CWhat does it mean to be intersex? What is intersexuality? Doubts that arise because this is a still little known topic, there are still few scientific studies and the people of Incersex tend not to talk about it. Not surprisingly, still today the definition of this term is much discussed and debated.
Intersexuality, what is and how it is debated today
We therefore try to clarify with the help of an expert: “The term intersex is used for refer to those who have sexual characteristics that are not definable neither as exclusively male nor as female. In medicine, intersexuality is defined as asexual anomaly which may concern sexual chromosomes, genitals and/or secondary sexual characteristics, it can be symptomatic or asymptomatic »explains the Dr. Sabrina Germi, psychologist for myodottore.
Obviously, Intersexuality is not a mental illness but a physical disorder, A sort of disorder in sexual components “therefore on a genetic, gonadic, hormonal, phenotypic level, and as such can be” correct “and eliminated through surgery. Throughout the mid -1900s, and until a few years ago in some states, the solution to the intersex condition was only to carry out early correction and normalization genital surgery interventions with almost exclusively aesthetic purposes. Obviously this need was linked to one Sexist and homophobic culture of the timebecause it is clear that a person’s sexual orientation cannot be defined and simplified in an aesthetic sex packaging. An important result for the rights of intersex people arrived in October 2020with the first joint declaration of 33 countries to the United Nations Human Rights Council, in which protection and the protection is requested non -discrimination of “intersex” people».
To date there are about 30,000,000 intersex people, between 0.5% and 1.7% of the world population And it is a condition that can be discovered during adolescence or even in adulthood, for example after subjected to exams on fertility. It may also happen that you never discover that you are intersex.
What it means to be intersex at a family, psychological and social level
Still today, Being an intersex person is not easy. First of all, within your family unit: it can in fact happen that, despite being aware of the situation, you don’t talk about the family: «often the intersex is perceived as a pathology And what a mother or father often asks the doctors is to “cure” the son and to “normalize” his condition. Discussing sexuality is still a taboo And for many, dealing with the problems concerning genital and reproductive organs of their children is particularly difficult. For this, many parents prefer to keep the “secret” about their condition also with their children. All this certainly has repercussions on children, on their sense of adequacy, acceptance and shame “.
In second aspect it is psychological. The fact that The company often recognizes only two sexes creates great confusion and discomfort in these people. Not only but “the studies have highlighted how many children Intersex in adolescent or adult age do not recognize themselves with the reconstructed sexual identity and with the gender identity acquired by children, developing gender dysphoria and calling itself transgender. Their gender identity does not correspond to biological sex, with serious long-term psychological consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorders ». Finally, the problem is socially: intersexuality is still little known and therefore understood, for this Many people Incersex are also rejected by the company itself but also by the familyas the expert explains.
Acceptance of oneself and how to approach intersexuality
So how to behave? First of all, as Dr. Germi explains, it is fundamental offer medical and psychological support to the familyso as not to live a traumatizing situation for anyone. Then “tell the child the truth, in a clear, simple and adequate way to the age and level of development, so as to increase the level of trust between child and parents, as well as reducing the sense of inadequacy and loneliness in the child and increasing awareness with respect to his own health. Hiding any information transmits to the little ones the idea that it is something wrongto be ashamed of and feel guilty, with repercussions on the body and sexual image of oneself. Information and knowledge helps to reduce anxiety and build a more solid identity. Accepting itself means recognizing that intersexuality is a natural variant of human diversity, not a problem to be “solved” ».
For this it can help contact support groupseven to get out of isolation and realize that you are not alone: «As for social interactions, it is not necessary to share personal information with anyone. Learning to say “no” to invasive questions helps to protect their well -being, just as frequenting people and contexts that accept diversity helps to feel valued and respected. Lastly, iPsychological support can help elaborate the level of emotional suffering, the sense of shame, discriminationsocial isolation, marginalization. These factors that generate threats and lack of security, with consequent greater risk of manifesting dependencies and risk behaviors ». Not only not only the psychological support but also be less critical towards yourself: the more empathic you are with yourself, the more you can build better interpersonal relationships.
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