What Does Intersex Mean? | InQueery | them.

Summary

The term 'intersex' has evolved significantly over the last century, initially used in the late 1700s and gaining modern recognition through German geneticist Richard Goldschmidt in 1917. Historically, intersex individuals faced discrimination and harmful medical practices, including non-consensual surgeries. The late 1980s marked the rise of the intersex rights movement, advocating for autonomy and the rejection of pathologizing language like 'disorders of sex development.' Recent legislative advances, such as California's resolution against non-consensual medical interventions, reflect ongoing efforts to protect intersex rights. Today, 'intersex' symbolizes a broader human rights issue, challenging outdated medical narratives and promoting bodily integrity.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Intersex is an umbrella term for individuals with variations in their reproductive and sexual anatomy that don't fit typical definitions of male or female.
• 📜 The term 'intersex' has been used since the late 1700s but gained its current meaning in 1917 thanks to geneticist Richard Goldschmidt.
• 🚫 Historically, intersex individuals were often referred to as 'hermaphrodites,' a term now considered derogatory.
• 📉 Intersex people have faced significant discrimination, including historical cases like Herculean Barban, who was forced to live as a man and ultimately took her own life.
• 🧠 In the 1950s, Dr. John Money promoted the idea that intersex children should undergo surgeries to align their bodies with assigned gender roles.
• 🔧 Medical interventions for intersex individuals were often performed without their consent, reflecting a belief that their bodies needed 'normalization.'
• ✊ The intersex rights movement gained momentum in the late 1980s, leading to a reclaiming of the term 'intersex' and a push for bodily autonomy.
• 🗓️ Intersex Awareness Day is observed on October 26th, commemorating the first intersex demonstration in 1996.
• 🎭 Media representations of intersex individuals have evolved, but often include problematic tropes, such as those seen in the book 'Middlesex' and the show 'House.'
• 🛑 Legislation has started to emerge, such as California's resolution in 2018, recognizing non-consensual medical interventions on intersex individuals as a violation of human rights.

Q & A

What does the term 'intersex' refer to?

Intersex is an umbrella term for individuals who have variations in their reproductive and sexual anatomy that differ from traditional definitions of male or female.

How has the understanding of intersex evolved over time?

The term 'intersex' has been in use since the late 1700s, but it was only in 1917 that it began to be used in the context we understand today, thanks to Richard Goldschmidt, who applied it to describe atypical sex characteristics.

What was the historical term used for intersex individuals before 'intersex' became common?

Before 'intersex' became common, individuals with intersex traits were often referred to as 'hermaphrodites,' a term that is now considered derogatory.

What significant case in the 1860s illustrated the discrimination faced by intersex individuals?

The case of Herculine Barbin, an intersex woman who was forced to live as a man and ultimately committed suicide at the age of 30, exemplified the discrimination and societal rejection faced by intersex individuals.

What was Dr. John Money's contribution to the understanding of intersex in the 20th century?

Dr. John Money argued that gender identity was a result of nurture and advocated for surgical alterations in intersex infants to align them with societal gender norms, a practice that later proved to be harmful.

When did the intersex rights movement begin to gain traction?

The intersex rights movement began to gain momentum in the late 1980s, with activists organizing to challenge the stigma and medical practices surrounding intersex individuals.

What is Intersex Awareness Day, and when is it observed?

Intersex Awareness Day is observed on October 26th, commemorating the first intersex demonstration in 1996, aimed at raising awareness about intersex issues and advocating for the rights of intersex individuals.

What criticism did Jeffrey Eugenides' book 'Middlesex' face?

Jeffrey Eugenides' 'Middlesex' faced criticism for fetishizing the experiences of intersex individuals and portraying their shame and suffering in a sensational manner.

What does the term 'disorders of sex development' (DSD) refer to, and why is it controversial?

The term 'disorders of sex development' (DSD) was introduced in medical contexts as a way to describe intersex conditions but is controversial because it frames intersex as a disorder in need of treatment rather than a natural variation.

What legislative progress has been made regarding intersex rights in recent years?

In August 2018, California passed a resolution recognizing that non-consensual medical interventions on intersex individuals are a violation of human rights, marking a significant step forward for the intersex community.