1. “Sex is complex and not binary”
    Claiming sex is a spectrum oversimplifies biological reality. Chromosomes (XX/XY) determine sex in mammals, with rare intersex conditions (DSDs) being specific, diagnosable deviations, not evidence of a spectrum.
  2. “Gender identity is more important than sex”
    Prioritizing self-identified gender over biological sex ignores the material reality of sex-based differences, which matter in contexts like healthcare, sports, and safeguarding.
  3. “Data on sex doesn’t matter”
    Dismissing accurate sex data undermines policy and research. Sex-specific data is critical for addressing issues like medical treatment efficacy or crime statistics.
  4. “Asking for sex data is transphobic”
    Equating requests for accurate sex data with bigotry stifles legitimate discussion. Recording biological sex is necessary for practical purposes, not an attack on identity.
  5. “Historical data collection was flawed, so why bother?”
    Past inaccuracies in sex data collection don’t justify abandoning it. Improved, standardized methods can ensure reliable data without compromising privacy.

These arguments often rely on emotional appeals or misrepresentations of biology to dismiss the importance of sex. Accurate data and clear definitions are essential for fair and effective policies.

Source: Sex Matters