The structure of part of a DNA double helix (from here (en.wikipedia.org))

What is the subject of this post? This podcast, The Biology Of Sex (npr.org). Listen Again: The Biology Of Sex is a show from the TED Radio Hour that focuses on genetic studies with respect to gender. The agenda, apparently, is to demonstrate how biological sex exists on a spectrum, that there is no simple binary separation between men and women. In other words, no one is a straightforward man or woman. Instead, based upon our genes we exhibit male and female traits on a spectrum. Therefore, the place each of us supposedly occupies in this spectrum determines our gender.

Even when we don’t agree, it is worth understanding the perspective of the other side. Since The Biology Of Sex presents the perspective of the other side relatively clearly, it is worth listening to. However, it is important to note that the underlying argument, that our gender choices are based upon genetics, is not explicitly stated, just strongly implied with this phrase, “biological sex exists on a spectrum”.

The Biology Of Sex was originally presented in four video episodes.  The links to these episodes provide information about the content each each episode. If you prefer video or want to read the descriptions of each episode, here they are.

• Emily Quinn: Male Or Female Is The Wrong Question—How Can We Rethink Biological Sex?
• Molly Webster: Is Our Definition Of “Sex Chromosomes” Too Narrow?
• Lisa Mosconi: What Does Biological Sex Look Like In The Brain?
• Karissa Sanbonmatsu: What Can Epigenetics Tell Us About Sex And Gender?

What is wrong with the idea that the confusion some people have about their sex is simply genetic and entirely normal? This belief mixes up what some people want to believe with science. Instead of trying to understand Creation as God made it, those who insist biological sex exists on a spectrum are trying to justify themselves. Therefore, LGBTQ activists end up promoting what amounts to mere speculation as fact. Hence, some activists claim that nearly two percent of the population is “intersex” without explanation.

What is “intersex”? Here is the activist definition.

Intersex is an umbrella term that describes bodies that fall outside the strict male/female binary. There are lots of ways someone can be intersex. (from here (plannedparenthood.org))

Because what we believe makes a difference, we need to know the truth. If we believe the vast majority of us are not straightforwardly male or female, then we can rationalize otherwise perverse ideas, like two people of the same sex can marry each other.

So, what is the truth? Here an example of what the Bible has to say.

Genesis 1:26-28 New American Standard Bible

²⁶ Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the ^[a]sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” ²⁷ God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. ²⁸ God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the ^[b]sky and over every living thing that ^[c]moves on the earth.”

Whether based partly or wholly upon genetics and not environment or choice, aberrant sexual preferences are anomalous, not simply unusual. When we are confused about our sex, something is not working the way it is supposed to work. Given the fact we are fallen creatures, should that be a surprise? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

The Biology Of Sex focuses mostly upon chromosomal disorders. So, let’s consider an excerpt from Chromosomal disorder (britannica.com).

Normally, humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs; the pairs vary in size and shape and are numbered by convention. Twenty-two of the pairs are autosomes, and one pair, number 23, is the sex chromosomes. Any variation from this pattern causes abnormalities.

Examples of a chromosome abnormalities include Down syndrome and Cri-du-chat syndrome, which are undeniably undesirable conditions. Such chromosome disorders supposedly justify aborting an unborn child — denying that child a right to life — but we are supposed to treat sex chromosome disorders as normal? Why?

Since human beings can be obsessed with sex, we distinguish between X and Y sex chromosomes abnormalities and those related to the other chromosomes (referred to as autosomal abnormalities).

Fortunately, sex chromosome abnormalities tend to be rare.

About 1 in 400 male and 1 in 650 female live births demonstrate some form of sex chromosome abnormality, although the symptoms of these conditions are generally much less severe than are those associated with autosomal abnormalities. (continued here (britannica.com))

Nevertheless, if we continue reading the article above, we find that people with sex chromosomes can have problems which go beyond sexual confusion. In addition to reproductive issues, their minds and bodies may not work properly.

Since much has already been written on this subject by more knowledgeable people, there is little point in elaborating further here. Therefore, please consider perusing some of the references below.

Note: As you read, keep in mind that the term “intersex” has become another political buzzword for a cause. Therefore, if you have a child who is “intersex”, activists will use that condition to get between you and the treatment of your child.

Additional References

• Intersex (medlineplus.gov)
• What does the Bible say about hermaphrodites? (gotquestions.org)
• Intersex: When a baby isn’t quite boy or girl (todaysparent.com)
• Intersex Conditions (urologists.org)
• Ambiguous genitalia and (mayoclinic.org)
• Overview of Chromosomal Anomalies (merckmanuals.com)
• Chromosome Abnormalities Fact Sheet and Genetic Disorders (genome.gov)
• After years of protest, a top hospital ended intersex surgeries. For activists, it took a deep toll. (usatoday.com)