Many people learned at school that all humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs of 2), and that the last two define biological sex (XX female, XY male). This is not quite right. What many didn’t learn is we can actually have anywhere from 45 to 49 chromosomes, including 11 basic sex chromosome patterns and about 25 possible combinations in all. XX & XY are just the 2 most common ones.
There are 11 basic possible sex chromosome patterns, technically each it’s own biological sex: XY, XX, XXY, XYY, XXYY, XXXY, XXXXY, X0, XXX, XXXX, XXXXX.
Plus almost any combination of 2 in one person, sometimes 3, called “mosaic”. For instance X0/XX is as common as X0. Incl. mosaic, there may be about 25 possibilities, ranging from very common to very rare.
In practice, while research is still sparse, possibly 75% self-identify their gender as male or female & 15% as intersex, apart XY & XX (USA: 98% M/F, 2% Intersex). Of course rates of gender self-identification also depend on social & cultural acceptance, which varies from one country to the next. As everyone knows, such matters can be fiercely debated and are often politically charged. The scientific fact remains that in nature there are more than 2 biological sexes, and gender “fluidity” may vary according to chromosomal pattern by a factor of up to x10.
🐈it’s actually easy to understand. If XX is female & XY male, XXY (1 in 650 “boys”) includes both patterns. Usually considered male based on genitals, XXY results in low to no testosterone, and in minority of cases breast formation. So which is it? Nature isn’t black & white. Proof? The common Calico cat isn’t a breed of cat. It’s fur color mix is due to the exact same type of biological diversity: an extra sex chromosome.
Why does this matter?
➡️ First of all, because different chromosomal patterns can result in different developmental and health risks, many of which can be avoided with the right kind of early age support. Knowledge is power, and #WellInformedIsWellPreparedForTheFutue
➡️ Secondly, because #DifferenceIsNotDeficit. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to sex, gender or just about anything else in nature. In fact, as biologists know, the more diversity in a species, the more likely it is to adapt, survive and thrive in fast changing environments. And as psychologists know, “always presume competence”: there is strong scientific evidence that focus on natural #StrengthsFirst improves well being of both children & adults.
This is excellent! Even though my poor fatigued brain isn't in a place to actually absorb what you wrote, the gist of it is powerful: science and nature show us that the cultural understanding of gender as a binary is completely erroneous.
This is excellent! Even though my poor fatigued brain isn't in a place to actually absorb what you wrote, the gist of it is powerful: science and nature show us that the cultural understanding of gender as a binary is completely erroneous.
In Native American cultures, shamans are often people with differences.