Being a hermaphrodite is not the same as being a transsexual. Transsexuals are people who feel they have been born into the wrong body or sex. There is nothing ambiguous about their physical body as with hermaphrodites. While they both may decide to switch genders later on, transsexuals are born with clearly defined male or female reproductive sex organs.

Intersex is the new term activists are trying to persuade society to use. Intersex people do not have two full sets of reproductive organs and they cannot impregnate themselves. Activists are trying to get rid of the term “hermaphrodite” because it has negative associations. Experts stress that hermaphroditism isn’t a disease; it’s just an instance of body differences.

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