When Lyss was 11, she was just like any other girl—curious about growing up, eager to know when she’d get her period, and excited for the changes that come with puberty. But when she finally asked her mom about it, she got an answer that turned her world upside down.
In a now-viral TikTok video, Lyss (@intersexwitch) shared the moment she found out she was born intersex—something she had no idea about until that life-altering conversation.
Intersex is a term that describes people born with physical traits that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female, according to Planned Parenthood. It can involve variations in chromosomes, reproductive anatomy, or hormone levels. Often, these differences aren’t even noticeable at birth.
@intersexwitch Lyss has entered the chat #intersex #intersexy💜💛💜 #firstpost #firstpostever ♬ original sound – Lyss | LGBTQIA self love
The Conversation That Changed Everything
Lyss recalled how her mom decided it was time for “the talk.” She expected to learn about periods, tampons, and what to expect as she got older. Instead, she was met with a stark reality she never saw coming.
Sitting at the dining room table with a folder full of medical documents, her mom laid it all out:
“You are biologically male. You’re not going to get a period. You’re not going to have kids. And you are intersex.”
@intersexwitch Replying to @Mabel my story- part 2 #intersex #intersexy💜💛💜 ♬ original sound – Lyss | LGBTQIA self love
Lyss was in shock. The world as she knew it seemed to collapse around her. She described feeling hot and cold at the same time, watching as the wallpaper in the room looked like it was melting.
A Secret She Was Told to Keep
Doctors and her mother advised her to keep it a secret. And for most of her life, she did. But now, she’s sharing her story—openly and unapologetically.
Lyss explained that while she was born with female genitalia, doctors discovered she had undescended internal testes when she underwent surgery for a hernia as a baby. As a result, doctors removed them and put her on hormone replacement therapy at age 11, ensuring she could develop through puberty as a woman.
She also shed light on the fact that many intersex people require hormone therapy since their bodies don’t naturally produce certain hormones needed for overall health, including brain and heart function.
Intersex People Are More Common Than You Think
Though many people assume being intersex is rare, Planned Parenthood estimates that around 1 to 2 in every 100 people in the U.S. are born intersex.
@intersexwitch Replying to @Megan Lee Clamens my story- part 3 #intersex #intersexy💜💛💜 ♬ original sound – Lyss | LGBTQIA self love
However, not all medical interventions—like the surgery Lyss had—are necessary. In many cases, intersex individuals can live healthily without surgeries or hormone therapy, but decisions are often made for them as children before they even understand what it means.
Breaking the Silence
For years, Lyss kept quiet about her truth, believing it was something to hide. But now, she’s speaking up, using her platform to educate and empower others.
Her story is a powerful reminder that identity isn’t always black and white—and that everyone deserves the right to understand and embrace who they truly are.
What do you think about Lyss’s story? Let’s talk in the comments! And if you found this eye-opening, share it with your friends.
