“Intersex” is an umbrella term forpeople who are born with somecombination of sex characteristics suchas chromosomes, genitals, internal
reproductive organs, or hormone levels
that do not fit within the typical binary
notion of male or female sex.

“I wish myteacher knew thatintersex and trans aredifferent, eventhough someone
can be both.”~interACT Youth MemberFacts• Intersex people are not that rare! Nearly 2% of thepopulation is born intersex -- that’s about as common as
people born with red hair or green eyes!
• Intersex traits aren’t always “visible” -- you can’t tell thatsomeone is intersex just by looking at them.
• Intersex is a variation of physical sex traits, not a gender
identity or a sexual orientation. Intersex people exist acrossall orientation and gender categories!

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Knew“My teachersaid they didn't
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intersex.”• Intersex children are often subjected to surgeries andother unnecessary medical interventions to make theirbodies fit into binary boxes without their consent.
• Being intersex is different than being transgender:transgender refers to someone whose gender is different
from their birth assignment, while intersex refers tosomeone born with sex characteristics that are outside ofbinary male or female sex.
• Transgender people often struggle to access gender-affirming medical care they do want, while intersex people
are often coerced into unnecessary medical intervention
they don’t want.
“I don't want other intersex kids to feel erased.”- interACT Youth Member

interactadvocates.org | info@interactadvocates.org | 707-793-1190
365 Boston Post Road Suite 163 Sudbury, MA 01776

Advocates for Intersex YouthMore information andresources are available atinterACTadvocates.org“My body isnot shameful,and I will no longer
hide who I am.”
Advocates~interACT Youth Memberfor Intersex

YouthIn School Health Centers’t talk“Don or acte,over m u knowolike y out myba
more an I do.”htbodythT YouterACerMemb~inIn All Classrooms• Teach your students that sex is different from gender!
Neither are binary and both exist on a limitless spectrum! Sextraits don’t have to be gendered. For example, some women
have more body hair, and some men have higher voices.
• Educate students about sex and gender diversity at both thescientific and cultural levels to make intersex kids feel more
comfortable in the classroom.
• Don’t tokenize or place unfair pressure on intersex students,
or expect them to teach others about intersex issues. Unlessthey volunteer, it is ultimately yourresponsibility to educate the class.

• Avoid gender-specific language around puberty and bodydevelopment. For example:• Instead of “feminine hygiene products” say “menstrualproducts” or “period products.” Some intersex (andtransgender) people have periods! Not everyone feels
comfortable with words like “female/feminine,”“male/masculine.”• Instead of terms like “becoming a woman” or “becoming aman,” simply call changes what they are, e.g. “growing morehair,” or “breast development.”“My biology teacher was supportive, but used theoutdated and offensive word “hermaphrodite” insteadof the term intersex. She later apologized and fixed hermaterials -- I really appreciated that!”• Avoid generalizing or universalizing language:• For example, don’t say all boys have XY
chromosomes.
Instead, say most boys have XY chromosomes.
• Avoid referring to someone as “genetically male” or“genetically female” simply based on theirchromosomes. Sex is determined by much more thanjust chromosomes!
“A friend told me not to go into the girl’s locker room
anymore after I told them I’m intersex.”~ interACT Youth Member

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facial hairbody hairchestinternal orexternal anatomysexchromosomes•Learn to avoid making assumptions based on what a person’svisible sex characteristics might be. For example, instead ofassuming someone “feminine”-looking gets periods, ask them.
• Ask appropriate questions, and only when they are necessary.
• Puberty isn’t always going to be linear or even the same foreveryone! This can be particularly true for intersex students.
“I walked out of health class crying last year.”~ interACT Youth Member• Never assume a universal experience applies to all intersex
people.

• Adopt inclusive and non-gendered language that makes
intersex people like me feel more comfortable and respected. Not all bodies are the same!
• Avoid harmful language:• Don't use terms like “normal” girl or boy.
• Avoid outdated terms like “intersexuality” or“hermaphrodite.”

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Actions• Bring in outside resources and intersex speakers toinform yourself and your colleagues.
• Use what you’ve learned to educate your peers!
Other educators and administrators are just as
responsible as you are to be well-informed and aware!
•If an intersex student does want to educate theirpeers, listen to their ideas and create a space forthem to share their knowledge. If intersex educationis accurate, your students will feel comfortablelearning and achieving.
• If you facilitate a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) orsimilar club in your school, make sure that intersex
students are invited, included, and respected inthat space and that students who participate haveaccess to intersex resources.
• Create a space that is open to people of all
identities without judgement or scrutiny!
• Ask intersex students how they want to betreated and what terms they prefer for themselves. Then follow through!
• Directly support and advocate for intersex
students outside of your school!