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 In the past, intersex people would be referred to as hermaphrodites, which is outdated and inaccurate.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.
SIGNIFICANT DATES | Click to view
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.
Click on the IOS or Android link to access the app
Click on the name of the resource visit the site
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.
Across Borders and Bureaucracy: Navigating Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Surrogacy
August 12, 2026
Surrogacy remains controversial in many countries and cultures, yet it is one of the world’s fastest-growing pathways to parenthood. But how much do you really know about it? Who are a child’s legal parents when they are born through a surrogate? Why is commercial surrogacy permitted in some countries but prohibited or criminalised in others? And why are thousands of intended parents travelling across borders every year to fulfil their dream of building a family? From billion-dollar fertility industries and evolving medical technologies to LGBTQIA+ rights, international legal disputes, and the ethical questions surrounding modern family creation, explore how surrogacy really works, why laws differ so dramatically around the world, and what the future may hold for one of the most rapidly evolving fields in reproductive healthcare and family law.
Rising Tides: Grassroots Advocacy Turning Corporate Fears into Real Reform
July 29, 2026
What if the brands you like most are not living up to the values they claim to uphold? From rainbow logos and sustainability pledges to ethical sourcing and social justice campaigns, many companies have built their reputations on doing the right thing. But what if the products you buy every day are supported by supply chains linked to exploitation, modern slavery, or regimes whose actions contradict those very values? Let’s explore the growing power of ethical consumerism, how grassroots advocacy is reshaping corporate behaviour, and why every purchase you make is more than a transaction. It’s a vote for the kind of world you want to support.
Companion Code: When AI Becomes Queer Confidant, Freedom or Concealment?
July 15, 2026
In an age of digital connection, loneliness seems to be becoming increasingly common. Many people now find themselves surrounded by online communities and networks, yet lacking consistent emotional support in their everyday lives. Artificial intelligence, long seen primarily as a productivity tool, is becoming a confidant and conversational presence, offering companionship and emotional reflection. From casual interactions to deeply personal disclosures, AI is there in moments of isolation. While AI can offer immediate relief and a sense of being heard, it may also subtly reshape emotional habits and expectations around connection. As AI becomes more human-like in conversation while remaining fundamentally non-human in experience, these systems may be slowly redefining what people expect from relationships and from themselves.
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.
Click on the button to visit the group website
Click on the button to visit the support resource website
Find inclusive businesses and services
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.
Learn more about yourself by taking any one of the Gayther personality tests or by taking part in any of the questionnaires
Direct to your inbox, be the first to find out about the latest articles, community news and upcoming events from the fortnightly Gayther Newsletter
Gayther
your community resources
A community platform that features a variety of tools, services, guides, and much more. Free tools and services tailored toward the global LGBTQIA+ community
When we explore, we learn; the more we know, the greater our
understanding of the world
Gayther is a positive platform for everyone. One that empowers people to understand more about the LGBTQIA+ community by dispelling misinformation, to showcase all aspects of the exceptional and diverse global community and all that it contributes to the world
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that before travelling that you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. The languages and terms featured on this page are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The service is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
Manage Consent
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.