Body Parts
A box is checked on our birth certificate - either male or female. Yet researchers confirm there is a lot of variety in our bodies. Learn about the differences in our bodies that don’t fit within typical male and female boxes.
Dee
Who is Dee?
Hi! I’m here to help you explore the subject of body parts. This is all about biological sex, which, for a long time, was thought to be pretty simple. If you’re born with a penis, you’re a boy, right? It turns out, we are as different on the inside as we are on the outside. In this section, we dig into the science behind biological sex and what it means to more than just male or female. Let’s get started…
The Basics
Explore the many ways in which our bodies can differ.
Sex redefined
When the box is checked on our birth certificate it represents many complexities. Learn about biological sex and the many unique aspects of our human bodies.
What it means to be intersex
What do we know about variations in anatomical development known as intersex?
How common are intersex traits?
Estimates of people who are intersex vary widely. Learn why the numbers vary so significantly.
Intersex controversy and debate
Learn about the controversies surrounding the treatment of children born with an intersex condition, the regulation of intersex athletes, and even the term "intersex" itself.
Intersex treatment: controversy and debate
The Phall-O-Meter was developed by intersex advocates to draw attention to surgeries performed on babies born with an intersex variation.
Sorting out terms
Read about variations in terminology and current debates over "intersex" vs. "DSD"
Real people
Hear from people who are intersex as they talk about their lives and identities.
"I was born a woman"
Learn about the life and career of Indian runner Dutee Chand, who has challenged efforts to regulate intersex athletes.
”I was afraid to ask questions"
Hear from four women who are intersex as they reflect on their lives and experiences.
The Case of Thomas(ine) Hall
Why did a Virginia court in the 1600s order someone to dress as both a man or a woman?
Forced to leave her country
Tatenda Ngwaru didn't want to leave her home and family in Zimbabwe, but conditions for LGBTQ+ persons left her no choice.
Around the world
Learn about the lives of persons born intersex in other countries.
Places where intersex is more common
As many as 1 in 90 babies are born intersex in these 2 Dominican villages.
Living as an intersex person in Australia
Intersex people still face challenges in Australia, even though the country has recently passed anti-discrimination legislation.