What Does Intersex Mean?

When we talk about gender, sex and physical characteristics, people typically use terms like “male”, “female”, and “intersex”. But what does “intersex” mean?

Intersex, in the most basic sense, is a general term used for people who are born with any number of variations in their sexual or reproductive anatomy. According to some estimates, 1.7% of the population is born with at least one intersex trait.

Intersex and Biological Sex

Intersex people are born with sexual or reproductive anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical definitions for male and female. While individuals’ intersex traits may be seen in the person’s anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal levels or chromosomal makeup, they may be difficult to identify at birth. Many intersex people may not even know they are intersex until puberty, when they fail to develop expected secondary sex characteristics.

Intersex is a broad term that refers to many biological variations, and the way these traits are perceived and treated is not uniform throughout society. The traditional binary notion of “male” and “female” is growing increasingly outdated, as more and more people recognize the diversity of sex and gender that exists on a spectrum.

Societal Implications of Being Intersex

Intersex individuals often face medical and social discrimination throughout their lifetimes. Parents may feel immense pressure to assign a gender to their newborns immediately. This often means genital surgeries performed on intersex children before they have a chance to decide for themselves. Parents and the medical community must consider that these surgeries are often unnecessary, and can cause significant physical trauma, psychological distress and gender dysphoria.

The movement for intersex rights is growing, as activists advocate for greater acceptance of intersex people in medical, legal and social systems. Organizations like the Intersex Campaign for Equality are working to break down the stigmas around intersex identities, and support self-determination, as well as informed decision-making in regards to medical intervention.

Conclusion

Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of natural variations in sex and gender. While the traditional binary notion of male and female is becoming increasingly outdated, intersex people still face significant medical and social discrimination. It’s important that we come together to promote a better understanding of intersex identities, and to support intersex people in advocating for their own rights.