I am intersex: ask me anything.

[MsXY]

Happy to answer any questions, no matter how personal.

As you have a Y chromosome do you have higher levels of testosterone than an XX female?

No, because chromosomes don't produce hormones.

As a feminist I reject the concept of gender I only accept biological sex. As you are XY you are therefore male to me.

As an intersex woman I reject the concept of someone who clearly doesn't understand much about biology (or indeed feminism) dictating what my sex is.

Stinkywink That's so rude! MsXY is laying herself open here and does not need to be attacked like that. This is a totally different situation to what's happening with trans people and should not be conflated.

The clue is in the title, Stinkywink; OP is intersex. Not the male sex. And I say that as a GC feminist, because intersex conditions are biological reality and have nothing to do with the made-up concept of gender.

Thanks for some interesting answers, OP.

May I ask... does Swyer syndrome mean that you didn’t produce hormones? Or did but were insensitive to them. Did you have to take female hormones to go through puberty, and will you be on hormones for life? You mentioned osteoporosis - are there other likely side effects to your condition or treatment?

And thank you, MsXY for being open to questions, it’s very helpful.

But what makes you different from any other biological male who identifies as a woman?

Seriously?
Born with a vagina, rather than a penis. Hence (again, clue in the title) intersex.

But what makes you different from any other biological male who identifies as a woman? When you are not a woman?

Well possibly the fact that I have breasts, a vagina, a uterus, no penis and no testicles.

Not quite sure what you're trying to prove...

As a feminist I reject the concept of gender I only accept biological sex. As you are XY you are therefore male to me

As a person, I think you’re being cunty. Back in your box.

This is a really interesting post, thank you for being so open OP.

@Stinkywink - I suggest you go away and do some reading on intersex before you make yourself look anymore stupid

Stinkywink you are as offensive as you are dim.
I’ve reported you

May I ask... does Swyer syndrome mean that you didn’t produce hormones? Or did but were insensitive to them. Did you have to take female hormones to go through puberty, and will you be on hormones for life? You mentioned osteoporosis - are there other likely side effects to your condition or treatment?

Yes, no sex hormones were produced because my ovaries didn't develop, so no puberty until hormone treatment starts and I will have to take HRT until menopause age. No other side effects I'm aware of.

I’ve reported stinky too. Let’s confine the anti trans sentiment to Feminism Chat and not conflate with intersex

Do you have a uterus?

Thank you for this open and educational thread. I've learnt a lot.

This is really interesting. My dad had a sibling, who didn't survive infancy, who was intersex (registered male on birth certificate), yet it is something I know very little about. I have just read the wiki page on swyers syndrome, and it was really interesting.

@stinkywink I would recommend reading the pathogenesis section on the wiki page, it might enlighten you somewhat.

OP do you have any male physical traits, ie. Taller than you might be expected to be, compared to other females in you family?

Thank you for sharing Mrs XY.
Stinkywink you are ignorant in the face of information. I would have reported you if it had not already happened.

OP has said she has a uterus

Yes, I have a uterus - for all the good it has done me...

Do you have any male physical traits, ie. Taller than you might be expected to be, compared to other females in you family?

This is actually a misconception. The extra height typical of Swyer's is not a male trait per se, but derives from absence of puberty which means that growth can continue for longer. Swyer's women do not have male traits as they do not produce testosterone.

Blimey you did say that already (uterus) -sorry

The height due to pubertal absence thing is interesting. I'd never have guessed that that is an outcome.

Oooh - do your adrenal glands function 'normally' ie making a v v small amount of testosterone amongst other hormones?

Oooh - do your adrenal glands function 'normally' ie making a v v small amount of testosterone amongst other hormones?

Finally a question I'm going to have to pass on! I don't know, although I'm not aware of their not functioning normally.

Thanks OP. This is super informative!

This is genuinely interesting and I'm really glad you've come forward.

Has been intersex caused you physical problems other than not going through puberty naturally? And can you remember what it was like when you first found out? I assume it would be very difficult news to process as a teenager. I hope you had good support through that period of your life.