Intersex Fact Sheet

Intersex people have typically been subjected to traumatic and unnecessary surgery, as well as shame and stigma. This fact sheet discusses the progress we’ve made, as well as what’s still needed to ensure that intersex people can enjoy bodily integrity and dignity. Action steps for individuals and states are included.

“Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of natural bodily variations. In some cases, intersex traits are visible at birth while in others, they are not apparent until puberty. Some chromosomal intersex variations may not be physically apparent at all. According to experts, between 0.05% and 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits – the upper estimate is similar to the number of red haired people.”