The Science of Being Transgender ft. Gigi Gorgeous

There's a lot of misinformation out there
about what it means to be a transgender

but recently,

Scientists have begun to look into

the Neurology, Physiology, and
Psychology

behind it. So today
we're gonna

break down what
Science does know

in a respectful and educational way

Hey guys! I'm Gigi Gorgeous and,

today, I'm here with
ASAPScience

to break down Science
of Being Transgender

Before we get to deep into it,

we have to look at your genetic sex.

Or the chromosomes you have.
These were

determined
right after fertilization

When the sperm cell from your father

which carries an 'X' or a 'Y' chromosome

fuse with the egg from your mother,
which carries an 'X' chromosome.

But until 6 or 7 weeks
after fertilization,

both 'XY' and 'XX' embryos

have identical gonads.

Around 7 weeks

the male sex organs start to develop

because of a gene on 'Y' chromosome

called 'SRY'

It causes cells to become more specialized

and these cells create 'Testosterone'

which in turn triggers
the development

of structure like
the penis & scrotum

while other cells
block female

development by
female ducts

However,
in female development

because there is no 'Y' chromosome
with the 'SRY' gene.

These ducts stay intact
and become the uterus

cervix, upper vagina, and the oviduct

with the help of Estrogen, &
chemicals secreted by

the early kidney.
But,

it's not always
There are sometimes

even when
RARE COMBINATIONS

like 'XXY', 'XXX' 'XXYY' etc.

And even people
with

'XX" Chromosomes develop male genitals
& characteristics

due to a piece of the 'Y' chromosome
breaking off,

and switching places to an 'X' chromosome.

But SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION in a brain,

actually happens
much later than Gonadal Differentiation.

And yes, although controversial

Male and Female brains
have structural &

functional differences
between each other.

Studies have found

that males generally

have a larger cerebrum
cerebellum.

and hippo campus.

While females have

higher density left frontal lobe,

and larger volumes

in the right frontal lobe.
So what exactly

do see when we look at the brain?

of a transgender person?

Several studies have shown that

transgender brains are both

structural and functionally more

similar to their experienced
gender identity

than their biological sex.

One study found that transwomen who

despite being assigned male at birth

had a smaller female size structure
in the hypothalamus.

MRI scans also show the

brain structures of trans people

to be more similar in thickness into their

experienced gender and not their sex.

Finally, the pheromone
Androstadienone

causes
different hypothalamic

responses in male & female brains
& when the individuals

with 'Gender Dysphoria'
were exposed to it,

the hypothalamic response match their Perceived gender rather than their sex.

These studies help to highlight masculinisations

or feminisations of the Gonads

is not always the same as the brain

and that there's a difference between

your sex or your anatomy
& gender

or how you perceived your own body.

There also seems to be

a genetic component to transgender identity.

Looking at family histories,

gender identity in congruence seems to run in the family,

meaning they maybe inherited

The 'CYP17' gene which controls

the body's level of sex hormones

has a changed allele that is expressed

frequently in trans man.

Although,
more research could be done,

scientists are currently at looking at over

3 Million DNA Markers for transgender identity

to investigate any genetic link for being trans.

Even though scientific studies

validate the experience of transgender people

there's still suffering from more

depression and anxiety than the general public.

The risk of suicide

is more prominent in transgender people

who have been rejected by their family

discriminated in their workplace,

or in health care.

Sucide risks seems to

decreased after gender transitioning.

Suggesting that gender dysphoria can cause

an extreme amount of emotional pain

even to the point of suicide.

If you, a family member, or a friend is

suffering from gender dysphoria ,

there are few links in the description

for more information.

Thank you so much Gigi

for being part of this video,

it means so much and we're happy that you were here to do this with us.

GIGI: Ah, thank you guys for using

your channel, your platform

validating transgender experiences with science

which is brings closer to equality.

Mitch: Absolutely

If you guys wanna check out Gigi's Channel

we'll put links in the description

or in the screen somewhere.

Otherwise, you can subscribe for more Science here

every week, and we'll see you next time.

PEACE!