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[[File:Altersex pride flag.png|thumb|220x220px|The altersex flag]]
[[File:Altersexsymbol.png|thumb|220x220px|The altersex symbol]]
'''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 found in [[mullerian]] ([[female]]) or [[wolffian]] ([[male]]) bodies.<ref name=":0">https://web.archive.org/web/20220130121558/https://web.archive.org/web/20200203031455/https://www.weasyl.com/journal/90896#cid210281</ref><ref name=":1">https://www.reddit.com/r/altersex/comments/unmlco/welcome/</ref>
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" />
Definitions of altersex have been developed and re-clarified to include individuals who have an internalised view of their "true" or desired altersex body, rather than just those 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.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">https://pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/161266440525/altersex</ref> 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" />▼
▲Definitions of altersex have been developed and re-clarified to include individuals who have an internalised view of their
Altersex is also defined as any sexes (not individuals themselves) that are neither [[intersex]] nor [[perisex]] (sexes with typical [[binary]] male or binary female characteristics). This specification would mean that conditions such as [[Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome]] 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" />▼
▲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). This specification would mean that conditions such as [[Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome]] 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" />
Some examples of altersex bodies include:
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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" />
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" /> Even tough these concerns come from real discomfort, online and offline altersex communities often fight against intersexism and transphobia. The common assumption that altersex as a term has always used to fetishize trans and intersex experiences is misinformation.
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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