Intersex Humans
Humans reproduce in a way similar to other mammals. About half of us (biological females) have the genetic ability to form eggs, and about half of us (biological males) have the genetic ability to form sperm. Most humans who can form eggs also have the ability to carry a developing human until the time it is ready to be born.
Very rarely, some humans—those who are intersex—carry genetic information that affects their biology such that they cannot reproduce or they have difficulty reproducing. Sometimes these humans have unusual-looking reproductive organs.
The assignment of gender is always mixed up with oppressive messages. What happens to the lovely newborns with unusual-looking reproductive organs? They are typically given radical surgery or drug treatments to make them conform to the expected female or male appearance. Having unusual-looking reproductive organs is not life threatening, but it is treated as if it is—as if it needs drastic intervention. This is always hurtful and installs heavy distresses.
Intersex people are typically regarded as having an LGBQTA [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender, or Asexual] identity. However, the distresses of intersex people are not the same as those carried by LGBQTA people. The distresses of intersex people are caused by early, drastic medical or surgical interventions, justified by the rare, random, unusual appearance of some reproductive organs.
We can discharge on the following:
- Feelings and confusions about the appearance of reproductive organs
- Attachment to our gender identity and that of others
- Feelings and beliefs about genital surgery done on infants and young children
In the absence of sexism and male domination we would welcome all human infants to full human lives, no matter what they look like.