Endosex

Endosex refers to individuals whose sex characteristics align with the traditional binary understanding of male or female bodies. This term is often used in contrast to intersex, which refers to individuals who possess physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.

Definition

The term "endosex" is derived from the Greek word "endon," meaning "within" or "inner." It is used to describe individuals who are not intersex. Endosex individuals have reproductive or sexual anatomy that fits the typical definitions of female or male. This can include chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, and anatomy.

Use of the term

The term "endosex" is primarily used within intersex and LGBTQ+ communities and in academic discussions of sex and gender. It is used to highlight the often unexamined norm of having sex characteristics that align with the binary male/female distinction.

Relation to intersex

While endosex individuals have sex characteristics that align with the binary male/female distinction, intersex individuals do not. Intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.

See also

• Intersex
• Sex characteristics
• LGBTQ+