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[[File:Altersex.png|thumb|220x220px|The altersex flag |
[[File:Altersex pride flag.png|thumb|220x220px|The altersex flag]] |
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[[File:Altersexsymbol.png|thumb|220x220px|The altersex symbol]] |
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'''Altersex''' is a catch-all term to describe a state of having primary and secondary sex characteristics that deviate from what would be considered [[Dyadic|dyadic/perisex]], while also not being [[intersex]]. Altersex is intended to be used mostly (but not exclusively) for fictional characters, to describe body plans that are not found naturally in humans. In the case of real people using this as an term, those who have a mental body plan/view of their “true” self that has a body that does not fit traditional human sexes may call themselves altersex, as well as body who have under gone HRT and/or sexual reassignment surgery. Although, the term altersex shouldn't be applied to real people unless they're okay with it. |
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'''Altersex''' is a [[Umbrella|catch-all]] adjective to describe primary and secondary physical [[sex]] characteristics or a combination of that do not align with typical arrangements.<ref name=":0">https://web.archive.org/web/20220130121558/https://web.archive.org/web/20200203031455/https://www.weasyl.com/journal/90896#cid210281</ref> |
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The term is largely intended to describe fictional characters that have a mix of physical sex characteristics, but this usage is not exclusive.<ref name=":0" /> |
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[[Transgender]] people who have gone through HRT or sexual reassignment surgery could be considered altersex, since they aren't intersex, but also also no longer have the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics associated with their assigned sex at birth. For example, if someone goes through surgery and/or HRT their primary and secondary sex characteristics, and chromosomes would no longer cleanly fit into the sex categories of "male" or "female" (in terms of biological sex), and therefore they would not fit the definition of perisex. However, they could not be called intersex because they were not born with these variations. |
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Definitions of altersex have been developed and re-clarified to include individuals who have an internalised view of their desired altersex body or identity, rather than just individuals who physically have said altersex body. This also includes those who experience [[dysphoria]] due to a disconnect with their current body sex, and those who experience [[Genital Euphoria|euphoria]] when considering themselves to be altersex.<ref name=":1">https://www.reddit.com/r/altersex/comments/unmlco/welcome/</ref><ref name=":2">https://pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/161266440525/altersex</ref> |
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In terms of fictional characters altersex can be used to describe characters of a fictional/impossible sex, characters able to shapeshift and change sex characteristics, or when describing sexes which are not found in humans but may be found elsewhere, such as in aliens or different species found on Earth. In these cases the characters may not conform to the human binary sex standard, but this is not due to any variation of intersex. For most of these characters what would be considered a sex variation by humans is considered normal for their species. |
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This definition is often considered especially imperative in advocating the respect for altersex individuals who desire an impossible arrangement of sexual characteristics. Said individuals do not have the option to undergo the desired hormonal therapy or surgical procedures, since said practices are not currently possible, but these individuals are still considered altersex by the developed definition due to their internalised view of oneself.<ref name=":2" /> |
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The term can also be used by people whose ideal body, or the body they imagine themself having does not fit the sex binary. This can include people who wish to medically transition or people whose ideal body is that of a fictional sex or is otherwise not biologically possible of humans. |
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Altersex is also defined as any of the sexes (not individuals themselves) that are neither [[intersex]] nor [[perisex]] (sexes with typical [[binary]] [[male]] or binary [[female]] characteristics).<ref name=":1" /> This specification would mean that conditions such as [[Androgen Resistance|androgen resistance]] would not fall under the altersex umbrella. However an intersex individual may still describe themselves as altersex if they have or desire a differing variation of physical sexual characteristics.<ref name=":2" /> |
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The term was coined to address the usage of “intersex” when describing people and characters who are not actually intersex, but are not perisex either. The term altersex allows for a nonsexualized, nonslur term for these individuals that is neither transphobic or anti-intersex. |
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Some examples of altersex bodies include: |
