Anita Klein

HB1165 is another wrong-headed attack on transgender individuals. I am trained as a Biochemist and Geneticist, including 3 1/2 years as a Postdoc at the Laboratory of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin (1981-1984). Over my academic career (>35years), scientists and the medical community have uncovered the functions of many genes involved in the development of the embryo and fetus. There is still much more to be learned about the biology of gender development. 1. Transgender people have been recognized in civilizations and cultures for thousands of years. 2. Gender is not as simple as two X chromosomes make a female, while one X chromosome and one Y chromosome together make a male. 3. Natural variation in alleles of multiple genes on multiple chromosomes contributes to whether an embryo develops into a fetus with a penis, a vigina or something between. Environmental chemicals affect how those genes and their resulting proteins function during development. 4. 2.3 million citizens of the US identify as transgender. Especially in NH, the "Live Free or Die" state, we should respect our transgender population.