TED Radio Hour Listen Again: The Biology Of Sex
11 snips
Apr 15, 2022 
Emily Quinn, an artist and activist, shares their journey as an intersex individual challenging societal norms around gender. Molly Webster, a journalist, dives into the complexities of biological sex beyond the XY binary. Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi discusses how hormones and brain function impact women's health, while structural biologist Karissa Sanbonmatsu examines the role of epigenetics in sex and gender development. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between biology and identity, advocating for a broader understanding of gender.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Emily Quinn's Upbringing
- Emily Quinn grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by Mormon culture.
- This upbringing influenced her perception of womanhood as being tied to motherhood.
Quinn's Diagnosis
- At 10, doctors told Quinn she had a disorder of sex development, later identified as androgen insensitivity syndrome.
- Quinn was born with XY chromosomes, a vagina, and internal testes but is insensitive to testosterone.
Sex is a Spectrum
- Biological sex exists on a spectrum and is more complex than simply male or female.
- The common understanding of XX and XY as definitive markers of sex is an oversimplification.
