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Gametes cannot be used to create a sex binary in humans, because no gametes can be present along with ambiguous or mixed gonadal tissue. When this happens, other sex markers have to be considered, none of which are binary.

The need to use other biological markers for sex identification in people with no gametes and ambiguous/mixed gonads confirms sex is composed of a mosaic of traits.

Other critical sex markers beyond gametes include: gonads, genitals, chromosomes, sex hormones, and secondary characteristics, such as breasts, body hair, and facial hair.

Because other sex traits do not always match gametes, believing in a gamete “sex binary” means you will assign some individuals with vaginas and breasts as “Male” and some people with a penis and facial hair as “Female”.

This can occur with CAIS, high-grade PAIS, CAH, 5-ARD, and a variety of other conditions. This willingness is surprisingly progressive!

Gametes are not used to “sex” people in any of the 195 countries worldwide. No government or military ID worldwide has ever been issued based on gamete type.

The presence of a Y chromosome does not make someone male, because it is not the Y chromosome but the genes it often (but not always) contains that influence male sexual development.

When the genes encoding male sexual development cross-over to an X chromosome, you get XX (“chromosomally female”) individuals who proceed along male developmental pathways.

When the genes encoding male sexual development mutate or are deleted, you get XY (“chromosomally male”) individuals who proceeds along female developmental pathways.

All of the sex chromosome sets (including XX and XY) can mix-and-match with other sexual characteristics—such as genitals, gonads, and secondary sexual characteristics—to create a mosaic of sexual traits. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) determined in 1999 that the Y chromosome was “inconclusive” at sex determination.