Understanding the Concept of Transgendered Individuals

Sex defines the role of an animal or a plant in reproduction. In animals, sex is a behavioral trait which enables a reproductive system to reproduce itself and reproduce only as a specific kind of sex. In plants, sex is used to attract a mate with the use of a floral system. A female can attract a male through flowers while a male can attract a female through a male flower. In both animals and plants, sex is used to differentiate species.

Male and female are the only two genders in nature. The distinction between male and female is determined by the presence of certain chromosomes, or genes, on the chromosomes. Genotype refers to the differences between a person’s chromosomes and somatic cells. Genotype also refers to the differences among various species. Boxed genotype is when the difference between the chromosomes is in the form of a circle or a square. All other forms are termed genotypic sex.

Genotype, however, does not determine gender identity per se. It is possible for two individuals who have the same genotype but different gender identity, to still have different sexes. For instance, even two individuals with the same genotype but differently spelled sexual organs may have different genders. The presence of Y-linked sperm in males gives rise to male gender identity while the presence of X-linked sperm in females give rise to female gender identity. In human beings, X-linked sperm are the dominant ones that determine a person’s sex. Although, it is possible for an individual with only one X-linked chromosome to have a female sex, it is practically impossible for such an individual to conceive a child.

However, people with two X-linked chromosomes may have their chances of having children increase as compared to those individuals with only one X-linked chromosome. Those individuals who possess two x chromosomes generally have higher chances of passing their genes to their daughters than to their sons. Similarly, individuals with an autosomal dominant genetic disorder such as autism or schizophrenia are usually carriers of the xy chromosomes and so they can conceive a child without any external genitalia. Similarly, those individuals with an autosomal recessive genetic disorder like cystic fibrosis are also carriers of the x chromosomes and so they can conceive a child despite having no external genitalia.

Moreover, all individuals having two X chromosomes usually have female chromosomes since these chromosomes are more often assigned as females. Chromosome abnormalities are usually assigned as male unless there is a clear reason to the contrary. Some of the disorders that cause the presence of these chromosomes include X-linked infertility and mosaicism. In case of mosaicism, an individual might have more than one set of chromosomes since his mother is also a carrier of the disease and he may also have a chance of getting affected by the disease through his mother.

Those individuals who are members of the transgender community often do not identify themselves as either male nor female but as neither male nor female. For instance, a person who is transgender and has undergone some serious medical treatment might have developed a secondary sex in his body. This secondary sex could be either a man or a woman. Transgender people should undergo medical treatments and undergo thorough psychiatric counseling in order to come to terms with their identity as transgender.