In a recent blog post on the web site Science Based Medicine, Steven Novella asks the question “What does the science actually say about biological sex?” His motivations are made quite clear in the opening paragraphs where he wants to clear up “misconceptions” about sex that mean we do not know how “best to approach people who identify as transgender or non-binary.”
Novella is a neurologist, not a biologist or geneticist, so why does he think he's qualified to opine on sex?
All of these gender ideologues use lots of words in an effort to make a simple concept seem more complicated than it is. This is intended to confuse people and thus make them more open to believing things that are not true, like there aren't two sexes. I refuse to use the word gender. Sex is all that matters and there are two.
It's amazing how doctors and scientists have fallen victim to the cult of gender.
Thought I'd bring this entry by Dr. Jerry Coyne, evo biology, UChicago emeritus, to your attention........it may be that "bimodal" is being used with different subtlety by each of you.
"Sex in humans may not be binary, but it’s surely bimodal"
This is a very interesting article. I do think there are more issues to be explored along this vein... especially the intricacies of aneuploidies and androgen insensitivity syndromes. None of this would change the conclusion but it would more thoroughly contextualize the problem. However, I'm not sure that a point by point rebuttal will ever be effective. When my son was very young and made up stories about the world (as children often do), facts would not change his mind. He had to grow, learn, and become more intellectually sophisticated. I don't predict that will happen for those who have a political axe to grind. Frederick EverythingIsBiology.substack.com
I'm interested in opinions on cultural acknowledgement of those born intersex. Especially those with uncommon genitals, puberties, and reproductive function. My theory is that if a culture recognizes those with intersex bodies (like Jewish, for whom there are 8 sexes) we'd have a healthier society. Thoughts?
This is easily the most accessible and most authoritative treatment of the biological reality of sex that I've come across. Thank you! I also appreciate the link to Dr. Jerry Coyne's article in comments, below.
I am not a biologist nor a physician, and I believe the trans activists are spreading a gnostic (in the classical sense) theology. But, has there ever been a case where a human being with XX chromosomes has developed into a normal appearing adult male, or vice versa for XY? Is it theoretically possible?
Novella is a neurologist, not a biologist or geneticist, so why does he think he's qualified to opine on sex?
All of these gender ideologues use lots of words in an effort to make a simple concept seem more complicated than it is. This is intended to confuse people and thus make them more open to believing things that are not true, like there aren't two sexes. I refuse to use the word gender. Sex is all that matters and there are two.
It's amazing how doctors and scientists have fallen victim to the cult of gender.
This is fantastic. I wish everyone writing, reporting, or otherwise pontificating on “gender” issues would read this.
Thought I'd bring this entry by Dr. Jerry Coyne, evo biology, UChicago emeritus, to your attention........it may be that "bimodal" is being used with different subtlety by each of you.
"Sex in humans may not be binary, but it’s surely bimodal"
https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2018/10/28/sex-in-humans-may-not-be-binary-but-its-surely-bimodal/
This is a very interesting article. I do think there are more issues to be explored along this vein... especially the intricacies of aneuploidies and androgen insensitivity syndromes. None of this would change the conclusion but it would more thoroughly contextualize the problem. However, I'm not sure that a point by point rebuttal will ever be effective. When my son was very young and made up stories about the world (as children often do), facts would not change his mind. He had to grow, learn, and become more intellectually sophisticated. I don't predict that will happen for those who have a political axe to grind. Frederick EverythingIsBiology.substack.com
When you talk about "“gender studies” academics with explicit political agendas", what are those explicit political agendas?
I'm interested in opinions on cultural acknowledgement of those born intersex. Especially those with uncommon genitals, puberties, and reproductive function. My theory is that if a culture recognizes those with intersex bodies (like Jewish, for whom there are 8 sexes) we'd have a healthier society. Thoughts?
Fantastic article, I look forward to part 2!
Looking forward to part 2!
This is easily the most accessible and most authoritative treatment of the biological reality of sex that I've come across. Thank you! I also appreciate the link to Dr. Jerry Coyne's article in comments, below.
I am not a biologist nor a physician, and I believe the trans activists are spreading a gnostic (in the classical sense) theology. But, has there ever been a case where a human being with XX chromosomes has developed into a normal appearing adult male, or vice versa for XY? Is it theoretically possible?
The short answer is yes, there's a genetic disorder where a person's body can't process testosterone and develops as an XY female.
Are they fertile?
To my knowledge, no.