ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel ASAP Science The Science of Being Transgender ft. Gigi Gorgeous
There’s a lot of misinformation about what it means to be transgender, but scientists are now exploring the neurology, physiology, and psychology behind it. Today, we’re going to break down what science knows in a respectful and educational way.
Genetic sex is determined right after fertilization. The sperm cell from your father carries either an ‘X’ or a ‘Y’ chromosome, while the egg from your mother carries an ‘X’ chromosome. This combination determines whether you have ‘XX’ or ‘XY’ chromosomes.
Until about 6 or 7 weeks after fertilization, embryos with ‘XY’ and ‘XX’ chromosomes have identical gonads. Around 7 weeks, male sex organs begin to develop due to a gene on the ‘Y’ chromosome called ‘SRY.’ This gene triggers the production of testosterone, leading to the development of male structures like the penis and scrotum. In females, without the ‘SRY’ gene, the ducts develop into the uterus, cervix, upper vagina, and oviduct with the help of estrogen.
However, there are rare genetic combinations like ‘XXY,’ ‘XXX,’ and ‘XXYY,’ and even cases where individuals with ‘XX’ chromosomes develop male characteristics due to a piece of the ‘Y’ chromosome switching places with an ‘X’ chromosome.
Sexual differentiation in the brain occurs later than in the gonads. Studies suggest that male and female brains have structural and functional differences. For example, males generally have a larger cerebrum, cerebellum, and hippocampus, while females have a higher density in the left frontal lobe and larger volumes in the right frontal lobe.
Research shows that the brains of transgender individuals are more similar to their experienced gender identity than their biological sex. For instance, trans women, assigned male at birth, have a smaller female-sized structure in the hypothalamus. MRI scans reveal that transgender brain structures align more closely with their experienced gender.
The pheromone androstadienone also causes different hypothalamic responses in male and female brains. In individuals with gender dysphoria, these responses match their perceived gender, highlighting the difference between sex (anatomy) and gender (personal identity).
There appears to be a genetic component to transgender identity. Family studies suggest that gender identity incongruence may run in families, indicating a potential hereditary aspect. The ‘CYP17’ gene, which regulates sex hormones, has a variant often found in trans men. Scientists are examining millions of DNA markers to explore genetic links to transgender identity.
Despite scientific validation, transgender individuals face higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population. The risk of suicide is higher among those who experience family rejection or discrimination. However, this risk decreases after gender transitioning, suggesting that addressing gender dysphoria can alleviate emotional distress.
If you or someone you know is experiencing gender dysphoria, there are resources available for support. Thank you, Gigi, for being part of this discussion and helping to validate transgender experiences through science.
For more science content, subscribe to our channel, and we’ll see you next time. Peace!
Research and create a presentation on the different chromosomal combinations beyond the typical ‘XX’ and ‘XY’, such as ‘XXY’ or ‘XXX’. Explain how these combinations can affect physical and gender characteristics. Present your findings to the class.
Examine the differences in brain structures between males and females. Create a diagram or model that highlights these differences. Discuss how these differences might relate to gender identity, particularly in transgender individuals.
Investigate the role of the ‘CYP17’ gene and other genetic markers in gender identity. Write a report on how genetic research is contributing to our understanding of transgender identities. Include potential ethical considerations in genetic research.
Develop a campaign to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals. Include information on support resources and the positive impact of gender transitioning on mental health. Present your campaign to the school community.
Organize a panel discussion with guest speakers who can share their experiences and insights on being transgender. Prepare questions that explore both scientific and personal perspectives. Reflect on what you learn from the discussion in a short essay.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what it means to be transgender, but recently, scientists have begun to look more closely into the neurology, physiology, and psychology behind it. So today, we’re going to break down what science does know in a respectful and educational way.
Hey everyone! I’m Gigi Gorgeous, and today, I’m here with ASAPScience to discuss ‘The Science of Being Transgender.’ Before we dive deep into it, we need to look at genetic sex, or the chromosomes you have. These were determined right after fertilization when the sperm cell from your father, which carries an ‘X’ or a ‘Y’ chromosome, fuses with the egg from your mother, which carries an ‘X’ chromosome.
