The media is often wrong when dealing with conditions like AIS (and Swyer’s Syndrome, a similar condition where a phenotypical female is later found to be genetically male and has a female reproductive system with undeveloped gonads). In that episode of House, they refer to the AIS patient as “he” after diagnosis is made. Also insulting and insensitive. (see the Intersex Society of North America’s response here: http://www.isna.org/node/1008). ER also had an AIS patient storyline that was sensationalistic, insensitive and insulting.

Let’s face it, gender and sexuality discussions make us uncomfortable. For some people the easiest thing to do is shut down, build walls of difference or retreat to a place of immaturity and perceived superiority.

I am a woman with Swyer’s Syndrome, a diagnosis that took me years to uncover due to it’s rare nature and the lack of both knowledge and comfort about intersex conditions. I have never felt anything but female, and my XY chromosomes don’t change that at all. I respect people who want to better understand the world’s diversity, but it must be done with sensitivity and respect. Don’t talk to me about God and his plan. Don’t tell me I am lucky to never have had a period or breakouts. Don’t refer to me as “she” or “male”. Don’t keep spreading rumors about famous women who may have AIS or a related condition. Don’t compare me to transsexuals or other gender dysmorphic disorders or cross-dressers or homosexuals.

The gender diaspora is far more diverse and shaded than you can imagine, but the shades of gray are not interchangeable. To understand is to leave judgement out of it and keep an open mind about the many shades of gray that are presented in nature. It is what it is and it’s always been that way. We are just now starting to understand the diversity and develop language to explain it.

Thank you so much for your kind words. They made my day!

Jena

Being of mother of 4 beautiful, highly diverse girls, i am delighted to hit upon your blog and will read your books. I am constantly looking to at least glean from the groves of “science geeks.” Having one amazon willowy girl with problem ovaries and other signs of hormone aberrancy, i am constantly seeking to understand and be of assistance to her in her life. Human sexuality is an enigma so much more so when not viewed thru the lense of modern science/bio-facts.

Thanks for sharing your remarkable acumen, inspired wit and style and not keeping a wonderful talent for transposing technical knowledge into public information to your self!! You are an asset to this we call life and you must have a very proud mama I have a very bright writer for a daughter. I hope she will be as great a contributer to her generation and hungry minds/souls as you are. (not intended as fluff just thought i should share that you are blessing beyond the monetary) I look forward to reading more of your blog as i follow it, as well as your books. Hopefully you will post when you are going to be a guest speaker on some media fronts. i can set the DVR : )
Blessings,
Sherrie

1. When I write “technically female,” a better word choice would have been “genetically female.” I like how Eden Atwood, who has AIS, says that when forced to check the box to identify her gender she checks “female.” Female is how she feels, so female she is. But she checks it “only because the box is there.”

Here’s an interview with Eden Atwood:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MedicalMysteries/Story?id=5465752&page=1

2. I’m not saying AIS invalidates evolutionary theory. I just enjoy the irony that women with AIS have features (curves, good skin, etc.) that men find attractive because those features suggest high fertility. The same applies to beautiful trans women!