DSD Families
A UK charity, founded by two parents in 2011, supporting young people and families affected by differences of sex development.
Intersex people
What intersex means, how it differs from trans, UK support charities and local health services.
Intersex people are born with physical sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormones, internal organs or genitals, that don't fit typical definitions of male or female. There are many different intersex variations. Some are noticed at birth, some at puberty, and some never.
Doctors often use the term differences of sex development (DSD). Some people prefer that, some prefer intersex, and some use neither. Use the words each person uses.
Intersex, gender and sexuality
Intersex is about the body. It is not the same as being trans, and it says nothing about who someone is attracted to.
- Most intersex people identify as men or women; some are non-binary.
- Many intersex people are straight. A straight intersex person is part of the intersex community because of their body, not their orientation.
- Some intersex people are also trans, gay, bi or lesbian.
Support in the UK
There is no intersex or DSD group in Blackpool. National charities offer peer support, much of it online.
Interconnected UK
Peer support, awareness and advice for intersex people, people with variations in sex characteristics and their loved ones.
- DSD Families, founded in 2011 by parents, supports young people and families, with a youth programme and access to psychologists.
- Interconnected UK offers peer support for intersex people and their loved ones.
Health care
Specialist DSD care is provided by NHS teams at regional centres; your GP can refer you. For everyday health care in Blackpool:
Blackpool and Lancashire Sexual Health Service (Whitegate)
The NHS sexual health service for Blackpool and Lancashire, with its main Blackpool clinic at Whitegate Health Centre.
Horizon LGBTQ+ at Renaissance
The Rainbow Quarter's LGBTQ+ health centre, offering sexual health clinics, rapid testing, HIV support, counselling and harm reduction on Dickson Road.
If you also identify as trans or non-binary, the Phoenix Clinic and the gender outreach drop-in are open to you. See trans support.
Talking it through
Finding out you're intersex, especially as an adult, can raise a lot of questions about your body, your health and your past care.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
A free national listening and information line, by phone, chat and email, staffed by LGBTQIA+ volunteers.
Samaritans Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre
The local branch of Samaritans, part of the free, confidential listening line open 24 hours a day on 116 123.
Awareness dates
- Intersex Awareness Day: 26 October.
- Intersex Day of Remembrance (Solidarity): 8 November.
The intersex flag is yellow with a purple circle.
More
Sources
Bodies and expression: more pages
Cross-dressersThe Renaissance group, friendly stays, nights out, venue policies and the old clinical terms.Transvestite and dual-role transvestismWhat the old terms meant, why medicine dropped them, and where cross-dressers find support today.Every identityThe full list, the long acronyms and UK law.