Fact check: Intersex variations counted as third sex in some cultures

1. Summary of the results

While the original statement contains some truth, the reality is more complex. Multiple cultures indeed recognize gender categories beyond the binary, including the hijras in India and the Bugis people in Indonesia ^[1]. However, it's crucial to understand that most intersex individuals actually identify and present as either male or female, and international intersex organizations have explicitly opposed categorizing intersex as a third gender ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• The concept of "third gender" is not a simple addition to binary systems - in many oral societies, gender and body identity are fluid and context-dependent ^[3]
• Legal systems, particularly in Europe, are evolving in their approach to gender recognition, ranging from denial to self-determination ^[4]
• When an "X" marker appears on documents, it typically means "sex could not be determined" rather than representing a third sex category ^[2]
• Many gender systems worldwide include three or more genders, stemming from both traditional cultural practices and modern LGBTQ+ recognition ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement oversimplifies a complex reality and could be misleading in several ways:

• It suggests that intersex variations naturally lead to third gender recognition, when in fact social pressures and medical interventions often push intersex individuals toward binary gender presentation ^[2]
• It fails to acknowledge that most intersex people identify within the gender binary ^[2]
• The statement conflates biological sex variations (intersex) with cultural gender categories, which are distinct concepts ^[3]

This oversimplification benefits:

• Those pushing for simplified narratives about gender diversity without acknowledging the complexities and lived experiences of intersex individuals
• Organizations that might appropriate intersex experiences to advance broader gender identity politics, despite opposition from intersex advocacy groups ^[2]