ID: what is intersex?

The term “intersex” is used to describe an individual whose chromosomes, hormones, or sexual organs are not in line with the perceived male/female sex binary.

SEX is not binary.

SEX is a spectrum.

Sex is determined by a doctor upon birth using the following guidelines: (according to the infant’s genitals):

Bellow is a graphic of a ruler, labelled “Phall-O-Meter”, from left to right:

The first, slim section is pink and marked with a female symbol, to the left it says: “it’s a girl! (under 3/8 inch)”

The second section, 3 times larger than the first, is purple and marked with an X, underneath it says: “unacceptable! Babies with “ambiguous genitals” often undergo inhumane, dangerous, and un- necessary surgeries to “normalize” their genitals, many times without parental consent!”

The final and largest section is 6 times larger than the first, is blue and marked with a male symbol, to the right it says: “it’s a boy! (over 1 inch)”

Under the graphic the text continues:

INTERSEX PEOPLE…

are about as common as redheads!

can have any sexual orientation or gender identity.

should never be called “hermaphrodites.”

should have their privacy respected.

should not have to be ashamed of their bodies.

deserve to be treated like anybody else.

Bellow is a row of 5 stick figures ranging from blue to pink and from wearing trousers to skirt, to represent the gender spectrum.

INTERSEX AWARENESS DAY // October 26

sources: isna.org, actuallyintersex.tumblr.com, sexandgender.net, apcdaily.wordpress.com

  • m_fM
    1·
    14 hours ago

    I would guess then (entirely uninformed) that it’s similar to the reasoning for not calling women “females”

    • JackGreenEarth@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      13 hours ago

      Well, women are adult females. Calling women females would be inaccurate as it could also refer to girls - and the same for males, men, and boys

      • candybrie@lemmy.world
        2·
        7 hours ago

        That’s not inaccurate, just nonspecific. You could call women adults without the same offense of calling them females. Female is used as an adjective most of the time. The noun form is most often used in scientific/clinical situations or when talking about animals. This means it carries a dehumanizing connotation to it.