Intersex People

Sometimes a baby’s external genitals, their internal reproductive system or their chromosomes are in between what is considered clearly male or female.  People born with these kinds of variations are often referred to as intersex people and there are many different intersex conditions.

The issues faced by intersex people can sometimes be similar to those faced by transgender people in general.  For example: some intersex and transgender people might face being labelled by others as a gender that doesn’t match their gender identity.  Also, some intersex and transgender people may decide to undergo hormone treatment or surgical procedures as teenagers or adults in order to bring their physical appearance more closely into alignment with their gender identity.

However, it is very important to recognise that there can also be very significant differences between the experiences of transgender people and intersex people.  One of the most noticeable differences is that intersex people are often identified as such by doctors while they are very young children and then their genitals may be operated upon before they are old enough to give or withhold their consent.

Articles relating specifically to intersex people:

Traditionally, there has been very little visibility of intersex issues within Scotland. To try to counter this invisibility, the Scottish Transgender Alliance is delighted to provide a selection of specially commissioned articles on intersex issues by one of the leading intersex activists in Scotland, Jennie Kermode.  The articles are available via the Downloads box at the left of this web page.