Intersex
Differences: trans*, inter*, and non-binary*
Most of the time, people distinguish between “male” and “female.” They often mean people with a penis (= ‘male’) and people with a vagina (= “female”). Inter* people do not fit into these categories.
The term inter* describes people who are born with physical characteristics (e.g., chromosomes, hormones, or genitals) that do not clearly and unambiguously fit the medical norm of “male” or “female.”
Intersexuality is a natural variation of the human body. Inter* describes biological variation and does not correspond directly to gender identity. Not all inter* people see their intersexuality as part of their identity. It can also be considered simply a physical characteristic. Inter* is a spectrum, not a uniform condition. This is also illustrated by the asterisk in “inter*”.
Inter* people may identify as female, male, non-binary, or something else. However, many inter* people experience social pressure to fit into a binary system, i.e., male or female.
The correct form of address
The medical term “intersexuality” often describes being inter* as a disease. Important: Intersexuality is not a disease, but a natural variation in human development. So, it is important not to refer to intersex people as “intersexual.”
It is important to address inter* people using their preferred pronouns . You can find out more about this under the topic “Pronouns”. This can vary from person to person. If you are unsure, it is best to just ask which pronouns are preferred or start the conversation by stating your own pronouns .
Hi, I'm Judith. My pronouns are she/her. What are yours?
Inter* bodies
Inter* people have characteristics of both “female” and “male” at the same time. The term “inter*” is intended to emphasize that intersexuality is also diverse. This can affect different areas:
[Translate to English:] Inter* Menschen haben Merkmale von „weiblich“ und „männlich“ zugleich. Der Begriff „Inter*“ soll betonen, dass auch Intergeschlechtlichkeit divers ist. Das kann verschiedene Bereiche betreffen
Chromosomes
Sex hormones
High estrogen = female
High testosterone = male
Gonads
External genitals
Vulva = female
Penis = male
Internal reproductive organs
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina = female
Sperm ducts and prostate = male
There are no unambiguously inter* sex organs, as there are many possible combinations.
FYI: After gender-affirming surgery in inter* persons, the sex organs are called „neovulva“, „neovagina“, „neopenis“ and „neotesticles“
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More about it
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It's not just women who menstruate. Trans*, inter*, and non-binary people can also have periods—anyone who lives with a uterus and ovaries can menstruate.
Contraception and STI prevention for inter* people
Contraception and STI prevention for inter* people
Inter* people also need contraception—which kind depends on their hormone balance and sex organs.
This means: Non-hormonal methods such as condoms, IUDs, and diaphragms work as usual, depending on the anatomy of the sex organs. Hormonal methods can also be used—which ones are suitable depends on hormones and sex organs. Seeking medical advice is particularly important here
STI prevention
To protect against STIs, it's also important to use safer sex practices that are appropriate for the user's sex organs. Condoms or femidoms (aka female condoms) may be suitable.
Legal status and health of inter* persons
Since 2019, it has been possible in Germany to specify not only “male” or “female” but also ‘diverse’ or “none” as the gender entry in civil status (vital) records.
For decades, inter* children were operated on or given hormone treatment immediately after birth in order to assign them “unambiguously” to the female or male gender. Without their consent. Inter* persons report that they often perceived the treatments as negative
Such medically unnecessary surgeries, which adapt sexual characteristics to the male or female gender, have been prohibited by law in Germany since 2021. In addition, inter* people have a higher risk of mental illness. This is explained, among other things, by experiences of discrimination.