DSD / Intersex labeling - Discussion

[mohnblume]

I read that at the international meeting in Istanbul there were members who used the term VSD instseat of DSD. VSD stands for Variation of Sexual Development. Has anybody heard about this term? I think it makes sense and sounds more humanly.

[Peter]

I object to the term DSD for using the term "Disorders". But, in fairness to the people who believe in DSD, it refers to Disorders of Sex Development, not Disorders of Sexual Development. This confusion is widespread, so that dispite the claim that DSD would lead to more clarity, it is just as confusing as the old terminology, and more stigmatizing. It like Miriam's post above about this issue.

Peter

[Wyn]

I do have to wonder if there are any other groups of 'disorders' or conditions that have been lumped together, much as Intersex conditions have been. I personally am not aware of any others, but my knowledge in these matters is rather limited. I mean...here we are talking about close to 100 different specific conditions and syndromes that have been put under a very large 'umbrella term', just to make it easier for medical personnel, and the general public, to put us into their little 'disorder box'.

I have to wonder WHY do we need these 'monikers' in the First place! Why not just determine, assign, and stick to the specific condition(s) or syndrome(s) an individual has, rather than have these stigmatizing umbrella terms to confuse and obfuscate the situation for everyone, IS included. I will suggest these efforts are in place to keep US 'off balance', and distract us from the basic causes of these 'assignments', perhaps in an unconcious effort to force us to address these inane and useless terms between ourselves, thus causing the inevitable conflicts - all in an effort to force us to overlook the core issues of mutilation, secrecy and shame.

[mohnblume]

... but with DSD we might be entitled to park on the handicap parking space ... *grin*. Less walking, easier life!

[Sofie]

Originally Posted by Wyn

I do have to wonder if there are any other groups of 'disorders' or conditions that have been lumped together, much as Intersex conditions have been.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

[miriam]

ISNA and other people who try to bring us under the "disorder" umbrella, say that this word is more acceptable for parents.

Any parent who reads the first question on the backside of USA Department of Homeland Security form I-94W (the so called "I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form") will understand that diagnosing a child with a disorder will do harm to their child:

A. Do you have a communicable disease; physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict?

If you say YES, you'll have to contact the American embassy BEFORE you travel to the U.S. since you may be refused admission into the United States.

If you say NO, you are lying. And you better don't lie in this case.

Anyone still thinking disorder is a better word than intersex? Yes? In that case you probably have a mental disorder (check YES and keep on dreaming).

Groeten, Miriam

[Peter]

Thanks Miriam for documenting a concrete example of a civil rights setback that stems from the DSD (Disorders of Sex Development) terminology. In the past, heartbreaking examples of not being able to travel because of differences between birth certificate sex and current sex have been documented on this site. Now, because of DSD, these problems will potentially be extended to all intersex children. One thing that I really dislike is that the DSD terminology was put forward without much thought about it. I believe that there should have been a committee formed to study the issue with input from a wide range of intersex groups and individuals. Then, this committee should have formed a sub-committee to study the legal and civil rights implications of the proposed change from intersex to DSD. That this was not done indicates a deep ethical sloppiness about this whole business. My main hope at this point, is that there are still doctors, lawyers and educators, as well as intersex people and our parents, who in light of the socially and legally repressive aspects of the DSD terminology will work to prevent its widespread adoption. I am really thankful to those doctors, who at the beginning of the twentieth century, originally came up with the term "intersex" for choosing a term that can be read in a non-disordered fashion.

Peter

[Sunshine1]

Would you all go for errors of sex development? I think that is what John Hopkins always used.

A. do you have a communicable disease?

80% of the sexually active public has HPV at one time or another and most people that don't have immune issues never have trouble with it. The rest of us suckers get some form of cervical cancer.

90% of the public has herpes 1 virus even though not really considered sexually passed but it still is a communicable disease. It can put you in the hospital if it affects other organs.

This one is good ..yeah 1 in 4 people have herpes 2 BUT only 1 in 60 actually know they carry the virus.

Have a physical or mental disorder?

I have two endocrine disorders - One is very comon and many people have it which is hashimoto's thyroiditis and I have an adrenal gland condiiton. i don't have a very orderly endocrine system and if any far of country could suggest a good hospital for Westerners on vacation then thank you. I was looking into going to Korea and did take note of the hospital that was suggested.

I don't have a mental disorder but do know some people that do and they are fine on their meds but if by chance they got lost, sick on some country road in IRELAND? it would give me piece of mind that if something happens then the embassy does know who the heck they are.

People can die from adrenal crisis.


The medical term intersex was a good description of what externally my genitals looked like but it isn't a description of all with CAH.


Drug abuser or Addict.

Nope.


Aren't there other conditions that go under disorder as well?

like heart disorder.