What is the I in 2SLGBTQAI+
Do you know what the I in 2SLGBTQAI+ stands for? It is for Intersex. Do you know what Intersex is? In recognition of Intersex Awareness Day on October 26th, over the next few days we would like to help explain what being intersex is and what it is not. Let’s start with a general explanation for today. In the following days, we will give information on several of the diagnoses and resources for support and or more information. Some diagnoses are nothing more than not fitting into societal norms related to their genitalia.
Like the general population, not all intersex persons identify with the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. However, many intersex persons have experienced discrimination, gender injustice, and inferior medical treatment, like many in the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Aligning with this community helps raise our voices as we work together to bring fundamental human rights to intersex people.
Per the 4Intersex.org website, Intersex refers to people who are born with any of a range of biological sex characteristics that may not fit typical notions about male or female bodies. Variations may be in their chromosomes, genitals, or internal organs like testes or ovaries. Some intersex traits are identified at birth, while others may not be discovered until puberty or later in life. People with intersex traits have always existed, but there is more awareness now about the diversity of human bodies.
People who are intersex are more common than you think! Experts estimate that as many as 1.7% of people are born with intersex traits – about the same number who are born with red hair. I am guessing you have at least seen someone with red hair. People with intersex traits aren’t all the same, and some people may not even know they are intersex without genetic testing (this may happen, for example, with athletes). Intersex people are not that uncommon — they just have been mostly invisible. But that is changing.
People with intersex bodies, like anyone who may be seen as different, sometimes face discrimination, including in healthcare settings (as early as infancy). Intersex children are at risk for medically unnecessary interventions and surgeries without their consent. Please continue reading by following this link to the whole pdf. https://4intersex.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/4intersex-101.pdf