Woman who found out she was male at birth inspires millions with her journey

Society may have assigned gender based on a person's anatomy for a long time, but with time people have realized that gender has little to do with biology. The way society has shaped a perception around it, could leave a child confused after finding out that they weren't born of the same gender that they identify as. That was the case for a New York-based wellness and somatics enthusiast Lyss, who goes by @intersexwitch on TikTok. Turns out that she was biologically male and didn't know about it until she was 11 years old. Lyss shared how she learned the truth behind her identity from her mother and the video decribing that moment from garnered more than 4.8 million views. 

As the video began, Lyss told her followers about the shocking revelation her mom made when she was 11 years old. "What? I don't look like a biological male to you?" Lyss asked jokingly. She then explained how "the talk" with her mom went back then, leaving Lyss puzzled. When her mom said that it was about her periods, Lyss couldn't be more curious. She was too excited to know when she was going to get her first period, when her body was going to become more feminine or when she would get to use tampons.

But the excitement soon vanished when her mom told her that none of those things would happen. The serious talk at the dining room table included some medical documents revealing that Lyss was biologically male. "You're not going to get a period. You're not going to have kids and you are intersex," Lyss' mom told the 11-year-old. This moment was absolutely life-changing for Lyss and she felt perplexed. At that moment, she felt as though the wallpaper on the wall was "starting to melt off." Lyss added, "I was sweating and freezing and the entire world as I knew it completely crumbled."

After this revelation, Lyss' mom and even the doctor suggested that this "intersex" situation be kept a secret. For most of her life, Lyss listened to this advice and lived like any other woman. But as an adult, Lyss found her calling and started to work on her mental healing, as per her website. She had embraced her gender identity and the fact that she was born with undeveloped male reproductive organs. Her TikTok handle chronicles her lifestyle as an intersex person and Lyss has now become a flag-bearer of self-love. This viral video inspired many on the internet and people appreciated Lyss' efforts to enlighten people on her intersex lifestyle.

"You're freaking awesome! There is almost no intersex representation. Somewhere, some child is comforted by knowing they aren't alone. Thank you," said @akamonicow. "Every time I have a conversation about gender, I mention intersex and their arguments fall apart. You are brave. Thank you for sharing," lauded @piratevirus. "I'm embarrassed to admit I learned what intersex was very late into adulthood and I'm mortified how many people don't understand. Thank you for sharing," chimed in @chantel.alyssa. "Finally, someone willing to share their story to create a platform for intersex people," added @itsacuteangle_.

You can follow Lyss (@intersexwitch) on TikTok for more content on the intersex lifestyle.