BODY VARIANCE
Content warning: Non sexual nudity | medical illustrations | anatomical genital depictions
Page currently focus on misspelling assumption on what we define "men" and "women" and the erasure of everybody else who doesn't fit the sex binary. The page needs expansion with participation of fat and disabled people. Please contact me if you got some interesting text or projects to feature.
Page currently focus on misspelling assumption on what we define "men" and "women" and the erasure of everybody else who doesn't fit the sex binary. The page needs expansion with participation of fat and disabled people. Please contact me if you got some interesting text or projects to feature.
Featuring Dr. Cary Gabriel Costello and his blog The Intersex Roadshow | Hilde Atalanta art and their collective project The Vulva Gallery | The Crash Pad | Sarah S. Richardson
Page written by Mush
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Page written by Mush
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CHROMOSOMES AND SEX
Content Warning: Non sexual nudity.
Text from: Sex Itself The Search for Male and Female in the Human Genome by Sarah S. Richardson by Sarah S. Richardson
Human genomes are 99.9% identical. Chromosomes, housed in the nucleus of each cells, are packages of DNA. Humans have more commonly 23 pairs (there are variations of numbers in those 23 grouped chromosomes). The 23th group refers to what we call "sex chromosomes", typically XX or XY (among the variations there are for example XXY, indicated as Klinefelter and X0, indicated as Turner, where only one X is present).
Content Warning: Non sexual nudity.
Text from: Sex Itself The Search for Male and Female in the Human Genome by Sarah S. Richardson by Sarah S. Richardson
Human genomes are 99.9% identical. Chromosomes, housed in the nucleus of each cells, are packages of DNA. Humans have more commonly 23 pairs (there are variations of numbers in those 23 grouped chromosomes). The 23th group refers to what we call "sex chromosomes", typically XX or XY (among the variations there are for example XXY, indicated as Klinefelter and X0, indicated as Turner, where only one X is present).
Image by Kendal Tull-Esterbook from the book Sex Itself
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"Sex chromosomes" and sex itself:
The numbered chromosomes (from 1 to the 22 group) are called autosomes. Autosome is any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome, while the 23th group (typically XY or XX) are defined as sex chromosomes. This definition has their contradictions.
"Classically, reproductively viable phenotypic sex in humans has been seen as a three-step process:
Chromosomal and genetic initiation of gonad determination (ovaries or testes), followed of a ratio of sex steroids (androgens and estrogens), leading to the development and differentiation of the reproductive organs and secondary sexual characters. The development of testes, involves a genetic pathway requiring the SRY gene on the Y chromosome and the SOX9 gene on chromosome 17. The genetic of ovary determination has been less studied that that of testes, but it too requires a sequence of genetic signals. The WNT4 gene on chromosome 1 is emerging as crucial genetic factor in ovarian development.
In principle, any chromosome may contain genes relevant to sex differences."
In 1916, geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan (whose studies confirmed genes are stored in chromosomes inside cell nuclei), strenuously warned against thinking of the X and Y as “sex itself” and talked about "sex factors on the chromosomes".
Originally called "odd chromosomes" or "unequal chromosomes", they are now known as sex chromosomes. The term was chosen to avoid circumlocution (and not without oppositions by various scientists).
Why distinguish them then? They undergo a very late conjugation and subsequent asymmetrical distribution to the spermatid-nuclei. It was the distinctive, idiosyncratic pairing behavior of the X and Y, not their link to sex, that merited a special term for them. Were it not for their failure to unite to form a bivalent body until the end of the first mitosis we should find no ground in this case for designating those chromosomes by special name.
Some sex variation in nature:
Though often described as the female and male chromosomes, there is nothing essential about X and Y in relation to femaleness and maleness, Chromosomes are only one form of sex determining mechanism in the natural world. Bids have sex chromosomes, but the system is the reverse of mammals for example (males have the duplicate larger chromosome ZZ while females have ZW). In fruit flies, sex is determined by the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes, rather than the presence or absence of a Y chromosome. For turtles and many reptiles, sex depends on the temperature of the environment during early development. Some species have just one sex, some have three or more, and some can change sexes during their lifetimes.
