Of course, everyone is buzzing on yet another bit of biological evidence related to the cause of classic transsexuality.  Here are some of the headlines, all emphasis mine:

Official Journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry:

There is a likely genetic component to transsexualism, and genes involved in sex steroidogenesis are good candidates. We explored the specific hypothesis that male-to-female transsexualism is associated with gene variants responsible for undermasculinization and/or feminization…A significant association was identified between transsexualism and the AR allele, with transsexuals having longer AR repeat lengths than non-transsexual male controls (p=0.04).

 

Cosmos:

The first genetic link to male-to-female transsexualism provides new evidence of its biological nature, say Australian researchers…Early theories as to the cause of transsexuality suggested that it could stem from childhood trauma, but more recent research has pointed to family history and a possible genetic aspect. A study released earlier this year by researchers at the University of Vienna, Austria, hinted at a gene that may be involved in female-to-male transsexualism.

Sydney Morning Herald:

In the largest ever genetic study of transsexuals, Australian researchers have discovered a DNA variation linked to male-to-female transsexualism…The finding strengthens the view that there is a biological reason why some people feel they are living in the wrong body, in this case men who have an strong desire to live as a woman. 

Reuters: 

Scientists in Australia said they have identified a gene which may explain why some people are transsexuals…In the largest genetic study involving transsexuals to date, researchers in Australia said they found that transexuality may be linked to the androgen receptor (AR) gene — which is known to modify the effect of the male sex hormone testosterone. 

BBC:

Australian researchers have identified a significant link between a gene involved in testosterone action and male-to-female transsexualism…Increasingly, biological factors are being implicated in gender identity.

The Australian:

The nature versus nurture debate rages on but a new study of transsexuals has shown genetics plays a key role in determining our sense of gender…Researcher Trudy Kennedy, director of the Monash Gender Dysphoria Clinic, said the study supported other evidence that genetics and brain gender were important in transsexuality.

Telegraph:

Scientists have discovered that a longer version of the androgen receptor gene may cause weaker testosterone signals and this can “under-masculinise” the brain during its development in the womb…After comparing the DNA from the male to female transsexual participants with 258 controls, they found a significant link between a long version of the androgen receptor gene and transsexualism.

NetIndia:

Lead researcher, Associate Professor Vincent Harley, head of molecular genetics at Prince Henry’s Institute, said: “There is a social stigma that transsexualism is simply a lifestyle choice. However, our findings support a biological basis of how gender identity develops.”…He also revealed that the research team were preparing for another study, and hoped to double the sample size and examine other genes.

RedOrbit:

Terry Reed from the Gender Identity Research and Education Society said she was convinced of a biological basis to transsexualism… “This study appears to reinforce earlier studies which have indicated that, in some trans people, there may be a genetic trigger to the development of an atypical gender identity.”

New Scientist:

A gene linked to male-to-female transsexualism has been uncovered by Australian researchers. Following a similar finding for female-to-male transsexuals announced in July, the work strengthens the idea that transsexualism has a biological basis…The work “supports the notion that transsexualism has a biological basis rather than being due to psychosocial factors in early childhood,”

Now, this research is not the definitive key that will unlock the biological cause of classic transsexuality, but it is, as Zoe Brain said HERE, one more “part of the puzzle” and undeniably adds still more credence to the increasing body of evidence indicating that classic transsexuality is biological in nature.

So, is everybody happy?  Hardly, it seems.

As Cathryn Platine, Riding the Second Wave, in her excellently written take on the issue said HERE:

The ink isn’t even dry on this before the TG community has started trying to pick it apart…

And, what have the so called activist had to say about it?

Not much. 

Katrina Rose continues ranting about HRC.  Autumn Sandeen hasn’t posted anything.  Lisa Harney’s still questioning transphobia.  Marti Abernathy has disappeared into a calorie induced haze.  Mercedes Allen is silent.  Nexy is worried someone might be cured.  Donna Rose just waves the transgender flag higher.  Monica Roberts has an even opinion, though.  And if you really want to see some ridiculous post, check out the comments at Susan’s Place.

Studies like the one cited above really upset the transgender applecart…scares them.