Scientist Ben Barres, a neurobiologist at Stanford University, transitioned from a female to a male during the course of his career. Early in his career he published under the name Barbara Barres, and later on under his new name, Ben Barres. After delivering his first seminar as a man, one scientist was overheard to comment, “Ben Barres gave a great seminar today, his work is much better than his sister’s work [believing Barbara to be his sister].
What’s going on here?