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Altersex does not imply any specific sex characteristics, just as intersex does not. This allows for privacy of the altersex person and avoids reducing individuals to their genitalia. It is neutral descriptor for any characters and individuals who are not perisex or any variation of intersex. Some altersex individuals/characters may resemble the binary sexes to some degree, but are different. Altersex can describe both a physical body or an internal sex identity, or both. |
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*having both a [[penis]] and a clitoris; |
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*having a penis but no testicles; |
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*having breasts, a penis, testicles, and [[vulva]]; |
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*having a penis that resembles that of an animal's penis; |
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*having alien-like/fantasy/mechanical genitalia instead of typical human genitalia; |
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*having no sexual characteristics at all.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The term was created as being entirely separate from intersex, [[sexual orientation]], and [[gender]] concepts.<ref name=":0" /> |
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Various altersex [[Microlabel|microlabels]] have been created by the queer community to define specific arrangements of sexual characteristics, such as [[angenital]] (lacking any form of genitalia). |
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== History == |
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Altersex was coined by Farorenightclaw on or before May 29, 2017<ref>https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Altersex-683411440?ga_changes=1&ga_submit_new=10%3A1496203972&ga_type=edit</ref>. The flag was designed by Pastelmemer on May 29, 2017. The color meanings are as follows: |
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The concept of altersex was originally coined as demisex on the 23rd of July, 2015 by forum Weasyl user SpottyJaguar.<ref name=":3">https://web.archive.org/web/20220127033646/https://ask-pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/184001186579/hey-im-just-clarifying-that-i-didnt-coin</ref> Altersex was recommended as an alternative name by user farorenightclaw, due to the lexical similarity of demisex with the [[orientation]] [[demisexual]], as well as the meaning of the prefix ''demi'' (''half'') being an inaccurate descriptor.<ref name=":0" /><ref>https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demi-</ref> SpottyJaguar initially defined altersex as:<blockquote>...a catch-all term consisting of ''alter'', meant here as "different" or "another possibility," and ''sex'', referring to physiological primary and secondary sex characteristics. Alterssx<sup>[sic]</sup> is meant to be used largely, but not exclusively, for fictional characters, describing body plans that are a mix of things, rather than the usually-found configurations.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>It was created as a category for non-standard "body plans", including fantastical, imaginary, or physiologically impossible designs. The term was coined to provide additional terminology for fictional characters to establish more effective and direct methods of describing them and their traits, including characters that did not [[transition]] to having their specified anatomy due to always having been altersex. Though it was not explicitly intended for usage by real-world individuals, its applications for [[Wikipedia:Otherkin|otherkin]], [[Sexfluid|sex-fluid]], and other atypical sex minorities were considered equally appropriate. It was also designed to decrease the usage of [[Transphobia|transphobic]] and [[Intersexism|intersexist]] slurs and sexually objectifying terminology (such as [[hermaphrodite]], [[cuntboy]], [[D*ckgirl|dickgirl]], etc.) that were especially present in art created in online spaces at the time.<ref name=":0" /> |
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Some community members expressed concern that the ''altersex'' term was merely a re-branding of transphobia and intersexism, and that a new term being created as an alternative to slurs would not resolve the unaddressed fetishization of individuals with atypical sexual characteristics.<ref name=":0" /> |
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| ⚫ | |||
The definition of altersex was later expanded on by pastelroswell, this definition being published by pride-color-schemes on the 31st of May, 2017.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> |
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==Etymology== |
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The English prefix ''alter'' means "to become different" and "to change the form or structure of".<ref>[[wiktionary:alter#English]]</ref> Other alternative name suggestions include:<ref name=":0" /> |
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*amplisex ([[Wiktionary:ample|ample]] - abundant or bountiful) |
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*hedosex (a sexualised term, ''[[Wikipedia:wikt:Hedone|hēdonē]]'' - pleasure) |
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*[[phantasex]] (fantasy - impossible body plans, [[Wiktionary:phantasy|phantasy]] or [[Wiktionary:phantasm|phantasm]] - having no physical reality) |
