Intersex 101: Basic things you need to know about intersex!

Are you being confused about the term “intersex”? Or are you researching information about this topic to better understand and avoid misinformation? We got you covered!

1- What is intersex?

Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe individuals who are born with sex characteristics (including genitals, chromosomes, and hormones) that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. This can include a variety of conditions, such as:

• Ambiguous genitalia: This refers to genitals that do not appear to be clearly male or female.
• Differences in sex chromosomes: People with chromosomes other than XX (female) or XY (male), such as Turner syndrome (X) or Klinefelter syndrome (XXY).
• Differences in hormone levels: This can occur when a person’s body produces hormones that are not typical for their sex chromosomes.

There are more variations that belong to the intersex umbrella, however, the above three are the most common.

2- Gender identity vs. Sex characteristic vs. Sexual Orientation, Intersex vs. Cisgender vs. Transgender. 

You may hear many different gender-related terminology, which may be overwhelming at first. However, It’s very simple, and also very important to understand these term to avoid confusion.

• Gender identity: refers to a person’s deeply felt internal experience of gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. 
• Sex characteristics: physical attributes of a person’s body that typically distinguish male and female bodies.
• Sexual Orientation: refers to whom a person is romantically attracted to. For example, a person can be a transgender woman (gender identity) and be attracted to men (sexual orientation), making her heterosexual. 

Easy right? Now since you’ve fully understood those terms, it’s very simple to distinguish between key terminology like intersex, cisgender, and transgender.

• Intersex refers to a person whose biological sex characteristics don’t fit male and female definitions. This is not related to their gender identity or sexual orientation. An intersex person can be gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, or asexual, just like anyone else.
• Cisgender refers to someone whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth.
• Transgender refers to someone whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

For instance, someone who is born with XY chromosomes and male genitalia but identifies as a woman would be transgender. On the other hand, someone who is born with XXY chromosomes and atypical genitalia may identify as a man, woman, or neither, and they would still be considered intersex.

3- How to Know if Someone is Intersex

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as intersex conditions can vary greatly. In some cases, the physical signs may be apparent at birth, while in others, they may not become evident until puberty or later in life. Sometimes, intersex traits may only be discovered through genetic testing.

Here are some common variations associated with intersex:

• Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS): This is a variation in which a person with XY chromosomes is insensitive to testosterone, resulting in the development of different degrees of female external genitalia.
• Klinefelter syndrome (XXY): This is a genetic variation in which a person is born with an extra X chromosome. People with Klinefelter syndrome may have small testes, reduced fertility, and develop breast tissue.
• Turner syndrome (X): This is a genetic variation in which a person is missing one X chromosome. People with Turner syndrome may not develop breasts or menstruate, and they may be shorter than average height.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): This is a group of variations that affects adrenal gland function. Children with CAH require regular hormone therapy to survive and thrive. CAH is one of the more than 50 intersex variations.

So how do I know if I’m intersex? We suggest you contact intersex-led peer support groups or organizations in your country or region to share your experiences and start your journey from there. If you want to get evidence-based realization of differences in your body’s sex trait, you can contact a credible doctor to do a comprehensive check

4- How to support your intersex friends or family members?

Supporting an intersex friends or family members involves understanding, respect, and empathy. 

Understanding

• Learn about intersex variations: Try to learn and understand the different types of intersex variations and the challenges individuals may face, especially the variation of your friends and family members.
• Avoid stereotypes and misinformation: Intersex people are diverse individuals with unique experiences. Listen to them and avoid labeling and stereotyping. 

Respect and Privacy

• Respect their identity and privacy: Use the pronouns and names they prefer, and avoid sharing personal without their consent. 
• Mindfulness listening: Allow your intersex friends and family members to share their experiences without judgment.

Empathy

• Emotional support: Give them a shoulder, be a listening ear, and provide comfort.
• Help find resources: Intersex individuals may face difficulty in understanding themselves, help connect them with intersex organizations or support groups to ease the burden.
• Advocate for their rights: Speak out and support programs and policies that protect intersex individuals from discrimination.

Ultimately, it is critical to treat intersex individuals with the same respect and dignity as everyone else.

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