Intersex individuals are born with biological sex characteristics like chromosomes, anatomy, hormones, genitalia and reproductive organs that do not fit a male or female binary definition. It does not refer to sexual orientation or sexual identity.
Only about 1.7% are born intersex and they are grouped in the category of LGBTQI. In the U.S., intersex persons are protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act although many do not consider intersex as a disability that requires medicalization. It is intended to end shame, secrecy and unnecessary genital surgeries.
Today is Intersex Awareness Day and commemorates the anniversary of the first public demonstration by intersex activists in North America on October 26, ’96. They were protesting the non-consensual, medically unnecessary genital surgeries done on children and infants by doctors who made these decisions. It was common practice by the American Academy of Pediatric Conference in Boston.
Every year a this time, Intersex Awareness Day educates the world so its citizens know that
- Intersex is about anatomy and pride.
- It should not be left off birth registries.
- It should not cause bullying and exclusion in school.
- The informed decision to operate, if at all, should be made about one’s own body.
- For more facts, see interACT.
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
