Intersex people have the same broad range of gender identities as any other person, and they can use any pronouns they feel are appropriate. Some intersex people may choose to use whichever pronouns make them most comfortable, while others may prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them/theirs, ze/hir/hirs, or even gender-specific pronouns like she/her/hers or he/him/his if they identify with a particular gender.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which pronouns they feel best reflect their gender identity.
It is important to remember to be respectful of intersex people and their chosen pronouns, since the way someone is referred to can have a huge impact on their self-image and identity. Additionally, it is best to avoid making assumptions about someone’s pronouns and to allow them to self-identify, as getting a person’s pronouns wrong can be hurtful and offensive.
Table of Contents
Is intersex a nonbinary?
Intersex is a term used to describe people whose physical characteristics don’t fit neatly into the typical binary categories of male and female. While every individual is unique, doctors usually point to a combination of certain hormones, chromosomes, and/or anatomy as indications that someone is intersex.
Nonbinary, on the other hand, is an umbrella term that describes gender identities that are neither strictly masculine or feminine — these may include identities like agender, genderfluid, bigender, and more.
Intersex people may or may not be nonbinary — these terms have different meanings and refer to different identities. In some cases, an individual might identify as intersex and nonbinary; however, some intersex people may also identify as male or female, or another binary gender, or may not identify with any gender at all.
Every individual is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to gender identity.
How do I know if I’m intersex?
Intersex is a medical condition which refers to a person whose genetic, anatomical, gonadal, fertility and reproductive anatomy do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. It is important to note that intersex is not the same as transgender, which refers to individuals whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth.
To know if you are intersex, it is important to understand the various types of intersex variations and the common physical characteristics that may be associated with an intersex diagnosis. Some of the signs you may look out for include:
• Having genitals that are not clearly male or female, such as a penis too small or too large, or having certain parts of the genitalia that are not typically seen in either gender.
•Having characteristics normally seen in both male and female, such as atypical combinations of ovarian and testicular tissue.
• Having chromosomes that are not XX or XY pattern that is found in most people.
• Having reproductive organs that do not function as expected, such as non-functioning ovaries or testicles, orgonadotropin hormones that are outside the normal range for male or female.
• Secondary sex characteristics that may not fall into the typical categories of male or female, such as unusually small or large breasts.
If any of these signs are present, it is recommended to discuss them with a healthcare provider to determine if an intersex diagnosis is appropriate.
Which is the rarest form of intersex?
The rarest form of intersex is Known as Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development (DSD), or simply, True Hermaphroditism. True Hermaphroditism is an incredibly rare form of intersex and occurs when an individual is born with both ovarian as well as testicular tissue, as well as other sex characteristics.
Generally, the external genitalia may be female, ambiguous, or even both, and can be hard to predict by the appearance alone. This is because both the ovarian and testicular tissue may produce a variety of hormones and accordingly, both male and female characteristics can be present.
As a result, individuals with True Hermaphroditism may have ambiguous genitalia, such as a clitoris that may look large and like a penis, or a vagina that may appear abnormally shallow or even have a small phallus-like projection.
Additionally, individuals with True Hermaphroditism may also experience gonadal mosaicism, which is when an individual’s reproductive organs have a mix of cells with both XX (female) and XY (male) chromosome patterns.
This can lead to complicated diagnosis and uncertain gender assignment.
Can intersex be male?
Yes, it is possible for a person who is intersex to identify as male. Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typical definition of male or female.
Intersex people may, for example, possess external genitalia that looks more like a combination of both male and female anatomy, or have the reproductive organs of one sex on the outside of the body but the reproductive organs of another sex on the inside.
People who are intersex can self-identify as any gender, including male. It is important to remember that gender identity and biology are two separate things, and sometimes they do not line up.
Can intersex people have periods?
Yes, intersex people can have periods, or what is sometimes called a “menstrual cycle”. Just like any other person who identifies as female or has a female-identified body, intersex people may experience changes in hormone levels throughout the month that can cause them to have a period.
It is important to remember, however, that not all intersex people have female bodies, and not all intersex people who do have female bodies will necessarily experience periods. Some intersex people may have a uterus but no ovaries, while others may have ovarian tissue present but not in a way that effectively produces hormones that could trigger a period.
Additionally, different types of intersex conditions and hormonal treatments may affect a person’s opportunities to experience a period.
Can a child be born non-binary?
Yes, a child can be born non-binary. Non-binary gender is an umbrella term for gender identities that don’t fit within the traditional categories of “male” or “female. ” Non-binary people may feel like they exist somewhere between the two genders, or that their gender identity does not fit into either category.
A child could be identified as non-binary from birth, meaning that they may not identify as either male or female and have a gender identity that is outside of the gender binary. Non-binary gender identity may also be something a person discovers later in life.
For example, they may have been labelled male or female at birth but later realize that they feel a different gender identity.
Can you tell if a baby is intersex on ultrasound?
It is not always possible to tell if a baby is intersex on a prenatal ultrasound. While certain genital differences can be visible on an ultrasound, some differences may be too subtle to be seen. In addition, some disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are not visible at all on an ultrasound.
