I’m finding that one of the surreal parts of the intersex experience in the 2020s is how in the current moral panic about trans people there’s this discussion about biologial sex that seems to entirely forget that intersex people exist.
Like on one hand I am super relieved to not be facing the hypervisibility that trans people are facing. Props to my trans bretheren who are out there, existing, despite it all.
And on the other hand when the Discourse starts talking about biological sex as though intersex people don’t exist… it hurts?
Writing this after I just watched Yet Another Thoughtful, Overly-Patient Youtube Video Essay about why terfs are wrong about “biological sex”… that also failed to acknowledge the intersex elephant in the corner. And it just keeps happenening and I don’t get it?
I don’t know why trans people don’t engage with the intersex community. We share so many issues and can offer complimentary perspectives. This is a legit ask if anybody has real insights!
But as to why it hurts… I think one of the things that suck about being intersex is the isolation and invisibility of being intersex while, ironically, it not actually being that rare. We’re not a well-mobilized community. We’re too often off feeling our individual traumas are individual, rather than social.
Doctors and other gatekeepers have long been working to uphold a cisheteronormative standard and keeping intersex invisible is part of the hegemony. A good fraction of posts on intersex forums basically boil down to “Am I one of you? Does this mean I’m not alone?” but are instead framed as “I think/have these variations/diagnosis, am I intersex enough to be here?”
And so when there’s an actual discussion happening about biological sex and how it’s actually super complicated, it hurts to get excluded, because it feels like such a lost opportunity to let intersex people out there know that we exist, that we’re here, that they don’t have to be alone, that if we got together we could organize for the protections we deserve.
Probably/definitely selfish of me to be asking this of trans activists but definitely wondering how to improve the narrative to foster more solidarity.
A great way to celebrate intersex people during pride is to put up some of these beautiful (free!) posters to advocate for ending intersex surgery. Wheatpaste them around your city, put them up in your workplace and school, pass them out at pride events–the sky is the limit! Intersex people deserve to be celebrated during pride and we deserve allies who are willing to fight for our rights. It’s especially crucial this year, with so many bills being passed targeting intersex youth.
Our body is our home. We will spend our whole life in it. It is an amazing, mysterious and wonderful thing. And everyone should have the freedom to be their own boss over their body! Or their own best body buddy. What ever you prefer. ❤ Your body should belong to you and no one else! No one else should be able to decide what is best for your body! You deserve bodily autonomy! Your body belongs to you! And we have to keep fighting for it! We have little to loose and so much to gain!
I’m doing these weekly BoPo illustrations for free in order to help others and to spread positivity. So please consider supporting me on Patreon. :,) www.patreon.com/bopolena Thank you.
This is image 27 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
This is image 25 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
Intersex rights are human rights! Listen to intersex people and what they have to say! Treat them with respect, their experiences are important and valid! And stop surgeries on intersex babies! Thanks.
This post is connected to my last one. But here’s a short summary for you: No unnecessary surgeries on intersex babies! Let intersex babies be intersex! They don’t need to be “fixed”! And their genitals are fine the way they are! We don’t need no cisheteronormative genital mainstreaming! All private parts are different and unique - and that’s awesome and beautiful!!!
This is image 23 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
I already said it once but I’m gonna say it again: here and now, in our time and age, babies that are born intersex get put under the knife in order to reshape (and sometimes completely remove) parts of their genitals just because they don’t fit into stereotypical definitions of male and female genitals! These babies are not sick. These babies won’t develope cancer or any other life threatening desease (even tho some doctors still tell these kind of lies to the baby’s parents). These babies are healthy and don’t need any kind of operations! And these surgeries are HARMFUL!!! They are an unecassary risk! And will propably scar the intersex person emotionally and psychologically! How would you feel if you’d find out that you didn’t have a clit anymore because the doctors thought it looked too big and removed it completely?!?!?! How would you feel if you’d found out that you once had testicals but the doctors removed them ‘cause they thought it would be easier to make you look like a girl than a boy down there?!?!? WHAT THE FUCK??? This angers me so SO much!!! Stop surgeries on intersex babies! It’s WRONG!
This is image 22 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
All genitals look different. And that’s absolutely okay! You shouldn’t feel the need to remove or add anything! And doctors shouldn’t feel the need either!!! These are very sensitive organs! They make you feel pleasure, they are awesome! They shouldn’t be streamlined or forced into hetero-normative forms!Intersex genitals often look different than cis-normative genitals. That doesn’t mean they are wrong! And it doesn’t mean doctors should be allowed to perform genital surgeries on babies!!! This is so harmful and doesn’t help anyone. Your sex organs don’t exist to win a hetero-normative beauty pageant! They are there to make you feel good! (And for some they are there for making babies - it’s no must tho!) Genital diversity is beautiful!