The definition of male and female in species relies on which subclass produces the larger gamete (eggs) and who produces the little gametes (sperms) regardless of chromosomes and mating behavior (indeed the male seahorse gives birth to the offspring, while the female seahorse insert the eggs into the male, who will fertilize them and carry the pregnancy).
The numbered chromosomes (from 1 to the 22 group) are called autosomes. Autosome is any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome, while the 23th group (typically XY or XX) are defined as sex chromosomes. This definition has their contradictions.
"Classically, reproductively viable phenotypic sex in humans has been seen as a three-step process:
Chromosomal and genetic initiation of gonad determination (ovaries or testes), followed of a ratio of sex steroids (androgens and estrogens), leading to the development and differentiation of the reproductive organs and secondary sexual characters. The development of testes, involves a genetic pathway requiring the SRY gene on the Y chromosome and the SOX9 gene on chromosome 17. The genetic of ovary determination has been less studied that that of testes, but it too requires a sequence of genetic signals. The WNT4 gene on chromosome 1 is emerging as crucial genetic factor in ovarian development.
In principle, any chromosome may contain genes relevant to sex differences."
In 1916, geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan (whose studies confirmed genes are stored in chromosomes inside cell nuclei), strenuously warned against thinking of the X and Y as “sex itself” and talked about "sex factors on the chromosomes".
Originally called "odd chromosomes" or "unequal chromosomes", they are now known as sex chromosomes. The term was chosen to avoid circumlocution (and not without oppositions by various scientists).
Why distinguish them then? They undergo a very late conjugation and subsequent asymmetrical distribution to the spermatid-nuclei. It was the distinctive, idiosyncratic pairing behavior of the X and Y, not their link to sex, that merited a special term for them. Were it not for their failure to unite to form a bivalent body until the end of the first mitosis we should find no ground in this case for designating those chromosomes by special name.
Some sex variation in nature:
Though often described as the female and male chromosomes, there is nothing essential about X and Y in relation to femaleness and maleness, Chromosomes are only one form of sex determining mechanism in the natural world. Bids have sex chromosomes, but the system is the reverse of mammals for example (males have the duplicate larger chromosome ZZ while females have ZW). In fruit flies, sex is determined by the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes, rather than the presence or absence of a Y chromosome. For turtles and many reptiles, sex depends on the temperature of the environment during early development. Some species have just one sex, some have three or more, and some can change sexes during their lifetimes.
The definition of male and female in species relies on which subclass produces the larger gamete (eggs) and who produces the little gametes (sperms) regardless of chromosomes and mating behavior (indeed the male seahorse gives birth to the offspring, while the female seahorse insert the eggs into the male, who will fertilize them and carry the pregnancy).
Two typical human development:
The image shows on the left typical female development (46,XX)
The image shows on the right typical male development (46,XY)
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Image by Kendal Tull-Esterbook from the book Sex Itself
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Biologists have never been under the illusion that genes and chromosomes are all there is to the biology of sex. Researchers acknowledge that human biological sex is not diagnosed by any single factor, but is the result of a choreography of genes, hormones, gonads, genitals, and secondary sex characters. Today, academic sexologists typically distinguish between chromosomal sex, gonadal sex, hormonal sex, genital sex, and sexual identity. Some would add sexual preference, gender identity, morphological sex, fertility to the list (confusion between sex and gender in scientific sex research continues to be a considerable problem in scientific research).
[add info on xyy and super male debunked theories]
Beyond XX and XY:
A extensive (but incomplete) graphic on variation of the human expression of sexual characteristics. Made by By Amanda Montañez on August 29, 2017. Click here to expand image.
[add info on xyy and super male debunked theories]
Beyond XX and XY:
A extensive (but incomplete) graphic on variation of the human expression of sexual characteristics. Made by By Amanda Montañez on August 29, 2017. Click here to expand image.
THE PHALLOCLITORIS AND GENITAL SIMILARITIES
Content Warning: Anatomical genital depictions. Non sexual.
Content Warning: Anatomical genital depictions. Non sexual.
While addressing the experience of other people and myself, I felt that I had to pointlessly draw the line between a phallus and a clitoris and use different words for their components when I wanted to discuss pleasure and flexible sex toys. Why I have to choose between "clitoral hood" and "prepuce"? Can I call it "foreskin" instead or that's bounded to penis again? I want to re-appropriate language to be able to talk about my body, and in a way that makes sense to me.
In this website, sensitive genitals are addressed as phalloclitoris, and size is indicated in centimeters (no "small" or "large"). Sometimes specific terms will be used as well when there is utility to it. What we won't do is address genitals as "male" and "female" since i don't find useful this categorization. |
The following image depict the typical placement of the phalloclitoris on the pelvis, highlighting the external and internal parts of it. I choose for the depiction an "intermediate" shape, but it does apply to what we usually define clitoris and penis too.
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This image by Hilde Atalanta shows the anatomical similarities between what we typically call clitoris and penis. The tip is called glans; the body that connect the glans to the pubic bones is called cavernous body, and it ends in two bifurcated tips called crus. In the central area, between the external part of the genitalia and the anus and attached to the cavernous body (typically where is located the vaginal opening and/or the perineum), is located the spongious body and bulb (two bulbs when there is an opening, one when the opening is not present).
Below: image scanning of the pelvis of (from left to right) a endosex cis woman, endosex trans man after two years on testosterone and a endosex cis man. The images weren't taken to observe the similarities of the anathomies but were taken for unrelated exams and were put together by the trans person featured.
My final decision on the word has been influenced by this piece by activist and intersex gender transitioner Dr. Cary Gabriel Costello in his blog The Intersex Roadshow.
The Phalloclitoris: Anatomy and Ideology (extract, read full article clicking on the link)
"The Western medical establishment is deeply invested in the ideology of sexual dyadism: the idea that there are two very different sexes with two very different sets of genitalia. When children are born with genitals that are intermediate between the two, it is called a "malformation" and treated as bizarre and in need of immediate "correction." I believe that if we use more accurate language and diagrams, not only will we all understand each other's bodies better, but the treatment of intersex individuals will improve."
"The Western medical establishment is deeply invested in the ideology of sexual dyadism: the idea that there are two very different sexes with two very different sets of genitalia. When children are born with genitals that are intermediate between the two, it is called a "malformation" and treated as bizarre and in need of immediate "correction." I believe that if we use more accurate language and diagrams, not only will we all understand each other's bodies better, but the treatment of intersex individuals will improve."
We all start out intersex. Our initial form (which some of us retain) is pictured here. We all begin life with genitals that have four basic external elements.
At the top is the part numbered 1 on my drawing: the sensitive end of the phalloclitoris, which can differentiate into the head of the penis or clitoris. In the center is structure 2: an inset membrane that can widen or can seal as the fetus develops. It will form the urethra, and the vagina, if any. Around it is structure 3, which is capable of differentiation into either a phallic shaft, or clitoral body and labia minora. At the outside is the part 4, the labioscrotal swellings, which can develop into labia majora or a scrotum. |
Do a online search for just "genital anatomy" and you see dyadic illustrations of two very different types of genitalia. You don't see the shared embryonic anatomy from which we all develop, you don't see how all people have similar phalloclitoral structures as adults, and you don't see the wide spectrum of adult genital forms that exist. You see the ideology of sex dyadism, rather than the fact of the sex spectrum. Language and the images scientists and doctors use exaggerate the differences between "normal" male and female genitalia. The anatomical illustrations that are used on educational and medical websites conceal rather than illuminate the similarities in everyone's phalloclitoral anatomy. In a culture where people believe genitals determine gender, this makes men and women seem in general more different, more alien from one another, harming us all. And for intersex people, anatomical drawings and language present us as bizarre, inexplicable freaks who require medical "correction." We need to change the language we use. Yes, sexual differentiation of bodies happens. The average person who was assigned male at birth has smaller nipples than the average person who was assigned female at birth. But we call the erectile tip of the areola a "nipple" whatever the sex of the person it adorns. A phalloclitoris is a phalloclitoris, erectile and sensitive - no matter if the person possessing it is deemed male, female, or intersex."
To learn more abut the intersex umbrella visit Interact.
To learn more abut the intersex umbrella visit Interact.
PEOPLE PROJECTS
Mushroom people
Content Warning: Suggestive imagery and nudity clicking on the link.
It's a series of illustrated pin up drawn by Mush (creator of Queer Mushroom Forest project) and features different kind of people, some cis, some trans, endosex and intersex.
Mushroom people
Content Warning: Suggestive imagery and nudity clicking on the link.
It's a series of illustrated pin up drawn by Mush (creator of Queer Mushroom Forest project) and features different kind of people, some cis, some trans, endosex and intersex.
Body issues project
Content Warning: Non sexual nudity clicking on the link.
The nonbinary model and cartoonist Babs New, draws short comics about their own relationship with their body growing up and how they become a nude model. Their project Body issues features the stories of other people modelling. Represented first as animals sharing their stories, and in a cute nude portrait at the end.
The image below shows a preview of the portraits. Each one is clickable on their website with the full story.
From the left to right: a rhino saying: "I've been fat most of my life" | A gazelle saying: "I hated my body as a teenager" | A ferret saying: " living with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Turner syndrome, I have an intersex body".
The Vulva Gallery: vulva variations
Content Warning: Nudity and anatomical genital depictions. Non sexual.
Since 2017, The Vulva Gallery community has been sharing their personal stories with nonbinary artist Hilde Atalanta. It's a collective, illustrated project. Visit Vulva portraits & Personal stories to see and read. They feature anyone with a vulva: cis women, nonbinary people, trans women, trans men, intersex women, men and people. Hilde says about The Vulva Gallery: "There’s a lot of power in recognizing yourself in someone else’s story, and thinking: ‘Hey, that’s me, that’s how I feel too!’. Many of us aren’t used to speaking about our vulvas, but it can be very helpful to know that other people have the same kinds of experiences or insecurities."
The body diversity gallery
Content Warning: Nudity depictions. Non sexual.
Hilde also launched a body diversity project, hoping for a similar participation.
Body like mine
Content Warning: nonsexual depiction of transmasculine chest and genitalia
It's a body diversity project by and for trans people, illustrated by Mr Leo Mateus Art:"I opened up a discussion on instagram about the lack of diverse representation of transgender bodies in the media, when I had an influx of people message me about how their bodies looking "different" and "unusual", despite all having things in common. I quickly realised that there was a huge imbalance between what we are shown, verses what exists amongst every day people, and I want to challenge that.
"Body Like Mine" is a collection of body portraits featuring real people with real stories, starting with my own chest."
Crash Pad Series: queer porn
Content Warning: nudity, mild suggestive imagery, clicking on the link. Queer porn, kinky website, not in your face. You'll see explicit sexual content only after actively clicking into it.
"In 2005, Shine Louise Houston quit her day job to start a porn company (Pink and White Productions) and direct her debut film, The Crash Pad which won the Feminist Porn Award’s “Hottest Dyke Sex Scene” and became an instant cult classic. She soon launched CrashPadSeries.com in response to the film’s growing interest as LGBTQ+ audiences hungered for more queer porn episodes reflecting our own experiences and desires.
Browsing our Stars page (mild suggestive imagery, no full nudity), you’ll find performers of many genders (cis, trans, non-binary, and other genders); performers who are femme, butch, and other expressions; people of color; people with disabilities; people who are fat, thin, athletic, and other body types; people aged 18 to 61; people with and without tattoos or piercings; and more."
Two people kissing each other in a room. The one on the left is heavily tattoed (some are transgender celebrative tattoos).
Normal Nudes: A pro-body image resource
Content Warning: Non sexual nudity, people pictures clicking on the link.
"Normal Nudes is an effort to have users submit their own pictures in order to build a library of what normal, every day human bodies look like. We should strive to love our bodies for what they are, and understand there are MANY healthy body types that are beautiful that don't necessarily conform to the standards we might see in magazines or on television."
It's a community, populated mainly by able bodied cis people. It is trans and intersex friendly.
Unfortunately it's the internet so endosex cis women get more attention and some of them make click-bait content to promote their accounts.
Unrelated art by Godaugthr, depicting a variety of naked people