An intersex person is born with both male and female characteristics, such as reproductive systems, chromosomes, gonads, hormones or genitals. An example is a baby born with internal anatomy aligned to that of the male gender and external genitalia typical to a woman or vice versa. Following the birth, doctors or family members will decide to align, including surgical procedures, to define the gender of the baby for the rest of their lives. Though any decisions taken are likely based on the baby’s dominant anatomic structure, some intersex people grow up feeling that they are in the wrong body or assigned the wrong gender. Many people born intersex may not even be aware until puberty, or if at all. In the past, intersex people would be referred to as hermaphrodites, which is outdated and inaccurate. The term refers to a person who is entirely male and female; however, intersex people will typically have one dominant gender with characteristics of the other
TAKE PRIDE IN BEING YOU
You should never be told or feel that being different is wrong. It does not matter if you are straight, gay, or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. You are you, especially when it is who you are and something you are powerless to change. The Pride in Series is designed to help everyone take pride in; however, they choose to identify, even if that is traditional and cis-gendered identities. Learn more about the various sexualities, gender identities and special groups and let us all be proud of who we are
DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE AVALIABLE
Want to go offline and take some time to learn more about the various identities that make up the LGBTQIA+ community? In addition to the online Gayther Pride in Series, you can now download and print the collection. Downloadable PDFs designed to help you discover more about the various unique sexualities, gender identities, and special groups. The colourful and informative guides help you understand more with fun and engaging information and also include games and interactive content
"I do not want to be fixed to become something I am not."
An intersex person is born with both male and female characteristics, such as reproductive systems, chromosomes, gonads, hormones or genitals. An example is a baby born with internal anatomy aligned to that of the male gender and external genitalia typical to a woman or vice versa. Following the birth, doctors or family members will decide to align, including surgical procedures, to define the gender of the baby for the rest of their lives. Though any decisions taken are likely based on the baby’s dominant anatomic structure, some intersex people grow up feeling that they are in the wrong body or assigned the wrong gender. Many people born intersex may not even be aware until puberty, or if at all. In the past, intersex people would be referred to as hermaphrodites, which is outdated and inaccurate. The term refers to a person who is entirely male and female; however, intersex people will typically have one dominant gender with characteristics of the other.
Intersex and non-binary are also different; people who identify as non-binary cannot associate or connect with conventional male or female gender characteristics. In contrast, intersex people are born with male and female characteristics, with others deciding what gender should be assigned. The term androgyny is also used to describe people with mixed biological gender characteristics.
Other associated gender identities:
SUMMARY
Intersex and non-binary are also different; people who identify as non-binary cannot associate or connect with conventional male or female gender characteristics. In contrast, intersex people are born with male and female characteristics, with others deciding what gender should be assigned. The term androgyny is also used to describe people with mixed biological gender characteristics.
Other associated gender identities:
- Androgynous (pronounced – an-dro-juh-nuhs | ænˈdrɒʤɪnəs) – is a term that relates to a person that has elements of femineity and masculinity in an ambiguous form. Unlike Intersex individuals, androgynous people are born male or female; however, they will express how they think and feel through their biological sex, gender identity, expression or sexual orientation
SUMMARY
- Individuals are born with both male and female characteristics
- Many intersex individuals only discover their identity during puberty, if at all
- Androgyny is a term also used to describe people with mixed biological gender characteristics
- It is estimated that between 0.05% to 1.7% of the world’s population are born with Intersex traits
- Under 1% of people with Intersex traits receive surgery to change their genital appearance
- Intersex traits do not generally affect a person’s physical health; however, they do have an impact on infertility, and hormone levels
- Most Intersex people do not identify as a ‘third sex’ instead opting to identify as either male or female
- Some people are born with an intersex anatomy without anyone knowing (including themselves), many only discovering that they are intersex during puberty
Exceptional and diverse
Discover more about the diverse and extraordinary global LGBTQIA+ community. Find interesting facts, enjoy engaging interactive games, learn about pioneering advocates, and take pride in all sexualities, gender identities, and special groups. Explore everything LGBTQIA+ with Gayther today.
