Sex is usually seen as being about bodies, genetics and chromosomes.
For example, someone with a vulva, vagina, uterus and XX chromosomes is generally female.
Someone with a penis, testicles and XY chromosomes is generally male.
Someone can be intersex/have an intersex variation due to a variation within their chromosomes, hormones and/or their reproductive organs. It's more common than people think. Intersex variations show up in approx. 1/7 - 2.3% of the population. That's the same amount of people with naturally curly hair!
Find out more on Intersex Aotearoa's website.
Download Intersex Aotearoa's 'Your Child is a Taonga' resource (support guide for parents and whānau of intersex rangatahi) (PDF, 3 MB).
Family Planning has clinics located throughout New Zealand. Use the clinic finder to find your nearest clinic.
