At a university in the U.S., an athlete with outward characteristics typically associated with females was discovered to have XY chromosomes, no ovaries or uterus, and internal testes that generate elevated testosterone levels. This athlete might be characterized as having atypical sexual development because they:
a. Are biologically male but identify as female.
b. Do not clearly fall into the binary category of being biologically male or biologically female.
c. Are biologically male but feel distress regarding their assigned gender.
d. Are biologically male yet physically appear female.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. Do not clearly fall into the binary category of being biologically male or biologically female.
This athlete’s condition is an example of atypical sexual development, which can involve variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or phenotypic sex. Atypical sexual development refers to cases where biological characteristics do not align with typical male or female classifications. In this scenario, the athlete has XY chromosomes, which are typically associated with biological males, but they lack ovaries and a uterus, which are typically associated with biological females. Additionally, the athlete has internal testes and elevated testosterone levels, which are also more typical of males. However, their outward physical characteristics appear more feminine.
Such a condition does not fit neatly into the conventional male or female categories, as both the chromosomal and phenotypic aspects of sexual development do not align with the binary framework of biological sex. Individuals with such conditions may experience a variety of physical traits or hormonal profiles that do not match societal expectations of being either male or female.
These variations in sexual development can lead to a more complex understanding of sex and gender. The athlete’s case illustrates how biological sex, while often assumed to be a simple binary, can involve a range of intersex variations. Intersex individuals, like the one described here, may possess physical traits that blur the lines between what is typically classified as male or female, reflecting the diversity of human biology. This complexity is why such individuals are considered to have atypical sexual development.