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> Why Sex Is Mostly Binary but Gender Is a Spectrum I’m not going to quote problematic points expressed in the introduction, but I want to provide additional c

> Why Sex Is Mostly Binary but Gender Is a Spectrum I’m not going to quote problematic points expressed in the introduction, but I want to provide additional context for “mostly binary”, which is somewhat misleading. Biological sex characteristics are also a spectrum, but with most people falling close to one of two points on that spectrum. It’s fairly commonly known that a small but significant portion of the population is intersex, having prominent characteristics from “both” sexes. While this is often explained as anomalous, it’s only by degree. I hope saying this is enough to encourage anyone reading my comment to not take my word for it, but to read this biologist’s Twitter thread[1] explaining in much greater detail than I could do justice, or rolled up by Thread Reader[2] for convenience as it’s lengthy. I know this isn’t a popular format here, but even being familiar with the concept I found the thread very illuminating when I read it around the time it was posted and it’s a common reverence I use when this topic comes up. [1]: https://twitter.com/sciencevet2/status/1035246030500061184?s=21 https://twitter.com/sciencevet2/status/1035246030500061184?s... [2]: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1035246030500061184.html https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1035246030500061184.html

oska 6y ago
I had a look at your referenced twitter thread but it's written in a style that I abhor. Lots of exclamation marks and patronising of the reader. A "I am the enlightened expert come to inform you" posture that is very off-putting.
- eyelidlessness 6y ago
  It’s written by an expert for a general public Twitter audience. I hope you can find your way past the format to absorb the content. It’s very helpful for better understanding the subject.
  - eyelidlessness 6y ago
    Honestly HN I want to shout obscenities about getting: downvoted for citing an expert on the topic, and one response that didn’t like the expert’s writing style. I want to, but I’m not going to. I know it’s not cool to complain about downvotes but I’m just astonished by repeatedly finding them on topics that are falsifiable and lightning rods for malice. I’m incredibly disappointed by the level of motivated ignorance in this community at this point. And I’m gonna make every effort to stop looking at these threads tonight and cool off before I engage further.
    - ceceron 6y ago
      I've read this twitter thread, thanks. I don't know whether @ScienceVet is an expert, I don't know them and they don't use a real checkable name, but I trust that you wouldn't mislead me. The biggest issue for me is that the thread is referring to some data, but doesn't show the data - I guess I have to read cited papers and I would find it somewhere there? If somebody wants to use "scientific arguments", they should add some inline references to the sources, so reader could cross-check. Otherwise it's just an authority argument.

oska 6y ago

I had a look at your referenced twitter thread but it's written in a style that I abhor. Lots of exclamation marks and patronising of the reader. A "I am the enlightened expert come to inform you" posture that is very off-putting.

eyelidlessness 6y ago
It’s written by an expert for a general public Twitter audience. I hope you can find your way past the format to absorb the content. It’s very helpful for better understanding the subject.
- eyelidlessness 6y ago
  Honestly HN I want to shout obscenities about getting: downvoted for citing an expert on the topic, and one response that didn’t like the expert’s writing style. I want to, but I’m not going to. I know it’s not cool to complain about downvotes but I’m just astonished by repeatedly finding them on topics that are falsifiable and lightning rods for malice. I’m incredibly disappointed by the level of motivated ignorance in this community at this point. And I’m gonna make every effort to stop looking at these threads tonight and cool off before I engage further.
  - ceceron 6y ago
    I've read this twitter thread, thanks. I don't know whether @ScienceVet is an expert, I don't know them and they don't use a real checkable name, but I trust that you wouldn't mislead me. The biggest issue for me is that the thread is referring to some data, but doesn't show the data - I guess I have to read cited papers and I would find it somewhere there? If somebody wants to use "scientific arguments", they should add some inline references to the sources, so reader could cross-check. Otherwise it's just an authority argument.