What does it mean?

“Natal” is an outdated medical term used to describe the sex you were assigned at birth.

In almost all cases where this term could be used, it is better to use AFAB, AMAB, or intersex instead. These words have far fewer problems associated with them.

This term can can:

• be used to imply some people are “fake”
• invalidate the identities of intersex people

This term is now falling out of use. It is strongly recommended that you do not use this term to describe other people unless you are absolutely sure they are happy for you to do so, and that other people around you will not be upset by it.

History focused

"Natal" is a word that describes people using their history.

Words like this can:

• make it visible that people in that situation are able to make changes
• make it visible that people in that situation are allowed to make changes

However, words like this can also:

• help create an expectation that people’s history is public and not private
• give the impression that someone was not always their current gender

Think carefully before using this word to describe someone or a group of people - they may not wish to be described that way.

Errors and omissions

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