Gender transitions are becoming more and more common. Adults can make informed decisions about hormone treatments and gender reassignment surgeries, but what about children? In 1952, front page headlines trumpeted “Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty.” George Jorgensen was an American army veteran who had sex reassignment surgery in Denmark and returned… read more "Gender Dysphoria in Children"
Sex, Gender, and Sexuality: It’s Complicated
When a baby is born, the obstetrician or midwife announces “It’s a boy” or “It’s a girl.” As toddlers, children learn to classify everyone as either boy or girl. When our firstborn was very young, we overheard her talking to herself as she grappled with the concept: Let’s see… I’m… read more "Sex, Gender, and Sexuality: It’s Complicated"
Gender Differences and Why They Don’t Matter So Much
Several incidents have recently created divisions within the skeptical community. The latest one was over a casual comment Michael Shermer made in an online talk show. He was asked why the gender split in atheism was not 50/50, “as it should be.” He said he thought it probably was 50/50, and suggested… read more "Gender Differences and Why They Don’t Matter So Much"
Gender Differences: What Science Says and Why It’s Mostly Wrong
Men and women don’t come from Mars and Venus, but they are undeniably different. Vive la différence! Without it life would be far less interesting. It’s not just the anatomical differences like chest bumps versus dangly bits; there are also differences in psychology and behavior. My daughters and I are… read more "Gender Differences: What Science Says and Why It’s Mostly Wrong"