What does intersex mean?

Short Answer

Intersex people are born with sex characteristics — chromosomes, hormones, genitals, or reproductive organs — that don't fit typical definitions of male or female. It's a natural biological variation that occurs in about 1.7% of births, roughly the same rate as red hair.

Common Variations

• Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS): XY chromosomes with a body that doesn't respond fully to testosterone — often a person raised female who discovers XY chromosomes at puberty.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): XX chromosomes with elevated androgens, sometimes causing ambiguous genitals at birth.
• Turner Syndrome: XO (missing one X chromosome), affecting development.
• Klinefelter Syndrome: XXY chromosomes.

Intersex vs. Trans

Being intersex is about biology at birth; being trans is about gender identity. Some intersex people are trans; most are cis. The two are often confused but are completely distinct.

The Key Issue: Intersex Genital Mutilation (IGM)

Many intersex people are subjected to medically unnecessary "normalizing" surgeries in infancy, before they can consent. These surgeries can cause loss of sensation, chronic pain, and trauma. Major medical bodies and the UN now condemn these practices — intersex children should be allowed to grow up and decide for themselves.

How to Be an Ally

• Learn and use the words intersex people prefer (many reject "disorders of sex development").
• Support the movement to ban non-consensual infant surgery.
• Include intersex people in "LGBTQIA+" — the I isn't optional.