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Scientists
find a gene for the transsexual experience

Scientists find a gene for the transsexual experience

DEBORAH SMITH SCIENCE EDITOR

27/10/2008 1:00:01 AM

IN THE largest ever genetic study of transsexuals, Australian researchers
have discovered a DNA variation linked to male-to-female transsexualism.

The finding strengthens the view that there is a biological reason why some
people feel they are living in the wrong body, in this case men who have an
strong desire to live as a woman.

Vincent Harley, of Prince Henry's Institute in Melbourne, said his team's
study of 112 Australian and American male-to-female transsexuals found they were
more likely to have a genetic variation in a gene that could lead to a
feminisation of the brain during early development.

The research confirmed that transsexuality was not a lifestyle decision, as
some had suggested, said another team member, Trudy Kennedy, the director of the
Monash Gender Dysphoria Clinic in Melbourne.

"People who come to our clinic describe how they knew they were different at
a very early age, just three or four years old. This is something that people
are born with," Dr Kennedy said.

The findings, which are published in the journal Biological Psychiatry , were
good news, said Sally Goldner, 43, who had an inner sense she was female from a
young age, despite being a boy. "Such compelling evidence dispelling the total
myth of gender identity issues being a choice is always welcome," she said.

The Australian and American team examined three sex hormone genes. They found
male-to-female transsexuals tended to have a longer version of the androgen
receptor gene, which could reduce testosterone action.

"It is possible that a decrease in testosterone levels in the brain during
development might result in incomplete masculinisation of the brain in
male-to-female transsexuals," Associate Professor Harley said.

But it was highly likely that other genetic factors were also involved in
this form of transsexualism, he said.

The research was trying to solve the "fascinating" question of why people
felt a particular gender was important, but it might also lead to practical
benefits in future, if genetic tests could inform decisions about which sex
children, born with ambiguous genitalia, should be raised.

Ms Goldner, a spokeswoman for TransGender Victoria, said she assumed she just
had a vivid imagination as a child when she thought of herself as female. It was
not until she was 29, after she had had a bad experience with a psychiatrist,
that she was accurately informed about transsexualism by a different expert.

"It was incredible. It was the first time I could remember waking up and
feeling peace and calm in 20 years," she said.

Juliet Richters, an associate professor in sexual health at the University of
NSW, said much of the distress felt by transsexuals was caused by cruel
treatment from others.

"A little more tolerance towards everyone who doesn't conform to gender norms
would be a good thing," she said.

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Source: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/10/26/1224955854977.html?feed=fairfaxdigitalxml

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