In some cases, doctors may be able to identify a chromosomal abnormality or hormone imbalances related to intersex, but a definitive diagnosis cannot be made in most cases until after the baby is born and an examination is done.
It is important to note that intersex traits are natural variations and that intersex is a neutral term, representing a range of physical and biological characteristics.
Can DNA test determine intersex?
DNA tests can be used to identify intersex individuals, but it is not always accurate since genetic makeup does not always match gender identity. Sex is determined by chromosomes, and genetic testing can determine the gender of chromosomes.
For individuals who have XX chromosomes and an additional Y chromosome, their sex is considered intersex. However, it is important to remember that biological sex and gender identity are not always the same.
Intersex individuals are not always aware they are intersex, and the identity or designation of their sex often remains a mystery. Furthermore, genetic testing may not always accurately reflect the gender identity of an individual, as some intersex individuals may identify as neither male nor female, or may not wish to identify their gender to outsiders for privacy reasons.
DNA testing can help to prove, or disprove, the presence of an intersex condition, but ultimately it is up to the individual and their medical team to decide which gender designation (if any) is right for them.
What is a herm gender?
A herm gender is a nonbinary gender identity that falls under the umbrella term of transgender. A herm gender encompasses both a masculine side and a feminine side, and is one full identity that blends the two together.
Herm gender people often go by pronouns such as “they/them” and other non-binary pronouns. Herm gender people can simply feel both masculine and feminine, and is often seen as having both male and female aspects that coexist.
Herm gender identities are not limited to being both masculine and feminine; they can also include anything in between on the spectrum of gender. Herm gender people don’t have to identify as either male or female—they can see themselves as something else entirely.
It is important to remember that herm gender is a valid identity, and everyone should respect and accept individuals who choose to express themselves in this manner.
Is intersex always apparent at birth?
No, intersex is not always apparent at birth. Intersex is the term used to describe a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.
Some of these conditions can cause physical variation at birth, but others may not become apparent until puberty, when the person develops secondary sex characteristics, like increased body hair, a deeper voice, or breast development in adults.
In some cases, intersex characteristics can become apparent due to a medical condition or treatment, such as hormonal therapy or surgery. It’s important to note that being intersex is distinct from gender identity and sexual orientation, both of which can be explored and expressed freely at any age.
Intersex people may experience difficulty in accessing appropriate healthcare or recognition of their gender identity due to the lack of understanding or acceptance of the condition.
How do intersex people choose a gender?
Intersex people often find themselves in a difficult situation when it comes to choosing a gender: they are neither male nor female, and as such, may have difficulty picking one gender over another. Ultimately, the choice of gender is a personal choice; intersex people may feel more comfortable and aligned with a certain gender, whether it is male, female, or neither.
Ultimately, it is up to the intersex person to decide which gender best suits them and allows for them to live their most authentic life.
Some intersex people may never feel fully male or female, and may choose to identify as non-binary. They may choose to remain gender-neutral and not identify with one gender or another. Alternatively, intersex people may opt to medically transition to one or both genders, or they may opt to not make any changes at all.
Ultimately, the decision of which gender to choose, if any, lies with the intersex person, though it may be a difficult decision.
In some cases, if intersex people plan to pursue medical treatment, they may be asked to choose a gender so the medical team can provide the best treatment option. Additionally, if they wish to pursue legal recognition under either gender, they will have to decide which gender they wish to have legally recognized.
It is important that intersex people seek support from a qualified healthcare team and be given time and understanding to make the best choice for their situation.
Are intersex assigned gender?
No, intersex people are not necessarily assigned gender. An intersex individual’s gender identity is based upon their own sense of self, and the gender (if any) may be assigned by parents, guardians, or medical practitioners but is not necessarily assigned or determined only by those entities.
Intersex people may be born with a variety of sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. People who are intersex may also identify as transgender or nonbinary, as these are not mutually exclusive.
Intersex people may combine elements of both genders and can have different physiological, chromosomal, and/or hormonal characteristics that do not fit the typical binary of two genders. The gender of an intersex individual should be left to their own self-determination.
Can intersex males get pregnant?
No, it is not possible for an intersex male to get pregnant. Intersex people (sometimes referred to as people with differences of sex development) are born with reproductive organs and/or physical features that don’t match typical definitions of male or female bodies.
In some cases, these individuals have both XX and XY chromosomes, but in the majority of cases, their chromosomes do not match either traditional biological sex definition. As such, intersex people do not have the reproductive capacity to become pregnant.
In rare cases, some intersex individuals may be able to take hormone therapy to transition to one gender or the other and may be able to conceive a baby, but this is not a common occurrence.
Are intersex humans sterile?
Intersex humans can have both male and female reproductive organs, so it is possible for them to be fertile and reproduce as any other human. Whether an intersex individual is fertile or sterile depends on their anatomical structures and hormones, just like any other person.
For some people, their reproductive anatomy might be complete and functional, enabling them to conceive a child. For other people, their reproductive anatomy may be incomplete or nonfunctional, leading to infertility.
Ultimately, fertility in intersex individuals should be assessed on a case by case basis, as the ability to reproduce can be unpredictable and vary greatly.
