New study indicates link between genetics and gender dysphoria

Australian researchers believe the study showing a genetic basis for gender dysphoria could aid social awareness and combat transphobia.

A new study has found a number of genetic differences between transgender women and non-transgender men.

The findings from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Australia suggests there is a biological reason why some people experience gender dysphoria.

The study examined genetic variations of 380 transgender women, which were compared to 344 non-transgender men.

It found that the transgender women exhibited genetic variants which correlated with genes involved in processing sex hormones estrogen and androgen, New Atlas reported.

The researchers believe this could mean the certain brains develop in ways which are less ‘masculine’ and more ‘feminine’, thereby contributing to gender dysphoria in transgender women.