"Should research focus on the genetic basis of transgender identities?" - Dr. Brian Rood

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From the course by University of Minnesota

What does it mean to identify as Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)?

26 ratings

University of Minnesota

What does it mean to identify as Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)?

26 ratings

In the last decade transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have become increasingly visible in our families, culture, and public discourse. This course explores the concept of gender identity for people who are curious about the nature of gender, the process of gender affirmation, or changing social dynamics. Participants will learn the unique challenges faced by the TGNC population as well as develop the skills to build inclusive spaces in all spheres of their life. This course was developed under the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education at the University of Minnesota.

From the lesson

Introduction to Gender Identity

Gender identity is a wide spectrum beyond the binary of male and female. Each and every one of us has a gender identity innate to our experience as humans. While gender is all around us, much remains unknown about the development of gender identity. This module introduces the basics of gender and explores how gender affects our daily lives.

Evolution's Rainbow - Dr. Joan Roughgarden11:14

"Should research focus on the genetic basis of transgender identities?" - Dr. Brian Rood2:24

Meet the Instructors

Rebecca Graetz, EdD
Instructor
University of Minnesota - Progam in Human Sexuality
Annette McNamara

So I have the same perspective on that, as I do with a lot of the research that's

trying to find the gay gene or something like that in the body.

And so on the one hand, there's a part of me that is a proponent, so

there's part of me that likes the research.

Because if we do find that there are biological markers,

then it can help to stop all of the arguments and

nonsense about this is a choice.

You can choose to be whoever you want to be, if you don't want to be gay,

just don't be gay.

If you don't want to be trans,

just be non-transgender like these are things that are ridiculous to most of us.

So if you were to find these genetic, hormonal, biological markers,

it would provide evidence that there's something innate about that identity or

that experience.

The flip side of that is that if we were to find something that is genetically

based, hormone based, biologically based, then would people

want to choose to not have kids who may be might be LGBT identified later on?

If we can alter or change genetic markers,

that a way to eradicate or wipe out LGBT communities?

I mean, this all sounds like science fiction at this point, however,

there are people who might have that mindset.

And so I think that there is a lot of emphasis on biological markers.

But at least from my perspective and

from sort of the major researchers in the field, it's more about

providing evidence that there is a biological basis for who people are.

And who they develop into, and the activities that they engage in and

their interests, the people that are attracted to.

And I think that ultimately helps to provide evidence for

that biopsychosocial model of who we are based on biology.

But also sort of mental thought processes, our emotions, but

also our experiences with the world around us.

And so what I teach to my students is what's known as epigenetics.

Which is basically people are predisposed to be a certain way,

to have a certain identity, but the environments can sort of interact with

the genetic component and change and alter that in some way.

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