Intersex: The Forgotten Diversity in Humanity

Did you know that up to 1.7% of the world's population is born with intersex traits—making intersex people as common as those with red hair? Yet, for decades, their existence has been hidden, misunderstood, and even erased through non-consensual surgeries and societal stigma. It’s time to challenge outdated beliefs and embrace the reality of human diversity. Read on to learn the truth about intersex people, the struggles they face, and why bodily autonomy matters for everyone. #IntersexAwareness #HumanRights #LetThemChoose

Intersex: The Forgotten Diversity in Humanity: Intersex: The Forgotten Diversity in Humanity What Does It Mean to Be Intersex? Intersex people are individuals born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. These variations can occur in chromosomes, hormones, genitalia, or reproductive anatomy. While many intersex traits are apparent at birth, others only become noticeable later in life, such as during puberty or when facing fertility issues. How Many Intersex People Exist? The estimated number of intersex individuals worldwide varies depending on the definition used. Some estimates are more conservative, only counting individuals with visibly ambiguous genitalia at birth, while broader definitions include conditions affecting chromosomes, hormones, and internal reproductive structures. Global Estimates: 1.7% of the world population may have intersex traits (United Nations Free & Equal, 2022), equating to about 136 million intersex individuals globally. More conservative estimates suggest about 0.018% of people are intersex, equating to approximately 1.44 million individuals worldwide. United States Estimates: Using the 1.7% estimate, 5.6 million Ame