Earlier this month, Professor David Flint asserted in The Spectator that the science surrounding transgender issues is definitive, advocating for a Royal Commission in Australia. However, both assertions are misleading; the science is far from conclusive, and there is no justification for an expensive Royal Commission. While there is general agreement among scientists that most individuals are born male or female, the reality is much more intricate.

Biological sex exists on a spectrum that encompasses various factors including anatomy, hormones, and genetics, distinct from gender. The binary classification of XX/XY is a simplistic foundation for discussing biological sex. Intersex individuals challenge this binary, as they may not fit neatly into these categories. It can be tempting to label such variations as 'abnormalities', particularly when medical issues are present, but many intersex individuals lead healthy lives. Various genetic and hormonal factors can result in diverse biological expressions, from conditions such as XXY or androgen insensitivity to external influences like dioxins.

For instance, Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) can alter biological responses, leading some individuals to exhibit characteristics of both sexes. These examples illustrate that the labels of ‘real men’ and ‘real women’ are overly simplistic and inadequate.

As we explore the complexities of biological sex further, we encounter individuals with XY chromosomes who can carry pregnancies and XX individuals with both male and female reproductive organs. While the intersex population represents a small percentage (about 2% or 150 million people globally), the implications for medical treatment, particularly in endocrinology, are significant.

Moving deeper into the spectrum, there are XX individuals who develop female characteristics but cannot menstruate without hormone therapy. These individuals often struggle to receive adequate endocrinological care due to a lack of understanding of the biological sex spectrum. Similarly, late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia is being increasingly recognized, although standard treatments may not be effective for all and can lead to severe psychological consequences.

Moreover, some men possess lower testosterone levels than their peers, leading to varied responses to hormone treatments. This underscores that physical attributes do not solely define one's gender identity.

Professor Flint's portrayal of the situation as a challenge to 'fashionable elite dogma' oversimplifies a complex issue. Biological sex cannot merely be equated to birth designation, as the science surrounding gender identity remains unsettled. Recognizing that gender identity is influenced by various factors, including psychology and neuroscience, is crucial. The cultural context also shapes how gender is understood across different societies, raising questions about concepts such as Fa’afafine and Two-Spirit identities.

Gender identity resembles sexual orientation in its complexity; it's not something that can be measured or defined strictly. Current scientific research is in its infancy, with early studies led by figures like Magnus Hirschfeld dating back to 1897. Recent findings suggest that gender identity may have innate qualities, typically recognized by children between ages 3 and 5. Kenneth Zucker, a notable psychologist, has indicated that a significant number of children with gender dysphoria continue to experience these feelings into adolescence.

Neuroscientific studies are beginning to show that the brains of transgender individuals often align more closely with their identified gender than their biological sex, suggesting a possible intersex nature of transgender identity. Preliminary genetic research has also identified genetic markers overrepresented in transgender women, indicating a hereditary component. Case studies of identical twins raised apart have revealed similar patterns, reinforcing the notion that gender identity is not merely a social construct.

In light of these findings, it is evident that gender-affirming healthcare is currently the most effective method for managing gender dysphoria, and the World Health Organization no longer classifies transgender identity as a disorder. Consequently, it is vital that transgender children be permitted to socially transition and that adolescents receive appropriate medical support.

Critics may argue that many young transgender individuals will outgrow their feelings, but many studies fail to differentiate between those with diagnosed gender dysphoria and those who simply express gender nonconformity. This misunderstanding has led to misleading claims about the persistence of transgender identity.

The experiences of the remaining 10-40% who do not fit neatly into societal norms should not be ignored. Their mental and emotional well-being during formative years is critical, and supportive environments can greatly influence their development.

Transitioning, whether socially or medically, is a gradual process. For children, allowing them to express their gender through clothing and names is a critical first step. Studies indicate that socially transitioned children report mental health outcomes comparable to their peers. Hormone treatments, such as puberty blockers, are reversible and give adolescents the time needed to explore their gender identity before undergoing irreversible changes.

Evidence from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne shows that a majority of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria do not outgrow it, contradicting claims of Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) as a social phenomenon. Awareness raised through social media may not create trans identities but rather bring them to light sooner.

The call for a Royal Commission overlooks the nuanced realities of transgender experiences, with the ongoing research at institutions like the Royal Children’s Hospital demonstrating a commitment to understanding and supporting transgender youth.

While educational programs like Safe Schools aim to provide resources for managing gender diversity in schools, broader systemic issues within the education sector hinder effective implementation. Real change may require a reassessment of educational priorities and a focus on literacy and numeracy.

Furthermore, the argument that trans women have an unfair advantage in sports lacks scientific consensus and oversimplifies the complexities of athletic competition. The Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) requirements for trans women athletes to maintain specific testosterone levels illustrate the ongoing efforts to balance fairness in competition.

Ultimately, the complexities of gender identity and transgender experiences cannot be reduced to simplistic narratives. The debate is multifaceted, and the call for a Royal Commission is misplaced. Rather than seeking to settle the matter, we should embrace the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender identity and its implications in society.