Multi-Dimensionality of Gender
Carl W. Bushong, Ph.D., LMFT, LMHC

page 2

It is my contention that it is possible for an individual to view oneself and function as male or female to varying degrees in each of the five sub-categories independent of the others. For example, an individual may be XX female (chromosomal female), physically female, have a "female brain," be heterosexual but see her(him)self as male--or any other combination. One can be either male or female in each of the five sub-categories independent of each other. If we use "F" for female identity/function, and "M" for male identity/function and one through five for the semi-independent attributes listed above we could describe each individual according to their particular breakdown:

1M ----- 2M ----- 3M ----- 4M ----- 5F
A Gender Dysphoric, Morphological Male

1M ----- 2M ----- 3M ----- 4F ----- 5M
A Homosexual Male

1F ----- 2F ----- 3M ----- 4F ----- 5F
A Dominant, But Heterosexual, Even Feminine, Female

Since each of these independent attributes are graded, it is easy to see the possible combinations and degrees number in the thousands. With regard to gender, we each can be in a category of one--ourselves.

Whether it’s gender identity, sexual orientation, or brain sex, the expression usually remains constant from childhood throughout one’s life.

Now, for a more detailed description and illustration of the five sub-categories of gender:

The first sub-category, Genetics, is only beginning to be understood. How and how much do genetic influences effect one’s expression of gender? We do know that besides the traditional XX chromosome of a typical female and the XY of a typical male, that there are other combinations such as XXY, XYY, and XO.

A XXY combination results in 47 rather the 46 chromosomes. This condition is called Klinefelder’s syndrome and occurs in one in every 500 births. Individuals with Klinefelder’s are sterile, have enlarged breasts, small testicles and penis, and a eunuch body shape much like the "Pat" character on "Saturday Night Live." They show little interest in sex.

Another 47 chromosome occurrence is XYY Syndrome. In this syndrome, the hormonal and physical appearance of the individual are evidenced as a normal male, but behavior is effected. Typically, XYY Syndrome people are bisexual or paraphilic (pedophillia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, etc.), and show very poor impulse control.

Where Klinefelder’s and XYY Syndrome are examples of an extra chromosome, Turner’s syndrome is a case of a missing sex chromosome. These individuals possess 45 chromosomes (written as XO), are unable to develop gonads, and are free of all sexual hormones, except those crossing over from the mother during fetal life.

Turner’s Syndrome people have external sex organs approximating a female, and their behavior is characterized as hyper-feminine, baby care oriented, and showing very poor spatial and math skills. The Turner’s personality, free of all influence from testosterone, tends to be in direct opposition to the typical set of "Tom Boy" traits.

Turner’s Syndrome relates well to our second category of Physical Gender--that being our primary and secondary sexual characteristics. To discuss this aspect of gender we need to examine hormonal involvement, in particular testosterone. All sexual differentiation, physical, mental, and emotional are produced by hormones which may be amplified and/or specified by one’s social environment. During fetal life, the amount present, or the absence of testosterone determines our sexuality -- physically, mentally and emotionally. There are key times or periods during development when the fetus will go towards the male or the female depending on the level of testosterone. These windows of opportunity may be only open for a few days and if the needed level of testosterone is not present, a basic female orientation develops regardless of the testosterone levels before or after this critical period, and the resulting sexual imprint.

The first critical period is at conception when the presence of the SRY gene (Sex-Determining Region of the Y chromosome) will determine our physical gender. The SRY gene is normally found on the short arm of the Y chromosome, but can detach making for a XY female (the Y missing its SRY gene) or a XX male (the SRY attaching to the X).

The SRY gene causes the fetus to release TDF (Testes Determining Factor) which turns the undifferentiated gonad into testes. Once testes have formed, they release androgens such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and anti-mullerian hormone.

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