Question

How and when does sex differentiation occur prenatally? What changes can occur inutero that could lead a child to experience gender dysphoria and/or gender non-conforming behavior? Do you agree with the biological perspective of gender development/sexual orientation?

Answer 1

Male embryo has XY chromosome while female has the XX chromosome. The presence of y chromosome is the one which ultimately decides if the baby should be a male or a female. Biologically speaking, both male and female embryos are identical in early development. However the presence of y chromosome will enable the advanced development of wolfian duct thereby leading to male genitals while the absence of the same will lead to development of female genitals. Coming to the second and third part of the question. Biologically there is no evidence of an embryo in vitro to experience gender dysphoria. I personally do not believe that gender dysphoria happens anywhere in mother’s womb. It is an experience which an individual develops following his interaction with society and the mannerism in which he or she is brought up. Challenges influencing mind and brain towards one’s sexual identity with advancement of age is the prime factor responsible for gender dysphoria as per my opinion.