"Sex assignment (also known as gender assignment) is the discernment of an infant's sex, usually at birth."
A label assigned to babies based on their visible genitalia at birth, which is often used to determine their gender.
Sex vs. Gender: Understanding the difference between biological sex and gender is fundamental to understanding sex assigned at birth.
Intersexuality: Intersexuality is a condition in which individuals are born with physical and biological characteristics that do not neatly conform to male or female sex categories. Understanding intersexuality is essential for recognizing that the sex binary is not universal.
Transgenderism: A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. Understanding transgenderism is critical to recognizing the validity of different gender expressions.
Cisgenderism: Cisgender refers to someone who identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth. Cisgenderism is a term that describes the societal privilege and power that comes with aligning with the sex assigned at birth.
Nonbinary identities: Nonbinary is an umbrella term for those whose gender identity does not fit into the traditional binary of male and female. Understanding nonbinary identities is crucial to recognizing the spectrum of gender expression.
Gender expression: Gender expression refers to how someone chooses to convey their gender through their behavior, clothing, and physical appearance. Understanding gender expression helps individuals comprehend the diversity of ways that people express their gender identities.
Gender dysphoria: Gender dysphoria refers to the distress and discomfort that some transgender and nonbinary individuals experience due to their gender not aligning with the sex assigned at birth. Understanding gender dysphoria is critical to supporting individuals going through this experience.
Social and legal issues: Understanding the social and legal issues that impact individuals based on their sex assigned at birth is crucial to recognizing and advocating for equality and justice.
male: Male in the context of Gender and Sexuality Studies refers to individuals who are assigned male at birth, based on physical and biological characteristics.
female: The term "female" refers to individuals typically assigned female at birth and is often understood as a social and cultural constructed category associated with femininity.
intersex: Intersex refers to individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of male or female.
"Based on an inspection of the baby's external genitalia by a relative, midwife, nurse, or physician, sex is assigned without ambiguity in 99.95% of births."
"In the remaining cases (1 in 2000), additional diagnostic steps are required and sex assignment is deferred."
"Sex also may be determined prior to birth through prenatal sex discernment."
"The number of births where the baby is intersex—where their sex characteristics do not fit typical definitions of male and female—is estimated to be between 0.018% and 1.7%."
"While some intersex conditions can lead to genital ambiguity (about 0.02% to 0.05% of births)..."
"In others, genitalia can clearly be identified as either male or female. In the latter cases, an intersex condition might not be recognized at birth."
"Generally, parents and society, as well as governments and healthcare systems, assume that a person's gender identity will develop according to the sex assigned at birth."
"...for a significant number, assigned sex and gender identity do not align; a condition known as being transgender or gender non-conforming."
"The sex assignment of an intersex individual may also contradict their future gender identity."
"If available, knowledge about the gender identity that a majority of people with the specific intersex condition develop is considered in sex assignment."
"Assignments might later be adjusted as a person grows up."
"Reinforcing sex assignments through surgical or hormonal interventions without informed consent is considered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to violate the individual's human rights."