Intersex is an umbrella term for individuals that are born with sexual, reproductive, anatomical or chromosomal traits that are outside of the “typical” male/female sex binary. There is a wide range of intersex variations (previously referred to as ‘disorders of sex development‘). 

Many individuals with intersex variations have been forced into becoming “anatomically correct” (that is, “typical” by social and medical standards) males or females through invasive, “corrective surgeries“ as infants; for example, surgeries on their genitals to give the appearance typical of men and women – primarily, these are done for purely aesthetic reasons, and can have consequences for intersex individuals later in life. Increasingly, governments across the world are making corrective surgery illegal.

People that have intersex variations have diverse gender identities and sexualities – that is, an intersex individual’s gender or sexual orientation exists as distinct from their intersex status. Like endosex (non-intersex) people, there are many cisgender and heterosexual intersex individuals, as well as people with intersex variations that identify as being Queer in their gender or sexuality.