Intersex Meaning: What is Intersexuality? Can Intersex People Get Pregnant? Here's What You Should Know

Intersex people have always existed throughout human history, yet most of their lives or experiences are either not talked about much, not known, or misunderstood. Recently, a boxing match at the Paris 2024 Olympics brought attention to the issue of gender identity, including that of intersex people. The match featured Italian boxer Angela Carini and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who identifies as intersex and was previously disqualified from the 2023 world championships after failing a gender eligibility test. Understanding the difference between sex and gender is important. Sex is typically determined by facts like reproductive organs, hormones, and genes. On the other hand, gender refers to how a person identifies internally and how they express that identity externally. Gender can include identities such as nonbinary, agender, male, female, cisgender, transgender, genderfluid, gender-neutral, or pangender. A person may express the gender that they identify with, through the way they choose to dress, behave, and appear. While sex is often categorised as male or female, it is not always so straightforward. Some individuals have differences in sex development, where their genitals, reproductive organs, or both do not align with the typical definition of a male or female. This is known as intersex. Let’s understand more about intersex and intersexuality. IOC Issues Statement Amid Boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting’s Gender Row at Paris Olympics 2024, Says ‘Every Person Has the Right To Practice Sport Without Discrimination’.

Angela Carini and Imane Khelif at Paris Olympics

Recently, a boxing match at the Paris 2024 Olympics brought attention to the issue of gender identity. The match featured Italian boxer Angela Carini and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who was disqualified from the 2023 world championships after failing a gender eligibility test. Imane Khelif identifies as intersex. Imane’s hard punches on Angela made her want to quit the match within the first 46 seconds.

Who Are Intersex People? What Is Intersexuality?

What is intersexuality? The terms male and female are usually used to describe people assigned those sexes at birth, while 'intersex' is used to describe someone whose biological characteristics do not fit the traditional male or female definition. Intersex people are often misgendered, with some now trying to understand them.

Intersex traits might be evident at birth itself or it can become apparent only much later, that is, during puberty or even adulthood. In the past, being intersex was often thought of as having a disorder of sex development (DSD). However, being intersex is not a disorder or a condition. Some intersex people, however, choose gender identity options if their sex does not align with the one assigned to them at birth. For the longest time, intersex people were known as ‘hermaphrodite,’ which is an insensitive, derogatory, stigmatising and misleading way of referring to them. The term was often used in protests, but LGBTQIA+ activists have spoken out against it. Now, even the medical field is advocating for it to be replaced with the word 'intersex' when referring to these individuals. One of the most common traits of being intersex involves a combination of chromosomes. Usually, men inherit XY chromosomes and women inherit XX chromosomes. However, intersex people may have a mix of chromosomes, such as XXY. They may also have some cells with XY chromosomes and others with XX chromosomes. They may even have only one X chromosome (XO) or other variations.

Can Intersex People Get Pregnant?

If an intersex person has testicles and a penis that produces sperm, they may be able to get a person pregnant. If the intersex person has a uterus, they could get pregnant. Some intersex people, however, have ovaries or a combination of ovarian and testicular tissue. This can allow them to reproduce. Others might have a uterus, ovaries, and vagina and could get pregnant if they come into contact with sperm. Fertility is unique to each intersex person, and while many intersex variations can lead to infertility, not all do. Italy PM Giorgia Meloni Criticises Paris Olympics 2024 After Angela Carini Pulls Out of Women's 66 Kg Boxing Bout Against Algeria's Imane Khelif, Says 'I Know You Won't Give Up' (See Post and Video).

Intersex is still not fully understood, and getting more knowledge about the matter is crucial. It is important to be sensitive and avoid passing judgement on anyone without complete information.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2024 11:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).