ABSTRACT
A “true” hermaphrodite, that is, an organism born with a complete set of male and female sexual organs, exists only among other species such as the earthworm. A male hermaphrodite is identified by the presence of internal testes, and a female hermaphrodite has internal ovaries, regardless of external genitalia. Despite the reality that there is no such thing as a “hermaphrodite” among humans, the possibility of embodying both sexes is a powerful fantasy. The image of the hermaphrodite that is prevalent in so many religions symbolises spiritual unity between opposites and completeness or inner harmony. While the symbol of the hermaphrodite is fascinating because it breaks the boundaries of nature, its reality is horrifying for the same reasons. Gender identity provides us with the most basic guide as to how we relate to others, while it also affects the way in which we experience ourselves and our own gender identity.
