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ArtistA completely black background divided into a 3x3 grid by thin pale gray lines. In the top left a single X-chromosome, in the top center two X-chromosomes, in the top right three X-chromosomes. In the middle row on the left four X-chromosomes, in the middle row center two X- and two Y-Chromosomes, in the middle row right one X- and two Y-Chromosomes. In the bottom row left three X- and one Y-Chromosome, in the bottom row center, two X- and one Y-chromosome and in the bottom row right one X- and one Y-chromosome. All chromosomes are colored in iridescent rainbow-colors.
In middle school we are taught that women have two X-chromosomes and men have one X- and one Y-chromosome. But this is an oversimplification. The X- and Y-chromosomes are referred to as gonosomes and a human being can have between one and four gonosomes. All the combinations shown in the picture are possible and, to my knowledge, viable. In addition, chimerism is a condition where two embryos fuse at an early stage of development to form a single individual. This means, a human being may have two different genetic genders.
What is more, genetic and anatomical genders do not always align. An anatomical male may have two X-chromosomes while an anatomical female may have an X- and a Y-chromosome.
I hope this gives people a tiny glimpse into the wonderful diversity of nature. And the next time some small-minded person tries to lecture you on the 'biology' of 'boys' and 'girls' remember this picture.
