Intersex

In simple terms, intersex is a description of a person’s biological sex when their physical characteristics don’t fit standard definitions of male or female.

These are individuals who, for example, might have both ovaries and a penis, or testicles and breasts, etc. There can also be significant hormonal imbalances, where the sex chromosomes (X and Y) don’t follow the “typical” patterns of XX (female) or XY (male).

It is estimated that being born intersex is about as common as being born with red hair!

Intersex is not the same as hermaphrodite, a term that refers to having fully functional male and female reproductive organs — something not possible in mammals, including humans.

Naturally intersex bodies are usually healthy. Intersex people may sometimes require hormone treatment, but often this is due to previous medical interventions made by doctors.

Medical interventions

Medical interventions are generally aimed at making intersex bodies conform to ideas of male and female bodies.

These surgical procedures often prioritize appearance over sensitivity and sexual health. Children cannot give informed consent to such surgeries.

Many intersex individuals suffer from the physical and psychological consequences that these procedures can cause, in addition to feelings of shame and the effects of secrecy.

Genital surgeries can have lifelong impacts on the lives of intersex individuals.

Question and Answers about Intersex

Is being intersex the same as being trans?

No. Unlike trans and gender-diverse people, intersex individuals are not part of the trans umbrella. Intersex does not refer to gender identity diversity — being intersex is not about gender identity or gender transition.

Intersex is a term for natural variations in biological sex characteristics.
It is possible to be intersex without knowing it.

Some people with intersex traits may change their legal gender marker, and some identify as trans — but not all.

Can intersex people have children?

Most types of intersex conditions result in infertility because the reproductive organs may not be fully functional — but not always!

Some intersex people can produce sperm and have a penis, or have a uterus and ovaries that produce eggs. Some are infertile due to medical procedures performed at birth or in early childhood.

Adoption or foster care is often an option.

Are intersex people always queer in terms of sexual orientation or gender identity?

That depends entirely on the individual. Intersex people may express their gender identity in feminine, masculine, or non-binary ways — and they may have any sexual orientation, or none at all.

Some intersex individuals are LGB+, while others are heterosexual.

Intersex people are often included under the queer umbrella because of their intersex status and shared experiences of discrimination or prejudice, not because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Want to know more?

If you still feel unsure or your question wasn’t answered, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or Intersex Iceland!