QC FYI: A Transgender Gene?
In a groundbreaking study, Australian scientists analyzed the DNA of 112 male-to-female transsexual volunteers and identified a link between a gene involved in testosterone. Quoted from the study: “[T]hey were more likely to have a longer version of the androgen receptor gene…. It is known that longer versions of the androgen receptor gene are associated with less efficient testosterone signalling.
“This reduced action of the male sex hormone may have an effect on gender development in the womb, the researchers speculated.
“We think that these genetic differences might reduce testosterone action and under masculinise the brain during foetal development,” said researcher Lauren Hare from Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research.
This raises a few interesting issues. First off, homosexuality and transgender identity were only removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in the 20th century. Even though some ignorant people still think that homosexuality is a biological perversion, mental illness, or a choice, others feel ambivalent about proving a genetic basis for sexual orientation. Those in support of finding a gay gene think it will validate the legitimacy homosexual as not being a choice. Meanwhile, others worry that identifying a gay gene will result in eugenics (with people wanting to identify homos based purely on DNA and treating them accordingly or even wiping them out).
Consider your own attitudes towards transgender people… How much do you think you have in common with them? What if it turns out that their being transgender is not so different from being gay? If we all have in common a genetic basis, how does our understanding of community change? As the human genome continues to be decoded, it seems we’re shifting our understanding of human behavior and self-perception from an environment and psychological basis to a one in genetic biology. Whether it pushes us closer together or further apart remains to be seen…
But also think of this… if we’re genetically inclined towards a certain body types, gender identifications, physical cravings, and other behaviors, how far down does that rabbit hole go? Apparently, the natural self sometimes manifests, no matter how a person is raised. But could genetics also explain how more minute idiosyncrasies that make up someone’s personality? Like how why some people clean to de-stress, why others love video games, why some people sleep on their sides, while others enjoy cheese crackers? How much of ourselves is linked to genetics? Maybe a lot more than we thought.
What do you think?
