What is Intersex?

“Intersex” is a general term used for 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. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Or a person may be born with genitals that seem to be in-between the usual male and female types—for example, a girl may be born with a noticeably large clitoris, or lacking a vaginal opening, or a boy may be born with a notably small penis, or with a scrotum that is divided so that it has formed more like labia. Or a person may be born with mosaic genetics, so that some of her cells have XX chromosomes and some of them have XY.

For a more detailed discussion of intersex (http://www.isna.org/faq/what_is_intersex).

The Intersex Society of North America is an excellent resource for a variety of issues. We strongly encourage you to check the website out!

It is important to note the following:

-Intersexuality is primarily a problem of stigma and trauma, not gender.

-Parents’ distress must not be treated by surgery on the child.

-Professional mental health care is essential.

-Honest, complete disclosure is good medicine.

-All children should be assigned as boy or girl, without early surgery.

For a list of support groups

Frequently asked questions:

How common is it?

Why have many people never heard of intersex?

What is wrong with the way it has been treated historically?

Is a person who is intersex a hermaphrodite?

Does having a Y chromosome make someone a man?

Tips for Parents

Resources for Teaching Intersex Issues