Meeting notes, AGM 2001
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE
GENDER IDENTITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SOCIETY
On 15 July 2001
The meeting was attended by 27 members and also 10 guests who included people working in the medical and research fields, the police and Relate. Among the guests were Professor Milton Diamond, winner of the GIRES Research Prize in 1999, and Bernadette Wren, to whom the Prize for 2001 was awarded by David Willis at the start of the meeting. In thanking GIRES for the award, Bernadette said that it acted as a stimulus for researchers as well as providing funds to help them in their work.
- The formal business commenced with appointments to the charity's Executive Committee:
Emma Martin as Chair, David Willis as Secretary, Bernard Reed as Treasurer, Janeen Willis as Membership Secretary, Jennifer Gradidge and Terry Reed. The minutes of last year's meeting were then approved, as were the report and accounts as published in this Review.
Proposed by: Nic Bray, Seconded by: Gordon Coton
Agreed by a show of hands. There were no objections and 8 proxy votes in favour. - Many members live far away from Ashtead and are unable to attend the annual meeting.
To give them a proper voice in the charity's affairs, it was proposed that a postal voting system be introduced and that the minimum number required to be present at the charity's meetings be reduced from 10% to 5% of the membership. These proposals were approved. The detailed wording of these amendments is subject to agreement by the Charity Commissioners.
- Members were then given an update on progress this year.
The Workplace survey is almost complete. Some 3,000 questionnaires were distributed and 207 had been so far returned. An in-depth analysis should be available from Dr S Whittle sometime after August this year. The aim of this survey is to quantify levels of discrimination in the workplace. The information pack for GPs' surgeries is now being tested and 11 of the members present volunteered to help with this initial phase of the project.
- GIRES was requested to advise the BMA of its responsibilities towards trans people.
David Willis explained that GIRES can only promote and distribute research and educational materials. Policy and procedures are best developed by people expert in the fields to which they are related. Zoe-Jane Playdon informed the meeting that the Parliamentary Forum plans to undertake research into the treatment provided in different Health Authorities and the facilities they use. GLADD, representing gay and lesbian doctors and dentists, is researching trans issues and will be proposing a protocol for GPs. This could be distributed to GPs by GIRES within its remit to educate. Domenico di Ceglie advised the meeting that GPs do not know what treatment and services are available to his patients (children) when they become adult. This information would ensure continuity of care.
- Following the formal annual meeting, Professor Diamond talked about his past, current, and future work.
He began by reminding the listeners of his work with the 'John/Joan' case. This was described in his 1999 prize-winning article. The assertion that gender is all about socialisation is clearly not the whole picture, and there is evidence that hormones, specifically testosterone, can have an effect on the baby while it is still developing in the womb*. Professor Diamond is currently investigating the differences between twins, at least one of whom is transitional (ie transsexual/intending to have or having had treatment to 'change sex'). He said that out of 6 sets of such twins classified as male at birth, in 5 sets both the twins were trans. In 5 sets of twins classified as female, in only two sets were both affected. His findings suggest it is the presence or absence of testosterone that makes the difference. His research is ongoing, depending on the willingness and availability of trans twins to participate. His interest in sexual development in trans and non-trans people encompasses all aspects of "How do we get to be what we are?" Professor Diamond was asked if twins change over at the same time. He replied that some do and some don't. There is no specific biological timing. People change over when they must and circumstances permit.
He was asked if he was convinced that a biological cause for transsexualism brings better social acceptance. He replied that the possibility of a biological reason for the condition seems to result in more tolerant behaviour of society than if it is presented as being a whim. However, he pointed out, the fact that there may be a biological predisposition to the condition does not mean it will always lead to what (in this country) is a logical conclusion. For example, in some countries it would be considered a crime against religion and a person would be murdered ('executed') for it.
Circumstances may affect a person's decision about what action to take. Some (perhaps the majority) of people who experience cross-gender identification are content to stay as they physically are now. There may be many reasons for that. Professor Diamond referred to a person he knows who was born with AIS (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome - although genetically male, with XY sex chromosomes, the body is insensitive to the effects of testosterone) and was raised as a girl. However, although she looks like a woman she feels as if she is a man. Her partner is a lesbian and their relationship is on that basis. Although she feels she fits better into the world as a man she will not make that change today.
Zoe-Jane Playdon remarked that it seems that there may be a biological cause for gender identity differences. Domenico de Ceglie stated that sexuality and gender identity are different. He stated that it is not the case that gender and sexual identity, as a part of brain function, are fixed before birth and cannot change during childhood. Some children seen at the Portman Clinic do experience changes in their gender identity as they grow up. Others remain the same for 10 years or more. Professor Diamond stated that evidence seems to show that the causal factors of M>F and F>M vary. The total percentage of the population affected appears to be higher for M>F than for F>M.
Professor Diamond then talked about surgery for intersexed infants. He has written up 22 cases. Out of 10 (XY) children brought up as females, 3 are now living as males. Practice has been to perform surgery to improve the appearance of the genitals when the children are very small (before 2 years). The 30% of those who are raised as girls who then choose to live as male do not have adequate tissue for plastic surgery. It has to be found from other sites on the body and adapted. For these AIS children a vagina is constructed, often before they are old enough to manage their own post-operative care. Reconstruction at a later date is often necessary. As transsexual people know, the vaginal passage must be used (dilated) to keep it functional.
He remarked that when intersex children are born the parents often ask doctors what sex the child should be. He expressed the opinion that the final decision should be (and in later life ultimately will be) the child's decision. With this in mind he advocates that doctors take a long-term view, and encourage parents to raise their child in one or other gender without subjecting the child to surgery unless it is medically necessary (for reasons other than gender). This will give the child control over his or her own body in the future.
Chris Gidden asked if Professor Diamond felt there should be three genders. He replied that biology loves variation, always creating new ones. However, society hates variation. Creating additional categories of gender would not make life any easier for people who do not fit easily into the existing two. David Freedman said that he believed people should have the option to be who they are today, and then change that tomorrow if they wanted to. This view was generally approved.
* GIRES has produced a paper on this topic which it will be pleased to provide on request. Its position is as follows:
1. GIRES has no intention of being involved in any matters related to the treatment of CAH, AIS, Turner's Syndrome or any intersex condition other than gender dysphoria. It supports the right of groups dealing with these matters to be self-determining.
2. GIRES is not concerned with TV, LGB or Third Gender matters but respects the right of people who include themselves in such groups to be self-defining and self-determining.
3. GIRES recognises the right of transsexual people to define their condition as intersex should they choose to do so, and notes that there is a growing body of scientific data and medical opinion that supports that position.
4. GIRES will continue to encourage and keep itself informed about scientific research in this field. - Emma Martin thanked Professor Diamond for his presentation, and his positive attitude.
Members and guests then mingled in small groups over a buffet meal to discuss areas of common interest.
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