Quick thread:

Intersex is a term that SOME people who are born with a variation of sex development still choose to use. In terms of medicine, it's outdated and professionals tend to use specific medical terminology or the banner of 'DSD' (disorder/differences of sex development)

I tend to use a variety of terms - this may be confusing to you, but for me, it's about respecting autonomy and understanding that language is personal.

If you're not intersex, use the language which is most appropriate for that specific space - be prepared to make mistakes.

Intersex does not mean what it meant 100 years ago, nor does it mean the same thing to each person that uses it. It's broad and has even picked up a political element to it. Language is complicated and constantly in flux. Don't be defensive if someone prefers another term.

If you're not sure what to use, just ask/mirror. I personally prefer 'variation of sex development' as a neutral term. I don't like 'DSD' but I understand its applicability and I describe myself as intersex but that in itself has been a journey towards my own acceptance.

In order to work towards a change for children born with variations of sex development (the community that I most want to support), I would rather discuss key issues aside from language. I'd rather discuss the lack of psychosocial support for children globally, not terminology.

If you're looking to be an ally towards the community - please get a RANGE of opinions. Not just mine, not just from a specific organisation, or kind of professional, or family...

You can support people born with variations of sex development by not using as pawns.

As with any complex issue, there is no growth in making generalisations about all people who are impacted by variations of sex development. It's a human issue - it fits into any and all human groups. Having a difference is something we're born with - it's not discriminatory.

You may think that 'intersex' is offensive, or 'DSD' is offensive, but that's your experience or relationship with the word. Don't police other people's freedom to use what feels comfortable for them.