Intersex Fandom
| Related terms: | Disability and Fandom, Disability in Fanworks, Queer Fandom, Trans Characters in Fandom, Transfic, Genderfuck |
| See also: | Futanari |
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Many people active in fandoms have conditions that fall under the intersex umbrella; that is, having physical sex characteristics that deviate from the male/female binary of most individuals.
The term 'hermaphrodite' is sometimes used within both canon works and fanworks as a substitute for intersex, though it's considered a misleading, antiquated, and offensive term by the intersex community.
Canon Representation
- Amy Andrews from Freaks and Geeks is canonically intersex, and this revelation formed part of the plot of an episode.[1]
- Vincent Benítez from Conclave is canonically intersex.[2]
- Stevonnie from Steven Universe is a fusion of the male Steven and the female Connie. Stevonnie uses singular they pronouns in the show, and a commercial/PSA shows them as identifying as intersex and nonbinary.[3]
- Elphaba Thropp is implied to be intersex in the Wicked novel.[4]
Fandom
Terminology
Hermaphrodite
The term hermaphrodite is generally considered to be offensive and outdated within the modern intersex community, as well as scientifically inaccurate, though its historical use has overlap. In fiction, the term hermaphrodite, especially before intersex terms became more known, often involved alien species having atypical genitalia or sex characteristics in comparison with humans, in addition to the biologically accurate use for organisms with male and female gametes.
- Bel Thorne - a Betan hermaphrodite who uses it/its pronouns.
- Alpha Centauri - Iconic Doctor Who alien known for their voice, being a "hermaphrodite hexapod", and looking a bit like a one-eyed penis.
Misuse of the term intersex in fandom
- https://visceracture.tumblr.com/post/764693719917232128
- https://www.tumblr.com/status-quo-hater/759328747709235200
- https://www.tumblr.com/ugly-anarchist/759462693097914368
- https://old.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/comments/1gowq39/concerning_the_intersex_omega_tag_on_ao3/
- https://www.tumblr.com/roachliquid/758386232352030720
- https://www.tumblr.com/wtchgrrl/785161584455663616
Example Fanworks
-
Pride Gyaos (Feb 2023) by AlmightyRayzilla, featuring the Gyaos from Gamera: Guardian of the Universe.
References
- ^ "The Little Things." Freaks and Geeks, Season 1, Episode 17, written by Jon Kasdan & Judd Apatow & Mike White, directed by Jake Kasdan, NBC, July 8, 2000.
- ^ Revelar Sarza, Ralph. What Conclave teaches about trans acceptance, Out, 23 April 2025 (Accessed 28 October 2025)
- ^ Ermac, Raffy. Cartoon Network Just Confirmed This Steven Universe Character Is Intersex, Pride.com, 26 June 2019 (Accessed 28 October 2025)
- ^ Factora, James. Is Elphaba Really Intersex? Explaining the Fan Theory From the Original Wicked Book, Them, 25 November 2024 (Accessed 28 October 2025)