Each cell in your body contains a set of sex chromosomes. Some people have different sets of sex chromosomes in some cells vs other cells.
Some people’s reproductive anatomy is different from that typical of their biological sex.
These are called intersex conditions, and are determined at birth. Approximately 1 in 150 to 1 in 60 people (0.6%–1.7%) have an intersex condition, and defy a binary definition of biological sex. That’s on par with the prevalence of natural red hair (~1–2%).
Some of these conditions result in an ambiguous determination of biological sex that requires a conscious choice on how to identify using binary definitions. This applies to an estimated 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 people (0.02% to 0.05%), depending on where one draws the line on ambiguous. This is 10 times more common than albinism (conditions characterized by a lack of pigment) which affects about 1 in 17,000 to 1 in 20,000 people worldwide (~0.005% to 0.006%).
Some people with intersex conditions seek gender-affirming care such as hormone therapy or surgery so their anatomy may better reflect their biological or chosen sex. Survey data suggests that less than 10% of intersex people seek gender-affirming care.
Even today, intersex traits are often treated by dominant medical practices as conditions that must be fixed or normalized to fit binary definitions. This is usually through surgery or hormone therapy in infancy or early childhood, often without the individual’s consent. Roughly 50% to 80% of intersex people receive gender-affirming care.
While the two groups are distinct, and necessary of their own advocacy and appreciation of their unique narratives, the intersex and transgender communities share overlapping concerns including awareness of gender diversity, self-determination of gender, and bodily autonomy. Many of the rights and recognitions championed by transgender advocates also benefit the intersex community.
A system of law that aims to restrict the legal recognition of sex to binary definitions ignores the biological reality of intersex people, and undermines their recognition as natural variations of human biology. Laws that restrict gender-affirming care limit the options available to intersex people. Discrimination against transgender people fosters an environment that is also hostile to intersex people.
When legal systems restrict the rights of a marginalized group, it sets a precedent that normalizes discrimination, making it easier for similar restrictions to be applied to other groups.
Conditions that factor into these statistics: On biological sex: Mosaicism, Chimerism, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) , Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Swyer Syndrome, Ovotesticular Disorder, 46,XX Testicular Disorder, Klinefelter Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, 47,XYY Syndrome, Triple X Syndrome, Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis, 5-Alpha-Reductase Deficiency, Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome, Cloacal Exstrophy with XY Karyotype, Hypospadias
On albinism: Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA), Ocular Albinism (OA)
For further reading:
Scientific American, 2018: Sex Redefined: The Idea of 2 Sexes Is Overly Simplistic
American Medical Association, 2021: AMA reinforces opposition to restrictions on transgender medical care
Executive Orders, 2025: DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMISM AND RESTORING BIOLOGICAL TRUTH TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM CHEMICAL AND SURGICAL MUTILATION
ENDING RADICAL AND WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT DEI PROGRAMS AND PREFERENCING
PRIORITIZING MILITARY EXCELLENCE AND READINESS
KEEPING MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS
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