(If you are trans and body dysphoric, it’s totally okay to have bottom surgery! I don’t want to make you feel bad with this post! )
This is image 19 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
Sadly a lot of intersex people have been harmed by doctors in their lives. These doctors have performed surgeries on them (without their consent) that harmed their bodies in order to fit into a cis-hetero-normative worldview. And it’s still happening every day. Unnecessary genital surgeries on babies and young children are not okay! It is absolutely reasonable for intersex folks to mistrust doctors and to be afraid of them. (Trauma is real and valid!) As long as the medical-industrial complex is a system that follows white cis-hetero-patriarchal rules and norms, intersex people (and a lot of other folx) will never be really save. We have to change that system step by step!
This is image 18 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
Intersex is beautiful. You are prefect the way you are. You don’t have to fit into any of society’s boxes. Don’t let yourself be limited by the close-mindedness of others! You are strong and awesome!
Thank you to André Eckertfor creating this awesome animation!
This is image 17 of my intersex body positivity series.
WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise.
And all the intersex people and enbies in the house will be like: HELL YEAH! . This is image 16 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise. . For more info, go on YouTube an look for “What is Intersex? (Pt1)” by Hans Lindahl. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png . Find more BoPo art here: http://lenadirscherl.tumblr.com/ And here: https://www.instagram.com/bopolena/
Hi everyone, I hope you’re doing okay! I had a tough start into this week but I’m certain it’s gonna be better tomorrow! Mondays are the hardest days of the week! :,) Anyway, you deserve to be kind to yourself! So if you are struggling as well, treat yourself, take breaks (that’s what I’m gonna do now!) and be patient with yourself. ❤ . This is image 15 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are born with atypical sex characteristics: it relates to a range of variations in sex autonomy. That is, physical variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals. Many different forms of intersex exist; it is an umbrella term, rather than a single category. Some intersex people identify within a binary gender system. Some see themselves outside of any binary - biological and identity wise. . For more info, go on YouTube an look for “What is Intersex? (Pt1)” by Hans Lindahl. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png . Find more BoPo art here: http://lenadirscherl.tumblr.com/ And here: https://www.instagram.com/bopolena/
Just be respectful to others. Respect their personality, respect their gender, respect their pronouns. It’s easy, it’s free and it’s kind. Thank you. ❤ . Intersex men are men. Just like trans-men and cis-men! ♡ It’s that simple. . This is illustration 14 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . For more info, go on YouTube an look for “What is Intersex? (Pt1)” by Hans Lindahl. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png . Find more BoPo art here: http://lenadirscherl.tumblr.com/ And here: https://www.instagram.com/bopolena/
Intersex men are men. Just like trans-men and cis-men! ♡ It’s that simple. . This is illustration 13 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . For more info, go on YouTube an look for “What is Intersex? (Pt1)” by Hans Lindahl. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
Intersex women are women. Just like trans-women and cis-women! ♡ Hi y'all, how are you? It’s so flipping hot here where I live…. Photoshop crashed two times today. It took ages to finish this illustration. x_x"’ But it’s done now. And I’m done, too! Weekend, here I come! . This is illustration 12 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . For more info, go on YouTube an look for “What is Intersex? (Pt1)” by Hans Lindahl. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
Hey everyone, I’m sorry I didn’t upload anything in a while. Currently I’m in a small crisis regarding my art and my future as a freelnace illustrator. I’m not really sure anymore what I want from my carreer. Thinking about all this stuff takes a lot of energy out of me. That’s why my upload schedule might be a little bit irregular in the upcoming weeks. I hope that’s okay for you! . This is illustration 11 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
Since The Purge™ tumblr isn’t that much fun anymore, don’t you think? I’m not as active as I used to be. :/ Somehow it makes me sad. And it’s annoying how many pictures get taken down because of the nipple issure… (Not related to this pic whatsoever. I just felt like addressing it.).This is illustration 10 of my intersex body positivity series.
. WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
This is illustration 9 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
This is illustration 8 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
This is illustration 7 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
Totally forgot to upload this last week. #fail This is illustration 6 of my intersex body positivity series. . WHAT IS INTERSEX? Intersex people are individuals with any of several variations in chronosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that do not fit the typical definitions of the male or female sex. Intersex is the scientific proof that even biological sex is on a spectrum and not a binary system. . This series was made possible by the help, support and knowledge of these lovely intersex individuals (Instagram names): @hihellohans,@flexitarianfam,@myintersexstory,@queeringqueering,@dysphoric.sweetie,@pilljar,@emotionell.png
