Intersex Awareness Day, 26th October. Intersex is a term for people born with sex characteristics that do not fit into typical male or female patterns. This includes variations in: chromosomes (such as XXX, XXY, XYY, XO); internal and external sex organs; levels of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone) or the body's response to hormones.
Genetics aren't binary. There are many different genes involved in sex development. This means that... XY chromosomes don't always lead to the development of a penis and testes, XX chromosomes don't always lead to the development of a vulva and ovaries. Some people even have "mosaic' genetics, which means that some cells are XX and some are XY.
Are the differences in sex traits always noticeable at birth?
No - people can find out they are intersex at any point in life. Some intersex traits (like differences in genitals) are noticeable at birth, while others may not become apparent until puberty or later in life, sometimes being discovered during medical tests for unrelated conditions.
Intersex people deserve respect.
Intersex variations are a natural part of human diversity. Unnecessary "normalising" surgeries on intersex infants are criticised (including by the World Health Organisation) due to adverse consequences such as trauma and negative impact on sexual function.
Let's fight stigma and celebrate human diversity this Intersex Awareness Day!
Today is #IntersexAwarenessDay - a time to uplift intersex voices and advocate for inclusion, bodily autonomy, and respect. Diversity in bodies and identities should be celebrated, not stigmatised 💜💛
#IntersexInclusion #IntersexRightsAreHumanRights #IntersexPride
