Lecture: Understanding Transgender Neurobiology and Free Will

Speaker Introductions and Resources

Speaker: Todd Scha, Lead Learner at the South Carolina Education Association Center for Educator Wellness and Learning.
Organization Information: Visit cool.us for resources, including live streams, workshops, and events focused on trauma, health, wellness, and mindfulness.

**Background: **
- Neuroendocrinology researcher, author, and professor at Stanford University.
- Fields: Biology, Neurology, Neurosurgery.
- Awards: MacArthur Fellowship (1987), Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, Clingen Stein Fellowship in Neuroscience, NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award, Young Investigator of the Year Awards (Society of Neuroscience, International Society for Psychoendocrinology, Biological Psychiatry Society).

Current Issue: Bill H 4624 in South Carolina
- Context: Debate on transgender healthcare and support for transgender students and educators.
Objective: Illuminate the science behind transgender identities to equip in discussions and debates.

Biological Sex
- Standard View: Dichotomous (XX or XY) leading to dichotomous development (ovaries/testes, hormones, genitalia, secondary characteristics).
- Reality: More nuanced and continuum-based.
  - Chromosomes: Variants like XXY, XYY, etc.
  - Gonads: Conditions like mixed gonadal dysgenesis (ovotesticular disorder).
  - Hormones: Both sexes produce a mix (testosterone, estrogen).
  - Genitalia: Intersex conditions e.g. testicular feminization syndrome, 5-alpha reductase deficiency.

Evidence suggests transgender people's brain features align more closely with their gender identity than biological sex.
- Studies: Show statistical differences in sexually dimorphic brain regions (e.g., structural volumes, neuron activity).
Notable Findings: Examples of microchimerism – cells from mother or child influencing each other's brain development.

Advocacy against blanket statements/legislation that do not recognize the biological nuances of gender identity.
The importance of nurturing environments that affirm gender identity to prevent mental health issues.

Deterministic View: Behavior and decisions are shaped by biology and environment, not free will.
- Example: Dyslexia reclassification from laziness to a recognized condition.
- Impact on societal views on morality, responsibility, and punitive actions.
Challenge of Determinism: Heavy emphasis on understanding root causes (biological, environmental) rather than moral judgment.

Schools often operate on libertarian views (rewards and punishments), which can be ineffective without understanding the underlying causes.
- Goal: Shift perspective from judgmental to investigative and supportive to address maladaptive behavior.
- Embrace trauma-informed education to change from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

Normalize the variability in human identity, behavior, and development, moving away from outdated rigid classifications and embracing a more compassionate, scientific approach.
Importance of continuing efforts to make educational environments inclusive and supportive for all students based on their biological and psychological needs.

Books by Robert Sapolsky