intersex

what intersex means

Intersex is an umbrella term for people whose bodies don't fit typical ideas of male or female. There are many different variations. Some are visible at birth, some show up at puberty, and some are only found through a medical test, or never at all.

Intersex is about the body. It says nothing on its own about someone's gender, who they're attracted to, or what they enjoy in bed. Intersex people can be any gender and any orientation, and they can be into any kink.

Estimates of how many people are intersex vary, because definitions differ and nobody is required to keep count. What's clear is that intersex people are not rare, and you've almost certainly met some.

intersex is not the same as trans

Our trans & nonbinary page covers gender identity.

myths

• "Intersex is extremely rare." It isn't. It's just rarely talked about.
• "Intersex means ambiguous genitals." Many intersex people have typical-looking genitals. Their variation may be in their chromosomes, hormones or internal organs.
• "Intersex is a third gender." Intersex describes a body. Gender is something else.
• "Intersex is a disorder." Intersex traits are natural variations. Some come with health needs that deserve good care, and that doesn't make the person a problem to be fixed.
• "Hermaphrodite" is the right word. Most intersex people find it inaccurate and hurtful. Use "intersex" unless someone tells you otherwise.

consent & medical care

This can be a painful subject, so go gently with yourself or anyone you're talking to.

Many intersex people had surgery or other treatment as babies or children to make their bodies look more typical, often before they could have a say. Some were never told. Intersex groups, and human rights bodies including UN agencies, have criticised medical interventions that aren't needed for health and are done without the person's own consent. Some countries have started to restrict them.

• If this is part of your story, you may carry grief, anger, scars or medical trauma. Those feelings make sense. Intersex peer support groups can be a huge help.
• Look for affirming care. Our kink-aware professionals page lists directories of LGBTQIA+-inclusive doctors and therapists.

intersex people in queer & kink spaces

The "I" in LGBTQIA+ is meant to include intersex people, and kink spaces can be wonderful places to feel at home in your body. They can also be places where people stare, ask rude questions or assume. Here's how to make them better.

• Don't ask about someone's body or medical history unless it's relevant to a scene you're negotiating, and they've chosen to share.
• Use the words they use for their body and their gender.
• Negotiate touch with care. Scars, sensitive areas and medical history can make some touch off limits and some extra special. Our negotiation & limits page helps.
• Medical play can be healing for some people and a hard limit for others, especially with a history of medical trauma. Let them lead.
• Keep it private. Never tell anyone someone is intersex without their permission.

Our bodies in kink page has more on playing with every kind of body.

the intersex flag

A widely used intersex flag was created in 2013 by Morgan Carpenter of Organisation Intersex International Australia (later Intersex Human Rights Australia). It's yellow with an unbroken purple circle, a symbol of wholeness and completeness. The intersex-inclusive Progress Pride flag added it in 2021. See it with other flags on our fetish & pride flags page.

intersex-led groups

Intersex groups exist in many parts of the world. Here are some, by region.

• GATEGlobal Action for Trans Equality works worldwide on the human rights and health of trans, gender diverse and intersex people.

europe

• OII EuropeAn intersex-led umbrella organisation for intersex human rights groups across Europe, with toolkits for allies and parents.

latin america & the caribbean

• Brújula IntersexualA meeting point for intersex people, founded in Mexico by Laura Inter, who is intersex. It shares stories and resources from across Latin America and Spain, mostly in Spanish, with English and Portuguese sections.

north america

• interACTA US group advocating for the rights of intersex people, with a large youth programme and a clear FAQ on intersex basics and myths.

oceania

• InterAction for Health and Human RightsFormed when Intersex Human Rights Australia and Intersex Peer Support Australia joined together. It offers peer support, resources and advocacy in Australia.
• Intersex AotearoaAn intersex-led charity in New Zealand offering peer support, online community, workshops and resources for health workers.

africa & the middle east

Many countries in these regions criminalise same-sex relations or target LGBTQ+ groups, so we don't list local groups there. ILGA World tracks the law in each country. If you're in danger, Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQI+ people get to safety. Our support page lists crisis lines in 110 countries.