In recent years, the term intersex has obtained an ever greater echo. This is a condition in which i sexual characteristics do not fall within the traditional classification of "male body" and "female body". To today, in the world, to be intersex is the'1,7% of the world population, a percentage that corresponds to 30 million people. This figure, certainly not indifferent, makes it more urgent than ever to start a awareness process on the topic and open a space in which legitimize intersexuality and share correct information about. In this regard, let's find out together everything there is to know aboutintersex!
The meaning of intersex
Intersexuality is an umbrella term that indicates the presence of variations in sexual characteristics level genetic, chromosomal, anatomical and hormonal. Despite the complexity of the concept, in recent years it has been possible to clarify its meaning above all thanks to the studies and research of Anne Fausto-Sterling, professor of biology and gender studies for ISNA (North American intersex society). A person is defined intersex when characterized by some anomalies concerning those elements of the body recognized as "sexual", Which chromosomes, genitals, gonads (testicles and ovaries), genetic markers, hormones, reproductive organs and aspects of secondary sex such as beard and hair. Addressing this issue, theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that, in general, the body of intersex people "does not correspond to the typical definition of male or female bodies", therefore, it is not possible to trace intersex to traditional binary classification "male" and "female".
Intersexuality it is already attestable from birth, when determined by evident biological alterations regarding the sexual sphere (for example: obvious discrepancies in the genitals), or from puberty, where this condition affects the hormonal behavior of the person concerned. Moreover, they even exist invisible forms of intersex, such as that chromosomal, for the recognition of which are urgent determined medical exams.
Intersex is not a sexual orientation
There is no link between intersex and sexual orientation of a person. Individuals who recognize themselves in this condition can be heterosexuals, Homosexuals, bisexuals, pansexuals, monogamy, asexual, poly-amorous o queer regardless of one's intersexuality. However it can happen that one intersex person experience over the years a number of trauma e hardships due, for example, to regular medical checks, humiliations and interventions by medicalization more or less forced and that this negatively affects the quality of your sex life. In this case, the'intersex may feel held back by live your sexuality freely since conditioned by a long series of stereotypes e prejudices who targeted him from an early age.
What is the relationship between intersex and gender identity?
As with sexual orientation, theasexuality it has no impact on gender identity. In this sense, the intersex people, like everyone, they can be cis-gender and, consequently, to recognize themselves in the sex assigned to them at birth, or transgender, understanding their gender identity as the opposite of the one they were born with. Again, the intersex person it may encounter or, worse, collide with some inconveniences in the course of its own identity development because of the categorizations imposed on him by the society, of the doctors and Parents who struggle to conceive everything that eludes the binary division between masculine and feminine.
Being intersex does not mean being sick
Although sometimes hormonal imbalances, it is urgent to reiterate that intersex is not a disease and this is a concept that deserves our full attention. Because of misconceptions and a little information in this regard, there are not a few people, including doctors, who still believe they are dealing with one pathology. Nothing more wrong. A intersex person is not a sick person since theintersex does not compromise in no way his health state. On the contrary, a distorted view of this kind can seriously harm the psycho-physical health of the people involved and trigger moles parents of intersex children a series of unfounded fears which can result in attitudes wrong and repressive with respect to this condition.
The difficulties of intersexuals
There are several difficulties is the intersexual is forced to face in the course of his own life, sometimes even at the time of birth. There are not rare cases in which, you find certain genital anomalies, the doctors submit i intersex children a surgeries rather invasive in an attempt to "correct them”And reinsert them within the traditional" male "-" female "sexual scheme. Despite this, it can happen that, once they grow up, these people still keep theirs intersex, manifesting sexual attitudes and characteristics Typical of the opposite sex and thus making the operations and the heavy hormone treatments administered to them without consent. This therapeutic persistence, together with stigma that intersexuals live daily on their own skin, even in the family, they can seriously harm their health e psychic stability, making a condition unnecessarily burdensome which, on the contrary, should be accepted willingly.
Accepting intersexuality: a necessary path
THEintersex must be accepted as integral part of one's being and as a peculiarity not to be ashamed of, but, on the contrary, be proud. As trivial as it may sound, it is important that this message is reaffirmed and received by everyone since, still today, the intersex people they are often victims of offenses and inappropriate comments that hinder its acceptance process. Once you have become aware of your condition, it is necessary open up and talk about it with people you really trust and don't feel judged by. Sometimes, however, it is necessary ask for help, addressing to psychotherapists specialists or by subscribing to support groups to share your own with discomfort and find the empathy you need. If you are intersex or know someone who is, always remember that what undermines a person's health is not intersexuality, but mental closure of those around her.
Article source Alfeminile
