With all the backlash with transgenders, people have failed to begin to understand the causes. Everybody thinks that transgender is a choice, like being gay was a choice. They were wrong about gays and they could be wrong about transgender.
The current scientific consensus is that being transgender is not a choice but rather a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and cultural factors. While the exact causes of transgender identity are not fully understood, researchers believe that genetics, hormones, and brain structure may all play a role.
There is evidence to suggest that being transgender may have a genetic component. For example, studies have found that there are genetic variations associated with sex hormone receptors and other genes related to sex differentiation that may influence a person’s gender identity. Additionally, twin studies have shown that there is a higher likelihood of one twin being transgender if the other twin is also transgender, suggesting a genetic influence.
The sex of an embryo is determined at the moment of fertilization when the sperm carrying an X or Y chromosome fertilizes the egg. However, the physical differentiation of male and female genitalia occurs later in fetal development, typically during the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy. Genetic defects, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and androgen insensitivity syndrome, can cause a female (XX) chromosome to develop male genitalia, or a male (XY) chromosome to develop female genitalia. These conditions are typically diagnosed through genetic testing and physical examination by a healthcare professional. Treatment may involve hormonal therapy or surgery, depending on the specific condition and individual circumstances.
There are several genetic conditions that can cause a person with female chromosomes (XX) to develop male genitalia. One such condition is called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which is an inherited disorder that affects the adrenal glands. In CAH, the body is unable to produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone, leading to an overproduction of androgens (male hormones). This can result in the development of male genitalia in a female fetus or infant.
Another genetic condition that can cause male genitalia to develop in a person with female chromosomes is called androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). In AIS, the body is unable to respond to male hormones (androgens) due to a genetic mutation. This can cause a person with XY chromosomes to develop female genitalia or a person with XX chromosomes to develop male genitalia.
The causes of transgender identity are likely complex and multifactorial, and there is still much to learn about this topic. While there may be an increase in the number of people identifying as transgender in recent years, and the increased visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals, researchers have increased their study into the genetic or biological defects during pregnancy.
