HRC and InterACT Release Guide for Intersex Awareness Day

The Human Rights Campaign has teamed up with InterACT, a leading intersex advocacy group, to honor Intersex Awareness Day, which was October 26. Both groups collaborated on HRC’s new “Understanding the Intersex Community” resource page. The guide answers commonly asked questions, like what it means to be intersex, and which human rights issues impact the community.

The guide also covers whether intersex people are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and how allies can better support them.

“Intersex people often have similar experiences to LGBTQ people and confront many of the same challenges. Some intersex people may also identify as LGBTQ. Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and outdated gender norms underlie many of the issues intersex people face. In recognition of these shared experiences, many advocates use the phrase “LGBTQI” and highlight our common struggle for acceptance.” Answers the guide.

The guide highlights non-consensual intersex surgeries, a key issue among the community. According to the resource page, these medically unnecessary surgeries are often performed on infants to change the appearance of their genitals to fit arbitrary norms. This can have devastating consequences for intersex adults including fertility issues, sexual function, and emotional well-being.

“Most intersex surgeries are performed on children under 2 years old, denying them the opportunity to make important choices about their own bodies. This can leave intersex people with serious lifelong emotional and physical consequences that affect fertility, sexual function, and emotional well-being.” Explains HRC’s guide.

October 26 is recognized as Intersex Awareness Day in order to commemorate the first public demonstration by intersex people back in 1996, according to InterACT. At the time, protestors gathered outside the American Academy of Pediatrics in Boston to denounce non-consensual intersex surgeries on infants.

To learn more about the intersex community check out HRC and InterACT’s guide, which includes a helpful list of 26 ways in which allies can support intersex people, on Intersex Awareness Day.

Related Article: Demystifying what Intersex Is and Isn’t