Until 6 or 7 weeks after fertilization, both ‘XY’ and ‘XX’ embryos have identical gonads. Around 7 weeks, male sex organs start to develop because of a gene on the ‘Y’ chromosome called ‘SRY.’ This gene causes cells to become more specialized, leading to the creation of testosterone, which triggers the development of structures like the penis and scrotum. Other cells block female development by degenerating the female ducts.
In female development, because there is no ‘Y’ chromosome with the ‘SRY’ gene, these ducts remain intact and develop into the uterus, cervix, upper vagina, and oviduct, aided by estrogen and chemicals secreted by the early kidney. However, it’s not always that simple. There are rare combinations like ‘XXY,’ ‘XXX,’ ‘XXYY,’ etc., and even individuals with ‘XX’ chromosomes who develop male genitals and characteristics due to a piece of the ‘Y’ chromosome breaking off and switching places with an ‘X’ chromosome.
Sexual differentiation in the brain actually occurs much later than gonadal differentiation. Although controversial, studies have shown that male and female brains have structural and functional differences. Research indicates that males generally have a larger cerebrum, cerebellum, and hippocampus, while females have a higher density in the left frontal lobe and larger volumes in the right frontal lobe.
So what do we see when we look at the brain of a transgender person? Several studies have shown that transgender brains are structurally and functionally more similar to their experienced gender identity than their biological sex. One study found that trans women, despite being assigned male at birth, had a smaller female-sized structure in the hypothalamus. MRI scans also show that the brain structures of transgender individuals are more similar in thickness to their experienced gender rather than their biological sex.
Additionally, the pheromone androstadienone causes different hypothalamic responses in male and female brains. When individuals with gender dysphoria were exposed to it, their hypothalamic responses matched their perceived gender rather than their biological sex. These studies highlight that the masculinization or feminization of the gonads is not always the same as the brain, indicating a difference between sex (anatomy) and gender (how one perceives their own body).
There also seems to be a genetic component to transgender identity. Looking at family histories, gender identity incongruence appears to run in families, suggesting a potential hereditary aspect. The ‘CYP17’ gene, which controls the body’s level of sex hormones, has a variant that is frequently expressed in trans men. Although more research is needed, scientists are currently examining over 3 million DNA markers for transgender identity to investigate any genetic links.
Even though scientific studies validate the experiences of transgender individuals, they still face higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general public. The risk of suicide is more prominent among transgender individuals who have been rejected by their families or discriminated against in workplaces or healthcare settings. However, suicide risk seems to decrease after gender transitioning, suggesting that gender dysphoria can cause significant emotional pain, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts.
If you, a family member, or a friend is experiencing gender dysphoria, there are links in the description for more information. Thank you so much, Gigi, for being part of this video. It means a lot, and we’re happy to have you here with us.
Gigi: Thank you for using your platform to validate transgender experiences with science, which brings us closer to equality.
Mitch: Absolutely! If you want to check out Gigi’s channel, we’ll include links in the description or on the screen. Otherwise, you can subscribe for more science content every week, and we’ll see you next time. Peace!
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This version removes any potentially sensitive or inappropriate language while maintaining the educational content of the original transcript.
Transgender – Relating to a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. – In psychology, understanding the experiences of transgender individuals is crucial for providing effective mental health support.
Genetics – The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. – Recent advancements in genetics have allowed scientists to better understand the hereditary factors contributing to mental health disorders.
Brain – The organ in the head of humans and other vertebrates that controls the body’s functions and processes sensory information. – Neuroscientists study the brain to uncover how different regions are involved in processing emotions and decision-making.
Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. – Psychology provides insights into how cognitive processes influence behavior and mental health.
Identity – The characteristics, feelings, or beliefs that distinguish people from others. – In psychology, identity formation is a critical aspect of adolescent development, influencing self-esteem and social relationships.
Hormones – Chemical substances produced in the body that regulate and control the activity of certain cells or organs. – Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline play a significant role in the body’s response to stress.
Mental – Relating to the mind or cognitive processes. – Mental health is a crucial area of study in psychology, focusing on emotional well-being and the treatment of psychological disorders.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. – Public health initiatives aim to improve both physical and mental health outcomes in communities.
Dysphoria – A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction, often associated with mental health conditions. – Gender dysphoria is a condition recognized in psychology, where an individual experiences discomfort with their assigned gender.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Research in psychology often involves experiments and observational studies to understand human behavior and cognition.
