Here is a new article on the effect of genes on one's gender identity, with a little mention of IS.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/2...reut/index.html

Glenn

While I am not surprised by this, I can already see the potential for abuse of such a finding. I have of course always been very sympathetic of transgendered people, but I see this finding is already being misapplied as it relates to those born intersexed. They are already speaking of using genetic testing, to determine the gender identity, of those of us born with ambiguous genitalia.

My problem with this is that it is obvious, that the emotional trauma caused by the secrecy and resulting shame which IGM causes, is being completely overlooked.

Now it appears that surgeons could write off any concern of the potential to wrongly sexually assign an intersex child, because they could now perform genetic testing. Yet gender assignment is not the primary concern, but the emotional trauma resulting from the secrecy, shame and isolation involved with IGM. This could lead to an increase in sexual assignment of IS kids. For what is left to restrain them or give them pause? This is the real question which so alarms me, what is left for them to consider?

Certainly I am not saying that gender is of no concern. I mean how could I? However it remains only one of many concerns, which the researcher interviewed in the article in question, remains either wholly unaware of or unconcerned about. This is not good to say the least.

In my experience gender does mater, for some of us at least. Yet it is clear that the secrecy causing shame and isolation, resulting in emotional trauma, are inextricable from IGM. So IGM itself remains the primary problem.

For even when gender assignment is of no concern, the harm caused by IGM remains a universal experience, of both the intersexed, and also their families.

IMHO my brain is different from a mouse's.

Sofie

LOL at Sofie...:p :D ;)

I agree, or at least I hope there is a difference for all of us.

Betsy

__________________
Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is. --Margaret Mitchell

I am guessing mine is too. I can't handle cheese, and I love cats.

Hmmmmm. I guess that rules out my having a bird brain too.

Who'd a thunk it?

Wonderful thing this science, is it not?

Here's a commentary I wrote about it:
http://www.ipdx.org/news/000058.html

Basically, the study actually doesn't have anything to do with gender or sexual identity. Read more on the link above.

__________________
ipdxWIRE Intersex News: www.ipdx.org/news

I have a dolphin brain lol

splash!

__________________
Cheers,
Meresa

There will be no second-class citizens in this society.
-- Chuck Panozzo

Damn, another fantasy blown away. I thought you had a mermaid brain.

Betsy

__________________
Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is. --Margaret Mitchell

What I found so disturbing about this press release, as I said above, is the intended misapplication of their findings. Though as you have so clearly pointed out. Their findings do not even apply to human beings, in any way scientifically. Yet, what of it? Since when has anything like that deterred them?

I agree with you that "Rooters" was very irresponsible to report this as worded, and also that the "Villain" involved is grossly irresponsible, as well as completely unaware of or unconcerned for, the true concerns of the intersex community. I further agree that this is another case of social politic subverting the scientific process, and as you said, it clearly does smack of John Money. So clearly this "ethics gap", is neither new or uncommon.

Therefore wouldn't it be in our best interest to assume that eventually, "medical science" will once again find just what they are looking for? I think surely they will, at this rate.

In my small experience of the medical and academic community. It appears to me that they share an impenetrable shell of assumed superiority, and as well both tend to become entrenched in their bias, whatever supposed new direction their bias takes.

How on earth can anyone reach these arrogant idiots? Seriously, I ask you Emi. For right now at least, I have little or no hope that anyone can by any means, short of force, or the money sufficient to buy.

I am very sincere Emi. I really want to know how anyone can shake them out of their high tower. Really how, by becoming doctors ourselves? Can doing so guarantee success in this? I doubt it very much.

For I believe there is money to be made within the present structure of the system, and still much personal glory to be won as well. Those greedy of both fame and gain, take the easy and quick route to their desired objective. The system being what it is, a reflection of this very thing, will therefore be far more than loath to change therefore.

Until we can discover some way to satisfy these prevailing and aged motivations to pursue "higher learning" and resulting positions, and by them seduce said seekers of, to pursue our desired objective instead. I think we will remain frustrated.

Think me cynical, call me misguided and dead wrong. Know one thing though. I hope you are completely right about me.