Welcome! In this bulletin, we will be discussing the social identity of sex. Included in this bulletin are definitions, general information, history, articles/handouts, videos, and questions to ponder. This bulletin can be used in clubs, classes, and companies, or shared with friends and family.

The identification of people is based primarily on external genitalia and is generally assigned at birth. In rare cases, internal genitalia, hormone levels, and chromosomal typing are also used as determinants.  Historically sex has been perceived as solely a binary system of male and female.  Intersex, a target identity, means that a person has characteristics of both sexes, externally and/or internally.  This can show up as differences in hormones, chromosomes, or internal and external genitalia. Although there are as many intersex people in the world as there are red heads, this identity is not protected. Females are also a target identity while males are the agent identity. 

Related ism: Sexism                                      

Discontinued term: Hermaphrodite and Transvestite. 

Border Identity:  Intersex