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*iridisex ([[Wiktionary:iridescence|iridescence]] - a rainbow and its queer connotations) |
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*liberasex ([[Wiktionary:libera|libera]] - freedom) |
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*metasex ([[Wiktionary:meta-|meta]] - above, beyond) |
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*peransex ([[Wikipedia:wikt:πέρα|πέρᾱ]] - across, beyond) |
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*polysex ([[Wiktionary:poly|poly]] - many sexes, not to be confused with the sexual orientation [https://new.lgbtqia.wiki/wiki/Polysexual polysexual]) |
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*pulchrisex ([[Wiktionary:pulcher|pulcher]] - beautiful) |
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*bisex or binisex ([[Wiktionary:bi-|bi]] - two, not to be confused with the sexual orientation [https://new.lgbtqia.wiki/wiki/Bisexual bisexual]) |
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*duasex or duosex ([[Wiktionary:duo-|duo]] - two, alternative to bisex) |
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*trisex ([[Wiktionary:tri-|tri]] - three) |
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*mutisexual ([[Wiktionary:muto|muto]] - to represent personal desires changing, to alter or change) |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | The altersex flag was created by pastelmemer and published by Tumblr blog pride-color-schemes on the 31st of May, 2017. The mint green stripe represents specific altersex identities (such as angenital and [[salmacian]]), the green hue representing abundance of possibly body types, and the growth of those who physically transition into their true bodies. The blue stripe represents fluid physical sexual characteristics. The white stripe and triangle represents transcendence, as well as bodies that lack any physical sexual characteristics. The purple stripe represents the alternative non-traditional nature of altersex bodies. The pink represents physical sexual characteristics in general.<ref name=":2" /> |
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The altersex symbol was created on the 16th of November, 2022 by Reddit user Intelligent-Ad6222.<ref>https://archive.is/UzVvP</ref> |
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== See Also == |
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* [[Aldernic]] |
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* [[Transsexual]] |
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* [[Altergender]] |
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* [[Salmacian]] |
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== Resources == |
== Resources == |
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<references /> |
<references /> |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Altersex Traits]] |
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[[Category:Identity]] |
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[[Category:Sex Category]] |
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Latest revision as of 10:39, 28 June 2024
Altersex is a catch-all adjective to describe primary and secondary physical sex characteristics or a combination of that do not align with typical arrangements.[1]
The term is largely intended to describe fictional characters that have a mix of physical sex characteristics, but this usage is not exclusive.[1]
Definitions of altersex have been developed and re-clarified to include individuals who have an internalised view of their desired altersex body or identity, rather than just individuals who physically have said altersex body. This also includes those who experience dysphoria due to a disconnect with their current body sex, and those who experience euphoria when considering themselves to be altersex.[2][3]
This definition is often considered especially imperative in advocating the respect for altersex individuals who desire an impossible arrangement of sexual characteristics. Said individuals do not have the option to undergo the desired hormonal therapy or surgical procedures, since said practices are not currently possible, but these individuals are still considered altersex by the developed definition due to their internalised view of oneself.[3]
Altersex is also defined as any of the sexes (not individuals themselves) that are neither intersex nor perisex (sexes with typical binary male or binary female characteristics).[2] This specification would mean that conditions such as androgen resistance would not fall under the altersex umbrella. However an intersex individual may still describe themselves as altersex if they have or desire a differing variation of physical sexual characteristics.[3]
Some examples of altersex bodies include:
- having both a penis and a clitoris;
- having a penis but no testicles;
- having breasts, a penis, testicles, and vulva;
- having a penis that resembles that of an animal's penis;
- having alien-like/fantasy/mechanical genitalia instead of typical human genitalia;
- having no sexual characteristics at all.[1]
The term was created as being entirely separate from intersex, sexual orientation, and gender concepts.[1]
Various altersex microlabels have been created by the queer community to define specific arrangements of sexual characteristics, such as angenital (lacking any form of genitalia).
