Gender and gender identity is formed across a number of years with a number of 'turning points' where it could change at one level or in one aspect.
- At the initial genetic stage of development, conception the individual is either male of female having X Y or X X chromosomes #23. At the embryonic stage of development, testosterone may be secreted causes the development of male genitals, and brains.
- Age 18-36 months children generally first declare their gender and become occupied with making a clear distinction.
- Puberty where secondary sexual characteristics arise through further hormonal secretion (final) body changes occur and adult gender identity is (fixed).
- The physical body may appear more or less male or female due to any of these stages and the personal (subjective) identification as male or female does not always agree with the morphology (body).
This is much the same also for sexual orientation (GBLT) where a subjective
sense of interest appears to be developed early in life along with gender.
- The social world will shape the expectations of the children throughout childhood and teen years. During start of school children start to prefer same sex playmates. Boys prefer rough and tumble play while girls prefer to congregate (Maccoby, 1990).
The mysteries of gender
Listen to
Between XX & XY
Some examples of intersexism
Understanding Gender Identity and Sexuality through the Gender Bread Person