The End of Gender

1. Biological sex is binary, not a spectrum

Biological sex is either male or female.

Binary definition. Sex is defined by gametes - small sperm produced by males or large eggs produced by females. There are no intermediate gamete types, making sex binary rather than a spectrum. This biological reality is distinct from gender identity or expression.

Addressing misconceptions. While intersex conditions exist, they do not negate the sexual binary. Most intersex people still produce only one gamete type or are infertile. Using intersex conditions to argue for a sex spectrum is inappropriate and fails to acknowledge the experiences of intersex individuals.

• Intersex conditions occur in ~1% of the population
• Most intersex people identify as male or female
• Biological sex cannot be changed, even with transitioning

2. Gender is biologically based, not socially constructed

Gender identity is basically synonymous with biological sex.

Prenatal influences. Gender identity is primarily determined by prenatal hormone exposure, especially testosterone. This shapes brain development and influences interests, behaviors, and sense of gender from an early age. Social factors can affect expression but don't override underlying biological predispositions.

Brain differences. Neuroimaging studies show consistent brain differences between males and females, even accounting for overall brain size. These affect cognitive abilities, interests, and behaviors. Denying these differences is anti-scientific and ultimately harmful to women's rights and wellbeing.

• Testosterone masculinizes the brain in utero
• Brain differences exist in structure and function
• Gender-atypical individuals show shifted brain patterns

3. There are only two genders, not an infinite spectrum

There are two: female and male. There is zero scientific evidence to suggest that any other genders exist.

Binary reality. Despite growing claims of non-binary, genderfluid, and other gender identities, there is no scientific evidence for more than two genders. Even those identifying as non-binary still operate within a male-female framework. The proliferation of gender identities stems from conflating personality and mood with gender.

Cultural context. Third-gender categories in some cultures, like fa'afafine in Samoa, are often cited as evidence for non-binary genders. However, these individuals still acknowledge their biological sex and don't consider themselves a separate gender. Applying transgender labels to them imposes Western concepts inappropriately.

• Non-binary identification is growing, especially among youth
• Many non-binary individuals are lesbian, gay, or autistic
• "Non-binary" often reflects discomfort with gender roles

4. Sexual orientation and gender identity are related

Research has shown that childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) is one of the strongest predictors of being gay in adulthood.

Developmental link. Early gender non-conformity strongly predicts homosexuality in adulthood. This stems from prenatal hormone exposure affecting both gender expression and sexual orientation. For example, gay men tend to be more feminine as children, while lesbians tend to be more masculine.

Transgender subtypes. There are two main types of male-to-female transgender individuals: homosexual (attracted to men) and autogynephilic (aroused by idea of being female). The former tend to be feminine from childhood, while the latter develop gender dysphoria later, often after years of cross-dressing. Understanding these subtypes is crucial for appropriate treatment.

• ~75% of gender non-conforming boys become gay/bisexual
• Autogynephilia is a paraphilia, not an identity
• Sexual orientation influences likelihood of transitioning

5. Most gender dysphoric children desist by puberty

Across all eleven long-term studies ever done on gender dysphoric children, between 60 and 90 percent desist by puberty.

Desistance reality. The vast majority of gender dysphoric children grow comfortable with their biological sex by adolescence. Many become gay or lesbian adults. This robust finding is often denied or suppressed by transgender activists, leading to harmful treatment protocols for children.

Risks of transitioning. Early social and medical transitioning for children carries significant risks, including permanent physical changes and sterility. Given high desistance rates, a cautious, wait-and-see approach is most appropriate. Therapy exploring underlying issues is preferable to immediately affirming a transgender identity.

• Puberty often resolves gender dysphoria naturally
• Early transition may solidify a temporary identity
• Rapid-onset gender dysphoria is a growing concern in teens

6. Transgender women differ from biological women

It isn't accurate to say that transgender women are biologically women, as some trans activists claim.

Biological differences. Despite transitioning, transgender women retain many male biological traits, including chromosomes, bone structure, and organ systems. This has important implications for medical care, sports competition, and certain sex-segregated spaces. Acknowledging these differences doesn't negate trans identities but ensures appropriate treatment and fairness.

Policy implications. The mantra "trans women are women" oversimplifies complex realities. While transgender individuals deserve respect and legal protections, some sex-based distinctions remain necessary. This is especially relevant in areas like prisons, shelters, and competitive sports, where biological differences impact safety and fairness.

• Trans women retain male-typical traits even after hormones
• Prostate cancer risk remains for trans women
• Sports advantages persist due to male development

7. Women's dating preferences are evolutionarily influenced

Women have been told to take charge in their romantic lives as a sign of independence, confidence, and female strength. While I don't think women should be sitting around, waiting for a guy to send a text, there is something to be said for letting him come to you.

Evolutionary psychology. Women's mate preferences, including desire for status and resources, stem from evolutionary pressures related to pregnancy and childrearing. These innate tendencies persist despite modern contraception and changing gender roles. Understanding them can lead to more fulfilling relationships.

Modern applications. Encouraging women to approach dating like men ignores biological realities and often leads to frustration. Traditional courtship behaviors, like men initiating contact, signal investment and help women select suitable partners. Embracing these patterns doesn't negate feminism or women's autonomy.

• Women are more selective due to higher parental investment
• Status and resources remain attractive in potential mates
• Casual sex tends to be less satisfying for women

8. Gender-neutral parenting doesn't override biology

Gender is dictated by prenatal hormone exposure, as opposed to coercive gender norms imposed upon infants the minute they exit the womb.

Innate preferences. Children show sex-typical toy and activity preferences from a very young age, before they can understand gender concepts. This is seen across cultures and even in non-human primates, indicating a strong biological basis. Gender-neutral parenting cannot override these innate tendencies.

Balanced approach. While avoiding rigid gender stereotypes is positive, attempting to raise "genderless" children is misguided and potentially harmful. A better approach is to offer diverse choices while accepting a child's natural inclinations, whether gender-typical or atypical.

• Infants show sex differences in interests within days of birth
• Hormonal conditions affect play preferences
• Most children gravitate to sex-typical activities despite parenting

9. Activism threatens objective sex research

Activism has no place in scientific research. There is no such thing as "feminist science," "queer science," liberal or conservative science, or what have you.

Scientific integrity. Political activism is increasingly interfering with objective sex research. Studies contradicting progressive narratives face intense backlash, leading to self-censorship and biased research. This threatens the pursuit of truth and ultimately harms the very communities activists claim to support.

Academic freedom. Universities and scientific journals must resist pressure to suppress or retract politically inconvenient findings. Researchers should be free to explore controversial topics without fear of career repercussions. Only through open inquiry and debate can we advance our understanding of human sexuality and gender.

• Activist pressure has led to study retractions
• Some research topics are now considered off-limits
• Ideology is replacing scientific rigor in some institutions

Last updated: September 8, 2024