Hello

[Jesse]

Hello,

First, I want to say thanks to Andi for referring me here. I am not an intersexed person physically but would like to learn more on this topic. I may lurk for a while until I feel more at ease and understand a little better.

For now, all I have to say is that it's a shame that society has not evolved beyond the prejudices they keep. So many missed opportunities by simple arrogance and prejudice. It really doesn't matter what a person looks like outside so much as what they have to offer the world. A great mind may reside in any body.

Thank you.

Jesse

[Andi]

To Jesse:
Well, you seem decent to me. And you do seem to have a genuine interest in IS issues beyond simple fascination. I do agree that understanding can help eliminate some of the difficulties many of us here have faced. I hope you find some of the answers you're looking for in here.

Andi

[Betsy]

Jesse,

Welcome. It is good to have other voices.

Betsy

[Jesse]

Thanks, Betsy. Seems like a nice group here.. although like I said about the thread Patrick started, I was a bit leery at first. But you've accepted my words as I meant them and it is appreciated.

While I said I might lurk a while, evidently I didn't. ;)

Regards,
Jesse

[Betsy]

I really do mean those words ya know ;)

There are other IS communities on the web...usually cloaked in secrecy and you need to ask to be a part of it. I kind of figure that none of asked to be born the way we were and therefore I shouldn't need to ask to be a part of a secret community.

I feel that the inclusion of everyone will lead to great things some day and perhaps our goals of lifting the veil of shame, secrecy, and isolation will be lifted by default.

Betsy

[Jesse]

Originally posted by Betsy
I really do mean those words ya know ;)

...none of asked to be born the way we were and therefore I shouldn't need to ask to be a part of a secret community.

I feel that the inclusion of everyone will lead to great things some day and perhaps our goals of lifting the veil of shame, secrecy, and isolation will be lifted by default.

Betsy

Agreed. On every point. But I don't really see why anyone would be ashamed of how they were born. This is certainly not anything to be ashamed of. Perhaps as a child, not understanding. I was born with a few deformities but soon grew out of the shame. Although, they were not sexual deformities.

I just wish people would be more accepting of others. Like you said, we cannot help how we were born and most surgeries won;t make you "better," either. Sure, some might help, but never as good as the real thing. I believe we all are beautiful creations. Sorry for sounding so sappy, but it's the truth. Part of what makes us unique. From what I understand so far, I would consider it a blessing.

Regards,
Jesse

[Az1]

Hi Jesse,
Wanted to say Welcome to this Site.
Hope to hear from ya again.........

Az1

Muhoe

[Jesse]

Thanks, Az1.

I notice you listed Native American Dance and Music in your profile. Are you Native American Indian? Also, I enjoy a lot of ethnic and world beats. Specifically Native American. Have you heard of David & Steve Gordon, Cusco (most every one has heard of ths one ;)), Carlos Nakai? I find Nakai's flute to be most conducive to my meditation and Tai Chi. However, I enjoy the drums for other activities. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find any native music that's not been augmented by a rock beat. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy that as well but when I'm seeking the "real thing," I don't want to hear any modern sounds. :)

Just thought I'd mention that.

Regards,
Jesse

[beach]

hi first off welcome,have you tried a {pow wow } to get your music there are many of them across the US. most are in the spring...there a lot of fun, ...... beach

[Jesse]

Thanks.. you guys are really making me feel welcome :)

I've been to a couple, one in Lakeside CA and actually a few in Canada. They are really quite fascinating and fun. Although at this point I don't know when I'd have an opportunity to go again. I will sometime soon though.

Regards,
Jesse

[Az1]

Hi Jesse ,
I am glad that the sound moves you in any way shape or form ,
I was able to hear a wind chime Christmas day blowing so gracefully in the wind that day I wish I could have taped it. I was moved by how the wind was making such a whisical melody on tat day Seemed everything was very peaceful in the world . As for Native American blood I have Mohawk and Cherokee and english and so on and so forth, just a typical intersexual mutt.( lol) .
I will have to locate my cd's of Native american music for you I will copy the cd's down and send ya an email.
I have also attended various Native American Pow wows.
Although I think the Pow wow has gone more commercial and alot of fake artwork is being sold. like made in china. I make my own art and keep it for me. I could sell my art but It is not worth what people want you to sell it to them for.
Pow wow of Black hills SD is one of the most moving Cermonies to date.
I go for the Dance and music it is my therapy and this brings me Az1 with myself. I hope you find understanding here which I know I have already have.

Muhoe

[Jesse]

Az1:

I've been told I have about 1/4 Cree running through my veins. Always wondered where the warroir instinct came from! LOL! The rest is Irish, German (3/4) and some other mix. So, I guess you could call me a uni-sex mutt. ;) If that's the right term, unless non-intersexed is the correct one.

This brings me to a question, (more for the general group, but I'd like to hear Az's thoughts too) I think I may have asked already but have received no answer to. Does it necessarily require physical difference to constitute intersex? What about emotional states and so forth? When I was growing up, I was ridiculed because of some difference. I wasn't the aggressive type as a child, I didn't enjoy the major rough and tumble most boys did. But then again, my father tried to force me into fights. I recall one incident where he tried to get me to fight this one kid that was over and all I wanted to do was play. Even today, I've noted inner sensitivities that most men do not at least admit to. Does this mean something?

Regards,
Jesse

[Wohali]

Jesse,

You sound like a normal one gendered guy to me. There is no law that says men are to be rough & get in fights. I know plenty of men that are non-violent and they are hetero non-intersexed males. These males are often the ones that become doctors, scientists, priests, rabbis, psychologists and engineers. Jesse you don't have to get into fights to be male.

In order to be IS I think one does need to be physically or bio-chemically different ie: mixed genitalia, genitalia that doesn't match the gonads, mixed gonads, unusual hormone levels or unusual karyotype. If you have some question about your status, then perhaps you should see a doctor and get tested.


Take care,
Angela

[Az1]

I do not know what makes ones individualism to be genderized as a certain gender.
I was never considered female , growing up . I was taught that it was very wrong to want to be .
I kept hearing the " your not a girl . I said ok ,Then what am I . Your a boy . lol , A boy then what is XXY ? , what are these scars on my belly ?. Why Why Why ?.
Oh well , umm, I was never told I was mutilated and also that I had XXY .At times I think either I was adopted or there was a bad omen in the soup.
My parents have blocked XXY from there minds and for me I do not posses this. My siblings have also blocked this out , for me it hurts.
I feel I have been blocked out of their lives.
As for fighting , I had only faught once and several too get away from , well I am not going there.
So to answer your question on what rates being IS , this is up to the Individual , we are unique in our own.
AZ1


Muhoe