The politically correct term for hermaphrodite is intersex. This term refers to a person who is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies.
Intersex people may have reproductive or sexual organs, hormones, and chromosomes that are not exclusively male or female, or they may have a chromosomal pattern or external anatomy that does not seem to fit with either male or female bodies.
It is important to use intersex as an umbrella term, rather than hermaphrodite, as the latter carries a history of stigma and misinformation. Additionally, not all intersex people identify as a hermaphrodite and it is therefore consider more politically correct to use the term intersex when referring to this group of people.
What can I use instead of hermaphrodite?
The most appropriate alternate terms to use instead of hermaphrodite are intersex or intersexed person. Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of natural bodily variations that means a person doesn’t fit the typical definitions of male and female.
Generally, a person is considered intersex if they have specific combinations of physical traits at birth, such as chromosomes, hormones, gonads, and internal or external sex organs that are not ‘typical’ female or male.
People with intersex variations may not know they are intersex until puberty, or their physical differences may not be visibly obvious at all. It is important to be respectful of people with intersex variations and use appropriate terms when discussing them.
When did the term intersex replace hermaphrodite?
The term “Intersex” began to replace the outdated and derogatory term “hermaphrodite” in the early 1990s. This was largely due to increasing awareness and understanding of the complexities of sex and gender.
Intersex people are individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy and/or chromosomes that do not fit into the rigid binary of male and female biology.
Intersex people have existed throughout history, and have been recorded by numerous cultures and religions. However, it is only in the past few decades that their unique gender identity has become more widely accepted and understood.
This is due in part to the work of early intersex activists and organizations, who began to advocate for the rights of intersex people in the 1980s. As awareness and understanding of intersex issues increased, the term “Intersex” began to replace the outdated and offensive “hermaphrodite” in the early 1990s.
Today, intersex people are increasingly included in conversations around sex and gender identity. Although there is still work to be done for intersex people to receive full rights and recognition, the fact that the term “Intersex” has replaced “hermaphrodite” is an important step forward in recognizing the complexity and diversity of gender.
