Intersex
(adjective)
A person born with any manner of supposed “ambiguity” in terms of gendered physical characteristics. This can include reproductive organs, genitals, hormones, chromosomes, or any combination thereof. Many intersex people are medically coerced as infants and children to better fit into a cisgender role and make their bodies cisnormative through infant genital mutilation. Intersex people may or may not transition physically, legally, or socially.
Many other folks are assumed endosex at birth due to a lack of visible apparent intersexuality and therefore don’t know their status until later, if ever. This is based on their understanding of their relationship with gender and their access to transitioning within their culture. Generally, intersex people are not immediately considered transgender, and may or may not identify as transgender and/or non-binary, despite there being significant overlap between the two communities.
e.g. Ryleigh found out she was intersex fairly young when she asked about scars that never faded.
The Intersex Flag
A bright yellow flag with a hollow purple circle in the middle. The colors were chosen to contrast against the binary pink and blue, with the purple circle representing wholeness, completeness, and the ability to be who and how they want to be.
Further reading to gain expanded context:
InterAct: Advocates for Intersex Youth
I’m Intersex, And It’s WAY More Common Than You Think | Teen Vogue
These Young Intersex People Want You to Know That They Exist | Teen Vogue
Intersex variations: Western medicine and the Hippocratic Oath | Archer Magazine
Intersex Care is now Available in a Guide for Providers. Finally. | LGBTQ Nation
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