Education frees us from prejudice and restrictions. Education enables us to cope. Education allows us to make intelligent choices. So important do I believe in the value of education that I encourage any member of the gender community who is having trouble trying to understand the T syndrome to read BRAIN SEX.
Upon reading BRAIN SEX, a detailed reporting by Anne Moir and David Jessel of the relationship between the brain and hormones at various stages of development, it becomes apparent that many of our preconceived notions about the sexes need to be reevaluated.
We have been led to believe that the sexes really are not different - that it is cultural conditioning that causes differences. We have been led to believe that conditions such as homosexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality, transsexuality, etc., are choices. We have been led to believe that the more feminine a woman is or the more masculine a man, the more successful that person will be.
In the light of studies of the relationship of hormones and the wiring of the brain, it appears that these notions are not statements of fact. The brains of men and women differ significantly and no amount of cultural conditioning can overcome that. Nor can cultural conditioning overcome genetic and sexual behaviors as these are biological not environmental.
It is amazing how shortsighted and naive the human race has been. Rather than allow ourselves the freedom to be what we are genetically predestined to be, we restrict ourselves because it appears to be better not to act on what is true but "to maintain with the best will in the world that what is true has no right to be."
We should be concerned with the truth, not with what might impact society detrimentally. And the way to truth is through education. And through education lies hope for tolerance and understanding for all of us regardless of our lifestyles.
(This article originally appeared in the ETVC Newsletter)