TRIGGERnometry "Sex is NOT a Spectrum" - Colin Wright
Oct 7, 2020
Colin Wright, an evolutionary biologist and managing editor of Quillette, shares his insights on the intricate differences between biological sex and gender identity. He discusses how societal perceptions shape these concepts while advocating for precise terminology. Wright also explores the pressures of identity politics on academia, emphasizing the need for free speech and empathetic dialogue. The conversation highlights the importance of open debates and building alliances in a polarized world to foster understanding and progress.
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From Real Estate to Biology
- Colin Wright's academic journey began after a failed attempt at real estate.
- His involvement in the New Atheist movement sparked an interest in evolutionary biology.
Defining Biological Sex
- Biological sex is determined by an individual's gonads (primary sexual anatomy).
- Secondary sex characteristics, like breast development or facial hair, are influenced by sex but distinct from it.
Intersex Individuals
- Intersex individuals, representing less than 0.02% of the population, have ambiguous genitalia or gonads.
- This is a developmental variation, like a coin landing on its edge, and doesn't negate the two main sexes.