Schmick wrote:Genitals and genitals alone determine gender, that's why it's called gender.
Schmick wrote:Genitals and genitals alone determine gender, that's why it's called gender.
That's simply not true. It's a complicated distinction based on a number of criteria, most of which there is plenty of clear scientific evidence of biological variance. Hierarchy rom top:
1. Chromosome: XX and XY are typical, but there are also cases of lone X, XXY, XYY, XXX, XXYY, and XX/XY mosaic.
2. Gonads: Some individuals are born with gonads that have characteristics of ova and testes.
3. Hormones: There are wide variations in circulating estrogen and testosterone levels in men and women.
4. Genitals: Some people are born with intersex genitals that don't clearly identify them as male or female.
5. Secondary sex characteristics.
6. Gender identity.
7. Gender expression.
I'm not arguing one way or another, just pointing out that with 1-4 (and probably 5) there are clear cases of biological variance that was not chosen by the individual. I have no insight into what, if any, biological basis there could be for cases where 1-5 check one box and 6,7 check another.
As far as sports participation goes, testosterone and the secondary characteristics it confers does provide an advantage. The NCAA and NFHS should proceed with caution on this issue. Unfortunately, the ultimate outcome of this won't probably be settled with common sense, it will be settled by lawyers.