[Hermit]

Thanks for posting the link and your e-mails.

However, after reading Besty's response I felt that I should reply in kind. First, I built the "Sextopia" site several years ago, and really have not updated the content on the "Hermaphrodite" page since then.

At the time that page was published the content came largely from material published on other sites that dealt with Intersex issues. The reference to the clitoris as a "penis" came directly from the original text that accompanied the photos, as well as direct quotes from a 1947 medical book discribing the condition. I left the references to the clitoris as a "non-functioning penis" in there deliberately, as that was the way it was originally published. However the point is well taken and I probably should edit some of the text to relect a more accurate perspective.....should anyone here have any suggestions please e-mail them to me.

My goal here as with the other content on "Sextopia" and the sexual discussion forum as well was to provide general information on a wide range of sexual issues - Intersex issues certainly needed to be covered here.

The text that accompanies the photos was based on the prevailing attitudes and information available in '98 when the page was written. Any misinformation was unintended, but it also why I included the link to ISNA. As for the photos, in my research I found many pics of supposed "hermaphrodites," but as was suggested here most appeared to pre-operative transexuals, or retouched images. These pics appeared to be genuine, and displayed typical Intersex characteristics in a female - as I understand them to be.

I hope I'm not getting myself in too deep here...I have no personal experiences with Intersex issues, but I am very supportive of no invasive, or sex assignment surgery on infants with ambiguous sexuality.

As for the "circus-like" appearance of the pages on the site, the design goal was to have simple, color-full pages with a common theme - in appearance and content. Also, I wanted the pages to load quickly, consume minimal bandwidth, yet be attractive enough to encourage visitors to linger and read a bit.

Also, for the record I am a "he" not a "she", and yes I do know the difference between a clitoris and a penis - LOL!!

Have a good day!

Hermit