Category Archives: Biology of transition

Fractals, not pyramids: Why “8th grade biology” isn’t enough

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Zinnia Jones

Previously: Chromosomes: Cis expectations vs. trans reality, How sex hormones work, and their use by trans people In the years I’ve spent covering gender topics on YouTube, I’ve occasionally encountered one particularly strange objection to the core principle of transness, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology of transition, Philosophy and language, Rhetoric | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“We don’t let kids get tattoos”: Trans youth treatment, ethics, and decision-making

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Zinnia Jones

Previously: Transgender youth fact check, Debunking hypothetical arguments about youth transition In the public conversation over the use of puberty blockers for adolescents with gender dysphoria, those who object to this treatment often express concerns about the ability of these … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology of transition, Ethics, Outcomes of transition, Trans youth, Transgender medicine | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Bigot bus on tour: When “biological reality” is neither real nor biological

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Zinnia Jones

On March 1, a bus in Madrid bearing an anti-transgender message from a conservative Catholic group was impounded: The slogan on the bus read: “Boys have penises, girls have vulvas. Do not be fooled.” A Catholic group, Hazte Oir, had … Continue reading →

Posted in Bathrooms and public accommodations, Biology of transition, Philosophy and language, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Transgender youth fact check: Blaire White is wrong – Part 1: Fundamentals

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Zinnia Jones

So, someone by the name of Blaire White made a video about gender transition treatment for transgender children and adolescents. And I’m going to fact check it!   How puberty blockers work “And of course, it begs the question of transgender … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology of transition, Ethics, Health care, Outcomes of transition, Replies, Trans youth, Transgender medicine | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Symbol, substance, and tabooing your words, part 2: answers (More Trans, module 1-2)

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Zinnia Jones

Previously: Gender reasoning exercises: Symbol, substance, and tabooing your words (module 1-1) In the previous episode, we reviewed some simple Less Wrong techniques for forcing yourself to look beyond an individual term for a concept, and consciously think about the actual … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology of transition, More Trans, Philosophy and language, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments