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Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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The Impact of Disorders of Sexual Development
Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD-and previously known as intersex conditions) can be some of the more complex medical issues an individual will encounter. Along with the pure medical concerns of some of these disorders, there lies the potential significant impact of the mental and overall well being of the person. And as DSD encompasses a wide array of conditions, some may be diagnosed shortly after birth secondary to some of the pure medical issues associated with the primary diagnosis, while others may not become aware of their condition until their child bearing days and well into adulthood.
And then there is a small community of those who have the unfortunate situation of discovering their diagnosis on the public stage, for the whole world to see and where everyone has an opinion, regardless of the impact on the individual. And such is the case of female South African track star Caster Semenya, a breathtaking runner clearly overwhelming her competition during these recent weeks, to the point where the second-guessers have became more vocal as some have become concerned with her masculine physical features. Granted, secondary to steroids, this decade has provided ample concern for anyone who does too well in whatever sport he/she plays. But the primary issue raised here has extended beyond steroids (although indirectly still related) and pointed at Caster Semenya's true gender.
And frankly, I've been appalled with what I've read and heard as it now appears some of the laboratory work has been leaked to the world...where a person's privacy means little to nothing. No, I'm not here to report the results, particularly as no confirmation of the test results has followed the leaked results.
But what I'm asking everyone to consider is the impact on the individual in this instance. Assuming Caster Semenya has never challenged her own gender identity and then to excel at her profession only then to be accused of cheating and lying about her true gender, what kind of psychological scars may result from this? So everyone, let's just back off here.
Dr. Jeremy
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So old that i have to take viagra four times a day just to keep from peeing in my sox.
(Help,help,help.)
This very private information is available for all the world to know. There could have been a better way from the begining to deal with this sensitive issue. Instead she was villifed from the onset. This information is important for her to know beccause the medical implications can be grave; the testicals need to be removed because of the opportunity for cancer.
Now we have a very promising young lady, whose life is laid bare for all to crituiqe, who has also been placed on suicide watch, for the shame disgrace that she must feels. The real shame is on the Olympic comm. for not exercising tact, shame on the media for not understanding when descretion is needed. And SHAME on all of us who continue to judge her.
This is in a realm that the average person can not even grasp. Good luck to tem all.