XVII Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association Symposium
31 October - 4 November 2001, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.

Transsexualism and Intersexuality: Different Views of Sexual Development

DIAMOND, MILTON U.S.A.
E-mail: diamond@hawaii.edu

Since the 1960s with the publication of Harry Benjamin’s landmark book, much medical attention has focused on the transsexual phenomenon and on homosexuality as both a separate and related entity. Sex reassignment was a large part of the relevant discussion. The topic of intersexuality seemed to be either arcane or of little interest particularly relative to the understanding of sexual development. In 1997, with the emergence of the John/Joan case to public awareness, the general broader topic of sex reassignment took on a new focus and attention began to be given to the large population of intersexed individuals that were and had been sex reassigned. This talk will discuss some of the history of the evolving recognition of how these phenomenon are related and presently viewed by scientists, the T and IS support groups, and the lay public. It will also discuss some reports which this investigator believes show emerging evidence that transsexualism and intersexuality are related conditions.