The term “hermaphrodite” comes from Greek mythology, specifically from the name Hermaphroditus. According to the myth, Hermaphroditus was an exceptionally beautiful youth who was merged into one body with the nymph Salmacis, who fell deeply in love with him. When he resisted her advances, she prayed that they would never be separated and the gods granted her wish by fusing their two forms into a single being with both male and female physical traits.

However, when referring to people, the term is now considered outdated and stigmatizing. The preferred term is “intersex”.

A person might have XY chromosomes (usually associated with males) but develop ovaries or a uterus.

Another might have XX chromosomes (usually associated with females) but have more typically “masculine” hormone levels.

Some people are born with genitalia that appear different from what doctors expect for a male or female.

1–2% of people are born with some form of intersex variation.

The Kamasutra: Downward Dog