InterACT describes intersex as an umbrella term for naturally occurring differences in physical sex traits such as chromosomes, hormone function, genitals, or internal reproductive anatomy. Intersex people are born with these differences or develop them in childhood. There are a wide range of variations that are possible compared to the usual two ways that human bodies develop.
Being intersex is different from being transgender or non-binary. Someone who is transgender has a gender (such as male, female, or non-binary) that is different from what was assumed when they were born. Someone who is intersex developed one or more bodily characteristics that don’t fit neatly into stereotypes about “male” or “female” bodies. Someone can be both intersex and transgender. But being intersex doesn’t automatically make someone transgender or non-binary, just like being transgender or non-binary doesn’t mean that someone is intersex.
Some intersex traits are noticed at birth. Others don’t show up until puberty or later in life. Some intersex people will have bodies that look visibly different from the outside, but other times, someone will only know they are intersex from medical testing (like blood tests or an ultrasound). And even someone with a known/diagnosed variation in their sex characteristics may not ever have heard the word “intersex” before because some doctors or families still feel that the term is associated with shame or stigma. Doctors’ and parents’ discomfort with difference has tragically led to many intersex children undergoing unnecessary surgeries to “fix” or hide their variations by changing the size or shape of their genitals, or removing hormone-producing organs like testes or ovaries. This can have life-long damaging effects if these decisions are made without the intersex person’s own input and consent. In reality, being intersex is nothing to be ashamed of – our human bodies come in many different shapes, sizes, and combinations, and they all deserve to be accepted and celebrated!
When it comes to puberty, an intersex person may experience pubertal changes at the same time as their peers, earlier or later than their peers, or not at all. If an intersex person was born without testes or ovaries, or underwent surgery that removed their testes or ovaries in childhood, they will not start to experience pubertal changes unless they begin hormone therapy with estrogen or testosterone. They may also experience fewer pubertal changes than expected, or some changes that are unexpected, compared to what their peers are experiencing.
For example: An intersex youth who was assigned male at birth may develop enlarged breast tissue or more pronounced hips, may have a less muscular build, may have less body hair or facial hair, may have smaller testicles than their peers, may experience less genital growth, or may start to have monthly abdominal pain that is unexpected. An intersex youth who was assigned female at birth may get their period very early or may not get their period at all, may develop a deeper voice, a more muscular build, or have more facial or body hair than their peers, or may experience more genital growth than expected.
Please remember that all of these events are okay! Everyone has differences from their peers, and no two bodies will ever go through exactly the same changes in the same way. The important thing is that everyone receives support and respect no matter what their bodies look like or what pubertal changes occur.
If you are intersex, you are not alone! There are people you can talk with, including other young people who are also intersex. To learn more, visit BLOOM’s Intersex page.
For more information about intersex variations and supportive resources for intersex persons and families, visit BLOOM’s trusted expert, interACT.
