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The question of what percentage of people are non-binary at birth—specifically those born with neither, both, or intermediate male and female sex characteristics—requires careful distinction between biological sex and gender identity. The provided context primarily addresses intersex traits (biological sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary classifications) rather than non-binary gender identities (which pertain to self-identified gender, not biological sex). Below is a detailed breakdown:
Understanding the Terminology
- Intersex Traits (Biological Sex Characteristics)
Intersex people are born with sex characteristics (e.g., chromosomes, gonads, or genitals) that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female. This is a biological variation, not a gender identity. For example, some intersex individuals may have ambiguous genitalia, or chromosomes such as XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) or XO (Turner syndrome) [1][3][6].
- Prevalence: Experts estimate that 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits [3], though some sources suggest slightly higher figures (up to 2%) [1]. These variations are natural and occur in all human populations.
- Non-Binary Gender Identity
Non-binary refers to gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. This includes identities such as genderqueer, genderfluid, or “neither” [8][9]. However, non-binary is a gender identity, not a biological trait. It is typically self-identified in adolescence or adulthood, not at birth [10].
Key Clarifications from the Context
- Intersex ≠ Non-Binary: Being intersex does not automatically mean someone identifies as non-binary or transgender. Many intersex people identify as cisgender (their gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth) [1][10].
- Non-Binary ≠ Intersex: Non-binary individuals may have typical male or female sex characteristics. Their identity is unrelated to biological sex [8][9].
- No Direct Data on Non-Binary at Birth: The context does not provide statistics on the percentage of people born with non-binary gender identities. This is because gender identity is not determined at birth but emerges later in life [7][12].
Biological Sex Variations: Intersex Traits
For those born with intersex traits, the biological variations can include:
- Chromosomal differences: Such as XXY (Klinefelter syndrome), XYY, or XO (Turner syndrome) [6].
- Genital differences: Ambiguous genitalia, which may involve a combination of male and female traits (e.g., clitoromegaly, hypospadias) [5][14].
- Hormonal differences: Variations in testosterone or estrogen levels that do not align with typical binary patterns [6].
These traits are not inherently medical issues; surgery or treatment is only necessary in rare cases [5].
Gender Identity Statistics (Not Related to Birth)
While the context does not address non-binary gender identities at birth, it does provide data on transgender and non-binary adults in the U.S.:
- 1.6% of U.S. adults identify as transgender or non-binary (gender differs from the sex assigned at birth) [2].
- 5% of young adults in the U.S. report a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth [2].
Note that these figures reflect self-identified gender in adulthood, not biological sex at birth [7].
Conclusion
The percentage of people born with intersex traits (biological sex variations) is estimated at 1.7% [3], but this is distinct from non-binary gender identities, which are self-identified and not determined at birth. The context does not provide data on non-binary individuals at birth, as gender identity is a social and psychological construct that develops over time. For technical accuracy, it is crucial to differentiate between biological sex (intersex) and gender identity (non-binary).
If further clarification is needed on the distinction between intersex and non-binary identities, or if you seek data on gender identity development, additional context may be required.
https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender-and-non-binary-faq
About 5% of young adults in the U.S. say their gender is different from their sex assigned at birth
https://www.ohchr.org/en/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity/intersex-people
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8040674/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersex
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex
https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/biological-sex-and-gender-united-states
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-binary_gender
https://www.healthline.com/health/nonbinary
Intersex is not a gender identity, and the implications for legislation
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/02/male-and-female-what-is-it-like-to-be-intersex
https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-nonbinary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-binary
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity/whats-intersex
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10265381/
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– Dan
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