In order to substantiate the two theses of this paper—first, that core gender identity (the knowledge and unquestioned acceptance that one is a male) is permanently fixed long before the classic phallic stage, and second, that although the penis contributes to the sense of maleness, it is not essential—I have described two boys born without penises. Both boys are masculine and have clear awareness that they are males, awareness that has been present since they first showed signs of an awakening sense of self.