FAQs
WHO ARE INTERSEX PEOPLE?
“INTERSEX” is an umbrella term referring to individuals born with sex characteristics that are not typically male or female or are a blend of both. There are an estimated 30 types of intersex traits, i.e. variations in sex characteristics, comprising variations in chromosomal patterns, reproductive organs, genitalia and/or hormones. USAGE: * INTERSEX is not a…
Read MoreTrans-intersex coalition: 1996 – now
Note: Some of the dates in the original posting have been corrected. Intersex Awareness Day is observed on October 26th in commemoration of the first North American intersex protest, in 1996 in Boston, where the American Academy of Pediatrics was holding their annual meeting. As demonstrated in the picture below, the trans and intersex alliance…
Read MoreUN creates Intersex Fact Sheet & features Viloria in video!!!
Our deepest thanks and gratitude goes to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for their work to include intersex people in the struggle for human rights, by engaging with intersex activists such as our very own Hida Viloria, to create the fantastic Free & Equal Campaign’s Intersex Fact Sheet,…
Read MoreHow Intersex People Identify
By Hida Viloria and Dana Zzyym. Much has been said recently, on the heels of all the media attention on Caitlin Jenner and Rachel Dolezal, about the issue of how people “identify”. Meanwhile, Intersex people have also been getting attention in the media, and an increasing amount of folks are finally aware of the fact…
Read MoreHow Common is Intersex? An Explanation of the Stats.
The most thorough existing research finds intersex people to constitute an estimated 1.7% of the population*, which makes being intersex about as common as having red hair (1%-2%). However, popularly misinterpretted, much referenced statistics would have you believe are numbers are much lower. Here’s why. Some groups use an old prevalence statistic that says we…
Read MoreWhat is Intersexphobia, or Interphobia?
“Interphobia” — as coined in a fantastic 2010 blog post by openly intersex and trans* Professor Cary Gabriel Costello, PhD — is another term for what we have been calling “intersexphobia” for several years. Intersexphobia and Interphobia are defined as negative attitudes and feelings towards people who are believed to possess biological sex traits that…
Read MorePublic Statement by the Third International Intersex Forum: The Malta Declaration
Between November 29th and December 1st 2013, the Third International Intersex Forum, supported by ILGA and ILGA-Europe, took place in Valletta, Malta. This event brought together 34 activists representing 30 intersex organisations from all continents. The Forum was organized by ILGA Europe’s Silvan Agius and Ruth Baldacchino, and three intersex activists selected from an open…
Read MoreBrief Guidelines for Intersex Allies
This information includes intersex basics and tips for how to be a good ally. Please share widely to spread awareness about and acceptance of intersex people! Brief Guidelines for Intersex Allies
Read MoreTen Misconceptions about Intersex
Authors: Curtis E. Hinkle, Founder, Organisation Intersex International & Hida Viloria, Chairperson, Organisation Intersex International All of the following statements are false: 1. Intersex means that a person has both sets of genitalia. This is probably one of the most common misconceptions about intersex. Intersex often has nothing to do with the genitalia of the…
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