Intersex Awareness
If the term intersex is unfamiliar to you, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware that the “I” in LGBTQIA+ stands for intersex. Unfortunately, myths surrounding intersex individuals perpetuate stigma and silence around a term that should be embraced. Being intersex is more common than one might think; it’s as prevalent as having red hair.
What Is Intersex?
Intersex refers to a natural biological variation where individuals do not fit typical definitions of male or female. This can manifest in numerous ways, such as ambiguous genitalia or differences in chromosomes, gonads, hormones, or secondary sexual traits. It’s important to recognize that sex exists on a spectrum, and many intersex individuals may not even be aware of their intersex status until puberty. According to estimates, about 1 in 100 babies born in the U.S. are intersex, and approximately 2% of the global population shares this characteristic. For context, the same percentage of people have green eyes. Just as we wouldn’t change hair or eye color to conform to majority standards, we should rethink unnecessary surgical alterations to intersex children to fit societal norms.
The Reality of Medical Interventions
In some cases, a child may have male chromosomes and internal testes but present with female genitalia. To align the child’s body with an assigned gender, parents may be pressured into consenting to surgeries. Such was the case for intersex advocate Jamie Rivers, who, as a child, underwent multiple surgeries to “normalize” their body. Now, they live with both physical and emotional scars that stem from those procedures. Often, these surgeries are not medically necessary, and many intersex individuals remain unaware of their conditions due to hidden medical records.
Activists, including Rivers, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and various medical organizations, are pushing for an end to these surgeries. Some healthcare professionals fail to provide non-surgical alternatives or suggest unnecessary procedures, claiming that they are preventing psychological trauma by “normalizing” intersex bodies.
A New Perspective
When Krista Lane discovered her child, now 12-year-old Alex, was intersex at just seven weeks old, she faced pressure to perform surgeries aimed at reinforcing a female identity. However, she chose to decline these recommendations. Alex is now healthy and identifies as intersex and non-binary, using they/them pronouns. This approach has allowed Alex to explore their identity without the constraints of imposed labels. The focus should be on providing children with information and agency over their own bodies, rather than rushing to alter them.
The I in LGBTQIA+
The LGBTQIA+ acronym seeks to encapsulate diverse marginalized voices, including intersex individuals. While many recognize the first four letters—lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender—the “Q” represents queer or questioning. A stands for asexual, with the “+” symbolizing various other identities outside the traditional heteronormative framework.
While some debate the inclusion of the “I,” advocates like Sam Carter emphasize the importance of visibility and solidarity in addressing discrimination and medicalization issues faced by intersex individuals. It’s crucial to remember that intersex identities intersect with other aspects of identity, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status. For Alex, the inclusion in this acronym means they are recognized for their full identity.
The conversation about intersex individuals and their rights is ongoing. More parents are choosing to forgo unnecessary surgeries on their intersex children, but education and advocacy are essential in creating a supportive environment. As Krista advises prospective parents of intersex children, it’s vital to learn from intersex individuals and support their journey without imposing outdated norms.
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Summary
Intersex individuals represent a naturally occurring variation in human biology, yet significant misunderstanding and stigma persist. Many intersex children undergo unnecessary surgeries that can lead to lasting physical and emotional harm. Advocates are calling for an end to these practices in favor of allowing children to define their identities. The inclusion of intersex in the LGBTQIA+ acronym highlights the need for visibility and support. Educating ourselves on these issues is crucial for fostering a more inclusive society.