What Is Life Like Being Intersex? | DEEP

Summary

The video script tells the story of an intersex individual born with both male and female genitalia. They underwent surgery to close the vagina and live authentically as a man. The speaker shares their journey of self-acceptance, societal reactions, and the importance of being true to oneself. They discuss their experiences with relationships, gender identity, and the impact of their advocacy on raising intersex awareness.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The individual was born with both male and female genitalia, and has undergone surgeries to align their physical appearance with their male identity.
• 🔒 They have always felt more like a man and have lived authentically as such after surgical procedures.
• 👶 Born with an intersex condition, they were assigned female at birth but changed their gender marker to male at age 11.
• 📚 There was a lack of information and understanding about intersex conditions when they were growing up, leading to feelings of alienation.
• 💪 They have a strong sense of self-confidence and self-love, embracing their unique identity.
• 🏋️‍♂️ They were very athletic and participated in various sports, excelling in many areas.
• 👨‍👧 They are a parent, having gone through IVF and pregnancy, and embrace the roles of both father and mother.
• 🏥 They underwent over 200 hours of surgery and chose not to reverse any of the procedures, accepting the changes as part of their journey.
• 💊 They took hormones to deepen their voice and develop facial hair, further aligning with their male identity.
• 🌐 They have used their platform to raise awareness about intersex conditions, contributing to a greater societal understanding and acceptance.
• 🤔 They sometimes experience regret about the surgical decisions, considering the possibility of a more fulfilled life if they had remained female.

Q & A

What condition was the individual born with?

The individual was born with an inverted testicles, a micro penis, and a vagina (HLE).

How did they feel about their body before the surgery?

They compared themselves to a 'Domino's Pizza half and half' due to having both male and female genitalia.

What changes were made to their body?

They had the vagina closed, and they describe living as authentically as possible as a male.

How did they identify after the surgery?

After the surgery, they identified as a man and felt more authentic in their male identity.

What was their experience growing up with this condition?

They felt alienated due to the differences they noticed during puberty, but also developed a strong sense of self-acceptance.

How did their family react to their condition?

Their parents were supportive and allowed them to wear whatever they wanted, not forcing gender-specific clothing.

What challenges did they face in terms of societal understanding?

They faced ignorance and misunderstanding from extended family and society due to lack of awareness about intersex conditions.

How did they deal with the curiosity and questions from others?

They felt it was inappropriate and sexualizing at times but chose to embrace their uniqueness and confidence.

What is their stance on gender roles and expectations?

They reject the concept of 'hyper masculinity' and believe in the freedom to express one's gender identity without societal constraints.

How has their experience influenced their views on sexuality?

They identify as pansexual, stating that love transcends gender, race, and other factors.

What impact has their public advocacy had on the visibility of intersex issues?

They claim to have increased awareness significantly, with a 5% rise in people identifying as intersex since they began speaking out.