Understanding Intersex and Transgender Identities

What are Disorders of Sex Development (Intersex)?

Intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Or a person may be born with genitals that seem to be in between the usual male and female types; for example, a girl may be born with a noticeably large clitoris, or having a vaginal opening, or a boy may be born with a notably small penis, or with a scrotum that is divided so that it has formed more.

Defining Sex and Gender

• Sex refers to the biological and anatomical differences between female and male.
• Gender refers to the meanings, beliefs, and practices associated with sex differences referred to as femininity and masculinity.

Understanding Transgender Identities

Transgender individuals are those whose gender identity, expression, or behavior is not traditionally associated with their birth sex. Some transgender individuals experience their gender identity as incongruent with their anatomical sex and may seek some degree of sex reassignment surgery, take hormones, or undergo other cosmetic procedures. Others may pursue gender expression (masculine or feminine).

The Importance of Privacy and Outing

Remember that many trans people are killed every year just because other people find out that they are trans! Some trans folks prefer never to be "out" as trans or don't even consider themselves to be "trans." Honor their privacy! Even folks who work for trans rights deserve privacy—let them out themselves where and when they want to.

Terminology: Trans Woman and Trans Man

• Male to female: A person assigned male at birth who lives as or transitions to female (Trans woman).
• Female to male: A person assigned female at birth who presents as or transitions to male (Trans man).

Gender Identity vs. Sexual Orientation

Gender identity refers to the way you understand yourself and your gender. It is about the internal sense of masculinity or femininity that a person feels.

Sexual orientation is our attraction to someone else of the same or the different gender, or both. It refers to the kinds of relationships that you have with others.

Transgender people can be heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, gay, lesbian, or identify as queer. Many transgender people are in fulfilling and happy relationships.