intersex

[in-ter-seks]

adjective

1. noting or relating to a person, animal, or plant having reproductive organs, genitals, hormones, or chromosomal patterns that do not fall under typical definitions of male and female; intersexual.

   The counselor often talks about his experience as an intersex person.

   All clownfish are intersex.

noun

1. Sometimes Offensive.,  a person, animal, or plant having reproductive organs, genitals, hormones, or chromosomal patterns that do not fall under typical definitions of male and female.

2. Also called intersexuality. the state of having genitals, reproductive organs, hormones, or chromosomal patterns that do not fall under typical definitions of male and female.

   It's important to talk openly about intersex in order to reduce stigma.

intersex

/ ˈɪntəˌsɛks /

noun

1. the condition of having characteristics intermediate between those of a male and a female

2. an individual, esp a person, exhibiting such physiological characteristics Compare gynandromorph hermaphrodite hermaphrodite

Sensitive Note

Intersex is a broad label describing variations in sex characteristics that do not fit into the male-female binary. Like anyone else, a person with any of these characteristics may identify as a man, a woman, or any other gender. Furthermore, a person's sex characteristics may or may not influence their gender or their relationship with their gender. Different people may also prefer different terminology. Terms like disorders of sex development, differences of sex development or variations in sex characteristics are somewhat more common in medical contexts compared to the older term intersex condition, and some people prefer to use them to discuss their personal experiences. Others, however, do prefer the term intersex, especially when talking about the people with these conditions rather than the specific medical conditions themselves: Intersex activists recently won a victory with a ruling against infant genital surgeries. This book about intersex experiences is by an intersex person. The use of intersex as a noun (e.g., an intersex ) rather than an adjective (e.g., an intersex person ) when describing someone who has a difference of sex development is often considered offensive. The older term hermaphrodite is extremely offensive except when used in self-reference. As with most identity labels, it is best to ask for an individual person's preference when referring to them. See gender ¹ ( def. ). See also sex ¹ ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersex¹

First recorded in 1915–20; back formation from intersexual

Example Sentences

Insisting that everyone’s gender is determined biologically at birth leaves no room for the existence of transgender, nonbinary and intersex people, who face discrimination and violence around the world.

From Salon

Still, throughout the entire process, Arango was clear that, first and foremost, “Ponyboi” was a story centering intersex people — and all those who don’t fit into the rigid gender binary.

From Los Angeles Times

A new passport policy is among actions Trump has taken that could stifle rights and legal recognition of transgender, intersex and nonbinary people.

From Los Angeles Times

“At first I was kind of shocked because I didn’t know intersex was a thing,” Annalise, who is using her first name only for privacy reasons, told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon

They cited one book that told 3- and 4-year-olds to search for images from a word list that includes “intersex flag,” “drag queen,” “underwear,” “leather.”

From Los Angeles Times