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The harmful practices against Intersex infants

Intersex

This general term is used when an infant is born with atypical genitalia or reproductive system that does not fall under societal norms of male or female.

(Collins, 2016)

Why is it an issue?

It is common practice for doctors to allow and perform reassignment surgeries before the child is old enough to consent. This is not deemed as a medical risk but rather a cosmetic operation. What doctors don't consider is, what happens when the child turns into an adult. Many intersex people claim to begin their adolescence by experiencing self-autonomy issues that don't align with the gender assignment that was chosen for them. The procedure only changes the physical genitalia and fails to evaluate the main reproductive hormones that deal with all the other physical and psychological characteristics that make either a male or female. This leads to feelings of low self-worth and increased risks of depression and suicide attempts. According to The Trevor Project, "2 out of 3 intersex youth reported symptoms of major depressive disorder in the past two weeks and 19% of intersex youth attempted suicide in the past 12 months" (Price et al., 2021). If intersex policy reform is not taken seriously we will continue to lose the fight for intersex right to a fulfilling life.

How to stand up for intersex people?

The medical community has been disregarding the effects of infant intersex surgeries for too long. It is unnecessary to perform infant intersex surgeries. What should happen is to promote further research on the conditions of intersex characteristics. This movement will empower intersex self-autonomy and mental health. Intersex infants deserve the right to govern their own bodies and live the lives they choose once they are old enough to decide. Creating a safe environment for diversity and educating on intersex will generate inclusivity, and bodily integrity, and prevent violence and harassment. People who are born intersex should not feel like they are alone which results in poor mental health conditions.

Visit InterAct website to learn more about intersex and how to participate in their mission of using "innovative legal and other strategies, to advocate for the human rights of children born with intersex traits" (InterAct, n.d.).

Sources:

Collins, Jun [@CollinsJun_]. (2016, Dec 12). Infographic class IS folk are heavily marginalized against and this is very important to talk abt [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/CollinsJun_/status/808542377040289792?cxt=HHwWgICxlcLAwrgWAAAA

Mission statement . InterACT - advocates for intersex youth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://interactadvocates.org/about-us/mission-history/

Price, M.N., Green, A.E, DeChants, J.P, & Davis, C.K. (2021).The mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youth who are intersex. New York, New York: The Trevor Project.

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Give Intersex babies the right to grow up and decide their own gender assignment!

Intersex

This general term is used when an infant is born with atypical genitalia or reproductive system that does not fall under societal norms of male or female.

(Collins, 2016)

Why is it an issue?

It is common practice for doctors to allow and perform reassignment surgeries before the child is old enough to consent. This is not deemed as a medical risk but rather a cosmetic operation. What doctors don't consider is, what happens when the child turns into an adult? Many intersex people claim to begin their adolescence with experiencing self autonomy issues that don't align with the gender assignment that was chosen for them. The procedure only changes the physical genitalia and fails to evaluate the main reproductive hormones that deal with all the other physical and psychological characteristics that make either a male or female.

How to stand up for intersex people?

By bringing awareness to the medical community, it will hopefully stop unnecessary infant intersex surgeries and motivate further research on the conditions of intersex characteristics. This movement will empower intersex self autonomy and mental health. Intersex infants deserve the right to govern their own body and live their lives they choose once they are old enough to decide. By creating a safe environment for diversity and educating on intersex will generate inclusivity, bodily integrity, and prevent violence and harassment.

Visit InterAct website to learn more about intersex and how to participate in their mission of using "innovative legal and other strategies, to advocate for the human rights of children born with intersex traits" (InterAct, n.d.).

Sources:

Collins, Jun [@CollinsJun_]. (2016, Dec 12). Infographic class IS folk are heavily marginalized against and this is very important to talk abt [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/CollinsJun_/status/808542377040289792?cxt=HHwWgICxlcLAwrgWAAAA

Mission statement . InterACT - advocates for intersex youth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://interactadvocates.org/about-us/mission-history/