Intersex People Deserve Visibility and Inclusion in the LGBTIQ+ Movement

As we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) this year, I  feel very excited and proud of the achievement that the LGBTIQ+ community has achieved in the last decade. From legalizing same-sex marriage in countries like the United States, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Taiwan…etc, to including DEI in the corporate world and improving overall social acceptance toward this diverse community. It was a huge collective effort from all community people and allies to make it happen. However, while significant progress has been made in advancing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, I can’t help but feel the unique challenges and experiences of intersex people often remain overlooked and marginalized. This year’s IDAHOBIT, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All”, it’s important to remind us of the urgent need to ensure that intersex people are not forgotten within the broader LGBTIQ+ movement. To truly love and support the intersex community, we need to first understand their need, challenges, hopes, and dreams. 

We are here, and we exist!

Intersex individuals are born with sex characteristics that do not conform to traditional male or female categorizations. However, in numerous Asian nations, the presence of intersex persons is shrouded in stigma and shame. Intersex individuals often undergo unnecessary and irreversible medical procedures, even at the infant stage, without their consent, violating their bodily autonomy and human rights.

Approximately 2% of the global population is believed to have intersex traits, yet intersex individuals frequently feel unseen, even within the LGBTIQ+ community. The lack of awareness and understanding of intersex identities and experiences is a significant barrier to achieving true inclusivity and equality. People know about our existence, but not everyone fully understands who we are. That leads to severe misconceptions about us, such as considering us as non-natural, and confusing between intersex, transgender, and even sexual orientations. Many of us, along with numerous other intersex individuals, only dream of a world where we can be understood, freely express our true selves, define our identities, and break free from the constraints of binary societal norms without being subjected to stigma or medical interventions.

Learning how to love again!

Through the work of Intersex Asia and our partner organizations, we have witnessed the power of intersex activism in challenging this invisibility and driving meaningful change. We believe that love and support only come from mindful understanding. In order for society to love and stand with us and the intersex community, we need to ensure intersexuality is no longer shrouded in mystery. By sharing our stories, raising awareness, and advocating for legal protections, intersex activists across Asia are gradually building recognition and demanding respect for our fundamental human rights. 

Since 2018, Intersex Asia has been pushing to change the narrative to include intersex people in discussions of Human Rights, regionally and globally. Along with other colleagues, organizations, and networks, we have representations at many big events, sharing stories and our direction, from the 4th International Intersex Forum in Amsterdam to the ILGA Asia Conference 2022. The first stage of our movement was about intersex existence, and it bear fruit! However, much more needs to be done. Now, it’s time for Intersex Asia and other intersex organizations to address more human rights aspects, like fighting discrimination and ensuring access to healthcare and support services. Our voices and experiences must be amplified and centered within the broader LGBTIQ+ movement, ensuring that the fight for equality and justice truly leaves no one behind.

You and us!

Intersex people have a wide range of experiences and identities. At Intersex Asia, we are committed to further developing and ensuring that all these diverse experiences are well recognized and celebrated. Moving forward, you’ll see and hear more from us – from research efforts to initiatives to build capacity at the country level, awareness campaigns, and materials, to advocacy and cross-movement efforts. But we can’t do it alone.

On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), I call on the LGBTIQ+ community, allies, and policymakers to stand in solidarity with intersex people. Let’s use this moment to renew our commitment to making intersex people visible and included. This year, Intersex Asia is also proud to run a small social media campaign namely “Knowing is Loving”. Through providing facts about Intersex people and sharing an inspiring story of intersex individual in the region, we hope to contribute to the awareness of intersexuality and challenge the invisibility and marginalization that the intersex community has faced for a long time. 

Only by recognizing and celebrating the inherent dignity and worth of all people, regardless of their sex characteristics, can we truly achieve the justice we seek. Happy Pride, happy IDAHOBIT – let’s create a more inclusive and fair world for everyone!

Hiker Chiu,

Chair and Executive Director of Intersex Asia

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Check out our IDAHOBIT 2024 campaign below:

–What’s true about Intersex? – 10 intersex facts you thought you knew

–Video message from Hiker Chiu, Chair and Executive Director of Intersex Asia

–From Color to Commitment: The role of artwork in the intersexuality movement

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