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Explore the world
Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies and interests around the world. Exploring new places, cultures, and experiences is both exciting and rewarding. For most people, knowing the best time to visit and basic travel details is enough; however, for the LGBTQIA+ community, further research is necessary. The Gayther Travel guides cover hundreds of countries and regions, providing essential travel information, useful terms in local languages, and important health advice, including details on how each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover Gayther guides today.
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Community rights and protections
Each year, learn how different countries and regions around the world treat members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the status and laws of same-sex marriages to gender identity recognition, this easy-to-use equality index offers a score and breakdown for every country globally.
Out in Uniform: Gay on the Frontlines
October 21, 2026
For thousands of years, LGBTQIA+ people have bravely served in armies, fought in wars, and sacrificed their lives for the people and countries they called home. Yet throughout history, their ability to openly express who they were or whom they loved has varied widely. Today, LGBTQIA+ people can serve openly in many of the world’s armed forces, but acceptance remains far from universal, and the fight for equality continues. From ancient warriors to modern soldiers, let us explore the often-overlooked history of LGBTQIA+ military service, the struggles of those forced to hide, and the evolving fight for acceptance and inclusion, and ask whether someone willing to fight and die for their country should ever have to hide who they are.
Chromosomes, Consent, and Courtrooms: What It Means to Be Intersex
October 7, 2026
What happens when nature does not neatly fit into one of two boxes? When people talk about sex and gender, it is often presented as though every person can be neatly classified as either male or female. For most people, that seems obvious. But biology has never been quite that simple. There has long been a group of people: those born with natural variations in chromosomes, hormones, gonads, reproductive organs, or genital anatomy, known as intersex. They are not a product of modern politics, nor are they a new phenomenon. They have existed throughout human history. So why are intersex people so often missing from conversations about sex, gender and identity?
From Tao to Temple: Taoism, Buddhism, and the Asian Mosaic of Sexuality and Gender
September 23, 2026
What does Buddhism really teach about sexuality? Can Daoist principles offer a distinctive perspective on gender and identity? To what extent is the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ people in Asia shaped by religion, compared with the influence of family, culture, history and law? From Tao to Temple explores these questions across a region that is anything but uniform. From ancient Buddhist and Daoist traditions to modern LGBTQIA+ communities, marriage equality, popular culture and social media, let us look beyond simplistic assumptions about East and West and explore the many pieces that make up Asia’s complex LGBTQIA+ mosaic.
Connect with the community
Gayther Affinity is a private platform for the global LGBTQIA+ community. A space that gives you the freedom to be yourself. Helping you communicate with and connect to people similar to yourself. People from around the world from all age groups and backgrounds. Signup for your free Affinity account today
Legal recognition of
Gender dysphoria affects many individuals each year. Many feel trapped in the wrong body and seek to alter their appearance to reflect their true self. For those progressing through their transition, it is often a challenging and lengthy journey, but it is ultimately rewarding when they express their authentic identity. Learn more about different countries around the world and the legal status, recognition, and support for gender identities.
Favorinus of Arelate | Roman Sophist & Philosopher
Lili Elbe | Danish Trans Woman, Intersex Woman
Eleno de Céspedes | Spanish Intersex Surgeon
Hiker Chiu | Taiwanese Intersex Activist / Founder of Oii-Chinese
Foekje Dillema | Dutch Track & Field Athlete
Fernanda Fernández | Spanish Nun, Intersex Person
Alex Jürgen | Austrian Intersex Activist
Hanne Gaby Odiele | Belgian Model
Nthabiseng Mokoena | South African Intersex Activist
Reuben Zellman | American Rabbi, Musician
All of the people featured within the list are based on those who have shown support in the past or have publicly identified with a specific sexuality, gender identity, or cause. These individuals are featured because they are positive role models for the community and help others come to terms and identify with how they are thinking and feeling. How we identify is personal to us and being featured on this list is by no means meant to out or cause offence. Instead, highlighting exceptional individuals directly linked to the community
Extraordinary people
Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, with rights and protections for its members greatly enhanced. These changes are a direct result of the extraordinary individuals who have stood up, often at considerable personal risk, to advocate for and defend community rights. Discover more about some of these remarkable individuals today.
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The Gayther platform features seven inclusive and interactive directories, from detailed weather updates to listing services that showcase the inclusivity of businesses, services, and events for the global LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about each directory and how they can help you find what you need. Discover more about Gayther today.
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