in the biblical
sense but that does play into the view of some of those that don’t want to
really consider the science of transgenderism.
No, it’s a psychological issue in all of us to have a like
or dislike to change in our personal environment. We have advanced far in
humanity… but we will always fear the change of the future. Be it for the
better or worse.
It is that right to fear that change why there is a backlash
against trans issues and some subjects like shown in the recent release of “The Sexual Spectrum” episode of “Bill Nye Saves The World” available on Netflix, Where it’s a crude and forceful way to push a subject on children that
makes the opposing side take to arms against the science.
This is the core issue of the problem not just in Transgender
studies but in all science. The fear of change and doubt of numbers. Can play
in multiple ways. For both sides. Science is in itself an ever-evolving form,
the belief of one thing may come in doubt over time but it’s not good to shut
it down when that change comes. Current studies into Evolution and the recent
debunking of the Big Bang both show examples that science sometimes while adamant
of being right… maybe wrong. Because it’s a theory. It’s a belief. Not fully
fact but a belief just like religion is a belief science is a belief.
It is all summed up in this quote:
Nobody in this world possesses absolute truth. This is God's
attribute alone. Relative truth is all we know. Therefore, we can only follow
the truth as we see it. Such pursuit of truth cannot lead anyone astray.
– Gandhi
The only thing we can do for now is
adapt and be decent to those around us with that change.
