【 What Does Intersex Mean? 】 Intersex is a term for people who are born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. This can involve chromosomes, hormones, reproductive anatomy, or other biological traits. Being intersex is a natural variation in human biology. ⊹ Important ideas ⊹ ✦ Intersex is about biological sex characteristics, not sexual orientation. ✦ Intersex people can have any gender identity or sexual orientation. ✦ Some intersex traits are noticed at birth, while others may be discovered later in life. ✦ Every intersex person’s experience is different. ⊹ Common experiences ⊹ ↪ Learning about their body or identity over time ↪ Wanting privacy and respect about personal medical information ↪ Finding support through friends, family, online spaces, or communities ↪ Facing misunderstandings because many people are unfamiliar with intersex identities ⊹ Respect and inclusion ⊹ ➷ Respecting people’s privacy and identity ➷ Avoiding assumptions about someone’s body or gender ➷ Listening to how people describe themselves ➷ Creating safe and welcoming environments ⊹ Community and awareness ⊹ Intersex people have always existed throughout history and across cultures. Increased education and visibility have helped more people understand intersex experiences and advocate for respect and equal rights. ● Pride Month — celebrates identity, community, and equality. ● Stonewall Riots — an important event connected to modern LGBTQ+ rights movements.
