Thoughts about intersexuals?

Question

In my health class at school, we have just begun learning about intersexuals as a part of our sexuality section. My heart really goes out for these people, and I would like to know what the thoughts and opinions are of other people (intersexual or not). I may even share some views with my class and teacher, so give me some good answers! Thanks!

intersexual, a.k.a. hermaphrodite. If you still don't know what I mean, look it up.

Answer 1

I remember seeing a show on the subject when I was pregnant. (It stood out because when you're pregnant you always imagine something will be wrong with your child.) They talked about this genetic boy, born with a deformed penis that wasn't fully closed. The other side of him was open, like a female and internally he had a shriveled ovary on that side and a testicle on the other. The mother consented to surgery to close the penis and instead the butcher, I mean doctor, removed his testicle, saying it was going to become cancerous. The mother was outraged, suing, and the pathology report came back saying it was a normally functioning testicle. Essentially, this "doctor" castrated the baby. The mother's intention had been to let the child grow up as a boy and cosmetically repair the genitals when he was bigger. Now, the only option is for him to take hormones or be feminized, which doesn't work. Genetically he is a boy and eventually the brain will act boy-like. Now he will be infertile and will always be small, even with hormones. It won't be the same. My heart goes out to these people as well and I know most of them grow up confused and misunderstood. Best wishes on your project and I hope you can raise awaremess.

Answer 2

I love them. Ever since I read the book "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides, they have intrigued me and gotten my respect. In my opinoin, everyone needs to take an instructional class on intersexuality, for far too many people are completely clueless on it, thinking that 'hermaphrodites' have both sets of genitals and all that- which is so untrue- rather, there are so many different combinations of chromosome combination, hormones balances, and genital configuration. In fact, I find it quite amazing that AIS individuals are often seen as "mama mia women", the sort who become actresses and models because their insensitivity to androgens results in luminously clear skin, wonderful hair, tall stature, and large breasts.

Although I know it is a very difficult life for those who just want to be taken as 'normal' (whatever that means), I can't help but think it's amazing, at the same time- people as unique as snowflakes. Personally, I'd love to have someone with special genitalia that nobody else has- I see it as an awesome plus, not a detraction. That's just my feelings on it, at least.

I wish I could tell you more, but that's all that's coming to mind at the moment. Great question!

Answer 3

in india they are thought to be very spiritual and blessed with otherworldly vision. in america i pity them because of the common genital mutilation they suffer usually at birth. if the parents pick the sex organ to remove, they've chosen a very hard road for the child. it's like having to choose if your kid can keep it's right hand or left. most people are predispossed to favor a certain one. if that one is chosen to be removed at birth it can cause learning issues and acceptance issues. what if the kid is ambidextrous? same story. the intersexuals should be able to wait till they're 18 and then decide on their own if they even want an organ removed. it's not life threatening.

Answer 4

This website will give you a good start:

http://www.isna.org
Intersex Society of North America

My Ex-Boy's uncle, who was raised to become his aunt and maimed by too-early surgery, is intersex. I don't think babies should have surgery just to make the adults in their lives comfortable. Parents should just get used to seeing something different in their diapers--after all, they *are* the adults. Children can also go by a "provisional" gender (the one they look most like) until they're old enough to make up their minds and change behind closed doors in the locker room.

Too-early surgery can make orgasm and bladder control really difficult for the intersexed person later on. And they may not even want to be changed!

Answer 5

I personally know one intersex girl, she had to be educated at home due to the amount of abuse that she was getting at school, they are a very misunderstood section of society and I hope that in the future they will get better treatment from the public.

Answer 6

On the one hand, I feel a great deal of sympathy for what they go through - especially the ones who are "corrected" the wrong way (like how the poster above me described.)

On the other hand, I occasionally feel a bit of envy. Their reasons for questioning their assigned gender are accepted by society with little to no questioning... mine are spit apon.

Answer 7

whats intersexuals?

Answer 8

whatever u say