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An experiment in mice has discovered that a mother’s iron deficiency alters sex determination. Until now, it was believed that only genetics defined this biological trait

NOTE: The researchers rightly point out that the findings might not apply to people at all.

BUT... it is an important clue that genetics alone don't determine sex at birth. And while the focus is (inevitably) on genitalia, there is some acknowledgment that other aspects of sexual development might be affected as well. Possibly, I wonder, the brain. Where our own understanding of our sexual selves resides.

“The mayor of Berkeley and city officials are speaking out against an alleged hate crime in the city, targeting a transgender woman.”

“‘It is shocking, it's appalling, it’s disheartening,’ said Lasara Firefox Allen, CEO of the Pacific Center in Berkeley.”

“Allen reacted to the alleged attack against a transgender woman last week.”

“‘I want to say it’s surprising. But I don’t find any of it surprising,’ she said.”

“Allen would not confirm if the victim had any relationship to the center. But Allen’s sources said the alleged attack took place in downtown Berkeley on Friday night and the attacker allegedly used a pellet or BB gun during the alleged assault.”

"’Hate like this is meant to push us out of public site. It's meant to keep us out of the community. We stand in solidarity with our sister,’ said Wilder Zeiser, a strategist at Compton’s Coalition.”

The California Department of Education on Tuesday weighed in on the escalating controversy over transgender athletes in school sports, advising schools to hold the line in the wake of threats from the federal government. 

The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday issued a letter warning California school districts they will face legal trouble if they don’t pledge to bar trans athletes from competition by June 9, citing civil rights concerns. The CDE countered Tuesday, advising schools to hold fast and let it respond to the Justice Department regarding matters of gender identity on behalf of the state.

“Let’s be clear: sending a letter does not change the law,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in a statement. “The DOJ’s letter to school districts does not announce any new federal law, and state law on this issue has remained unchanged since 2013. California state law protects all students’ access to participate in athletics in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity. We will continue to follow the law and ensure the safety of all our athletes.”