History
The concept of altersex was originally coined as demisex on the 23rd of July, 2015 by forum Weasyl user SpottyJaguar.[4] Altersex was recommended as an alternative name by user farorenightclaw, due to the lexical similarity of demisex with the orientation demisexual, as well as the meaning of the prefix demi (half) being an inaccurate descriptor.[1][5] SpottyJaguar initially defined altersex as:
...a catch-all term consisting of alter, meant here as "different" or "another possibility," and sex, referring to physiological primary and secondary sex characteristics. Alterssx[sic] is meant to be used largely, but not exclusively, for fictional characters, describing body plans that are a mix of things, rather than the usually-found configurations.[1]
It was created as a category for non-standard "body plans", including fantastical, imaginary, or physiologically impossible designs. The term was coined to provide additional terminology for fictional characters to establish more effective and direct methods of describing them and their traits, including characters that did not transition to having their specified anatomy due to always having been altersex. Though it was not explicitly intended for usage by real-world individuals, its applications for otherkin, sex-fluid, and other atypical sex minorities were considered equally appropriate. It was also designed to decrease the usage of transphobic and intersexist slurs and sexually objectifying terminology (such as hermaphrodite, cuntboy, dickgirl, etc.) that were especially present in art created in online spaces at the time.[1]
Some community members expressed concern that the altersex term was merely a re-branding of transphobia and intersexism, and that a new term being created as an alternative to slurs would not resolve the unaddressed fetishization of individuals with atypical sexual characteristics.[1]
The definition of altersex was later expanded on by pastelroswell, this definition being published by pride-color-schemes on the 31st of May, 2017.[4][3]
Etymology
The English prefix alter means "to become different" and "to change the form or structure of".[6] Other alternative name suggestions include:[1]
- amplisex (ample - abundant or bountiful)
- hedosex (a sexualised term, hēdonē - pleasure)
- phantasex (fantasy - impossible body plans, phantasy or phantasm - having no physical reality)
- iridisex (iridescence - a rainbow and its queer connotations)
- liberasex (libera - freedom)
- metasex (meta - above, beyond)
- peransex (πέρᾱ - across, beyond)
- polysex (poly - many sexes, not to be confused with the sexual orientation polysexual)
- pulchrisex (pulcher - beautiful)
- bisex or binisex (bi - two, not to be confused with the sexual orientation bisexual)
- duasex or duosex (duo - two, alternative to bisex)
- trisex (tri - three)
- mutisexual (muto - to represent personal desires changing, to alter or change)
Flags
The altersex flag was created by pastelmemer and published by Tumblr blog pride-color-schemes on the 31st of May, 2017. The mint green stripe represents specific altersex identities (such as angenital and salmacian), the green hue representing abundance of possibly body types, and the growth of those who physically transition into their true bodies. The blue stripe represents fluid physical sexual characteristics. The white stripe and triangle represents transcendence, as well as bodies that lack any physical sexual characteristics. The purple stripe represents the alternative non-traditional nature of altersex bodies. The pink represents physical sexual characteristics in general.[3]
The altersex symbol was created on the 16th of November, 2022 by Reddit user Intelligent-Ad6222.[7]
See Also
Resources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 https://web.archive.org/web/20220130121558/https://web.archive.org/web/20200203031455/https://www.weasyl.com/journal/90896#cid210281
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.reddit.com/r/altersex/comments/unmlco/welcome/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 https://pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/161266440525/altersex
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://web.archive.org/web/20220127033646/https://ask-pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/184001186579/hey-im-just-clarifying-that-i-didnt-coin
- ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demi-
- ↑ wiktionary:alter#English
- ↑ https://archive.is/UzVvP