ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at a third possible determinant, a biological force, which, though hidden from conscious awareness, nonetheless seems to provide some of the drive energy for gender identity. In order to understand better the development of patients and their remarkable ability to maintain a fundamental sense of maleness in the face of overwhelming pressures from their anatomical structure and from the meaningful environment, it would be well to put aside the clinical data for the moment and consider further elements which go to form gender identity. Yet there was an overpowering drive unalterably and continuously thrusting this child toward maleness. While it is true that problems may arise in certain people, postponing the development of core gender identity, or leading to grave problems or doubts about their gender identity, this child practically from birth on gave unmistakable indications of a force at work that was powerful enough to contradict his anatomy and environment.
