Gender & identity

Intersex

AlsoDSDVSCvariations of sex characteristicsdifferences of sex developmentintersexualintersex traitsintersex variations

Definition

An umbrella term for people born with physical sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormones, internal organs or genitals, that do not fit typical definitions of female or male.

At a glance

  • Intersex is an umbrella term for many variations in physical sex characteristics.
  • Some variations are noticed at birth, some at puberty, some later or never.
  • Medicine often uses the phrase differences of sex development, or DSD.
  • Human rights bodies have raised concerns about unnecessary surgery on intersex children.
  • Intersex is about bodies; intersex people can have any gender identity or orientation.

In detail

There are many intersex variations. Some are visible at birth, some are found at puberty, and some are only discovered through medical tests later, or never. Estimates of how common intersex traits are vary widely depending on which conditions are counted.

In medicine the phrase differences of sex development, or DSD, is often used; many intersex people prefer intersex or variations of sex characteristics, because the word disorder can feel stigmatising. Human rights bodies, including the UN, have raised concerns about medically unnecessary surgery on intersex children before they are old enough to consent.

Intersex is about bodies, not identity. Intersex people can have any gender identity and any sexual orientation.

In a sentence

  • She only learned she was intersex after tests at a fertility clinic.
  • The charity provides information for parents of intersex babies.

Where the word comes from

Intersex was first used in biology in the early twentieth century. Intersex activists began reclaiming it as a community and human rights term in the 1990s.

Not to be confused with

  • Transgender

    Transgender is about gender identity differing from assigned sex; intersex is about physical sex characteristics.

Common questions

Is intersex the same as transgender?

No. Intersex is about physical sex characteristics a person is born with. Transgender is about gender identity. An intersex person may be cisgender, trans or non-binary, just like anyone else.

How common is being intersex?

Estimates vary widely, depending on which variations are counted. What is clear is that intersex variations are a natural part of human diversity, and many people may never know they have one.

What does DSD mean?

DSD stands for differences, or in older usage disorders, of sex development. It is common in medical settings. Many intersex people prefer intersex or variations of sex characteristics because the word disorder can feel stigmatising. A clinician or intersex support organisation can explain specific variations.

Related terms

Sources

  1. UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human RightsIntersex people
  2. NHSDifferences in sex development