In this conversation, we delve into the complexities surrounding intersex and transgender identities, focusing on medical ethics and the importance of patient autonomy. Our guest, Kaitlyn Brown, discusses their advocacy for the intersex community, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in healthcare settings. We talk about the differences between intersex and transgender identities, the prevalence of intersex conditions, and the challenges faced by parents of intersex children. The discussion highlights the complexity of genetic definitions and the need for better understanding and support within the healthcare system. It highlights the ongoing legislative challenges that threaten the rights and healthcare access of these communities, while also emphasizing the need for advocacy and allyship.

Key Takeaways:

• Intersex conditions encompass a wide range of biological variations.
• Parents need support in navigating intersex diagnoses.
• Genetic definitions of intersex are complex and varied.
• Healthcare providers must approach intersex care with sensitivity.
• Surgical interventions for intersex individuals are controversial and complex.
• Patient autonomy is crucial in medical decisions regarding gender assignment.
• Legislation is increasingly targeting transgender and intersex communities.
• Inclusive conversations about sex and gender are essential in healthcare.
• Cisgender individuals can use their privilege to advocate for intersex and transgender rights.

Kaitlyn Brown is a certified genetic counselor from New Zealand who is endosex and identifies as a genderqueer femme, assigned female at birth. Currently a laboratory genetic counselor specializing in cell-free DNA prenatal screening, Kaitlyn has been an active advocate for the intersex community/ people with differences of sexual development and assisted in care management as a former pediatric genetic counselor and researcher. They have been involved with passing government initiatives to legislate awareness and understanding of differences of sex development for healthcare professionals and others who care for this community. Given the history of harmful practices performed on intersex and gender diverse people, Kaitlyn uses a trauma-informed lens to educate about sex development and incorporate both sex- and gender- diverse experiences and needs. They can be found on Bluesky as geneticsbtb.bsky.social

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com

Here are more resources related to today’s topic, genetic counselors.

• InterACT- Advocates for Intersex Youth
• Sambia culture of Papua New Guinea and “turnim-man”
• Trauma Informed Care
• Intersex Justice Project
• Strategy Lab for Intersex Movements (SLIM)
• InterConnect Support
• Tested podcast about sex testing in elite sports from NPR
• Book, Sex Itself by Sarah S Richardson

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ.

We are featuring an episode from another podcast on Gene Pool Media, DNA Today. True crime dominates the podcasting world, but what about the genetic aspects behind these cases? In this episode of DNA Today, we dive into the pivotal role of DNA in forensic science with Dr. Henry Erlich, a pioneer in DNA analysis and a key figure in developing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. His work has transformed the criminal justice system, from solving cases to overturning wrongful convictions.

Dr. Henry Erlich has authored over 450 publications and spent decades applying DNA analysis to criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and ancestry research. His lab performed the first DNA case in the US and, in 1988, the first DNA exoneration. Erlich was the Director of the Department of Human Genetics and Vice-President of Discovery Research for Roche Molecular Systems, Inc until 2013. He is currently a Senior Scientist at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

After reading his book Genetic Reconstruction of the Past, I had countless questions about how PCR reshaped the justice system, its impact on exonerations, and the ethical implications of forensic DNA databases.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of murder and sexual assault, which may not be suitable for young listeners.

Key Takeaways:

• The development of PCR technology and its revolutionary impact on forensic genetics

• How PCR outperformed older methods like RFLP in criminal case investigations

• Pennsylvania vs. Pestinikas (1986), the first criminal case using DNA analysis

• Key forensic DNA terms explained: inclusion, match, exclusion, and random match probability

• The role of DNA evidence in exonerations and wrongful convictions

• How forensic labs analyze DNA from multiple individuals at crime scenes

• The establishment of the FBI’s National DNA Index System (NDIS) and who is included

• The ethical concerns surrounding partial DNA matches and familial searching

• How public DNA databases like GEDmatch helped identify the Golden State Killer

• Dr. Erlich’s insights into the O.J. Simpson case and its impact on public perception of forensic DNA

Resources and Links:

• Read Genetic Reconstruction of the Past by Dr. Henry Erlich
• Explore the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and CODIS
• The Innocence Project: Fighting wrongful convictions with DNA evidence
• GEDmatch and its role in forensic investigations

Please subscribe to All Access DNA and DNA Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com

Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/allaccessdna and consider donating to get bonus content, submit questions for our guests, and connect with other genetic-curious individuals.

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ.