newbie

[frefghtrgrl]

Hi, my name is Andie. I was diagnosed as intersexed at birth, but went through reconstructive surgery when I was 13. It was a hard time for me but it was also about time that something was done. I am now 33 and I live with my partner and 2 kids (yes I am a lesbian). I was fortunate to find someone that doesnt care what my body looks like, with all the scars that I have and troubles in other areas it is a relief to have that. I never really share what I have gone through in life, but now as I get older I think it is time to reach out and get support from other people that know what I am going through. We live in Washington state and I have no clue where to go to find a support group. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks! Please e-mail me at:

Again tanks,

Andie

[steve/lisa]

Andie,It sounds already as tho U have a support group U seem to have what most of US lack a lover that does'nt care what scars u have or what u r inside,As for a support group in wash,state,I might seek out kailana on this sit she is from that part to the country and she is a wonderful person and she may beable to direct U to a group up that way,So R U well and everything and to have 2 children to help raise is a blessing I would think,anyway good luck with finding out what U need to make UR self happy I'm really scattered thoughts right now so I'll sign off have a wonderful day and wecolm to BLO site hope we can help U in UR quest,If ever U need help and I can help just call upon me and i'll do the best i can.Lisa

[Kailana]

And yes im in Washington as Lisa mentioned, but support groups, well that kind of depends on what your looking for. As I am down in little old Walla Walla, WA; there isn't any IS support groups here, but i do go to the local PFlag meetings. They are one of the first places i actually found where people accepted me quite easily. Then again, PFLAG is really good about acknowledging any sexual minority so its not much of a shocker that there very accepting and understanding. If you happen to be near a College Campus, you might try asking the advisors, as there is also a PRISM group that i also attend, and again they recognise all sexual minorities and are very supportive, I found they also were very understanding and are very supportive as well. I am also a returning student, so i helped out some as well, with there activities. I'd think that most places have some sort of support available. I have found that i identify quite closely with many of the others that attend, the GLTBI, groups are bery open and understanding. While there are some intersexed who do not identify as GLBTI i kind of do. It could also be that as Walla Walla is so damn small, that really its the only place i actually feel truely comfortable, where no one there judges me.

For your information, I identify as intersexed truehermaphrodite and even as transsexual MtF, its kind of hard not too for me as i do have an extremely male phenotype. I actually see the Transsexual part as thats really just what i think most other people see as well, i am in fact 45X/46XY true hermaphrodite, raised male, only too find out at 22 that inside, well i have or was told what appear to be ovaries, and a juvenile uterus. Now at almost 37, Local doctors say its a prostate, i actually dont really know, I look at it over and over on disc, and well it just looks odd too me, i suppose it could be a prostate, but if it is its the oddest shaped prostate i've ever scene. Anyways enough about me, post some more, i might be able to help you find some local groups for support in your area

[frefghtrgrl]

Thanks for replying to my post. Walla Walla is a ways from me. I live on the Olympic peninsula. I went to Childrens Hospital in Seattle after having what was thought as a normal "hernia" operation went bad, I was flown there and had emergency surgery. Nothing was told to me about what was happening. Next thing I knew I was in a recovery room and was told that everything was fine. I think back on that now and wish that I had a say in what happened, but my parents and the doctor thought it was best to just have the surgery. Well if I would have had a say so I would have choosen to be a male. I have thought about having another reassignment done, but I am finally happy where I am in life. I am 46xy. I was told that I had testes that never fully developed and a "enlargered" clitoris that never fully formed. I also went on hormone replacement and overnight I had boobs. LOL. Talk about a shock to a 13 year old. My parents were and are supportive as the rest of my family are. Guess I am lucky about that. I was adopted at birth and it is hard to get medical records about my birth mom. Plus I am a little scared too. I dont want to be rejected again. I have had enough of that in my life. I in no way look like a "female". My partner and I can go anywhere and everyone thinks I am a guy, which sometimes has its bennies but other times it sucks. I can walk into a guys restroom and nobody looks, but when I go into a girls bathroom I usually get stared at or somebody tells me I am in the wrong room. I have blown up a few times and have even had the cops called on me. So life sometimes is great and other times it sucks. I am happy where I am though, just wish that people would be more open. Thanks for all the info, gotta get the kids ready for school (we homeschool). Thanks again.

Andie

[Kailana]

I thought there was a intersexed support group in Seattle, Olympia isnt so far away. Just a thought really, Commuting for me just to see my Endo in Seattle is kinda burdomsome, Id love to meet others in a IS support group some day, but Walla Walla is so very tiny in comparison, as it is just trying to get a TS support group has been difficult, so far only 1 other TS MtF locally was even interested, the other 5 i know, have no interest in meetings.

[Glenn]

Welcome, Andie! I don't any profound advice to add, but thought I'd be social.

[frefghtrgrl]

Yeah Seattle isnt too far away, but I like Olympia a lot better. It doesnt surprise me that there isnt much in Walla Walla. I have only been there a few times and those were just traveling through. Seattle is a long way for your dr. Anyways, it is something to look into for me. Off to bed for me. Thanks for the input and suggestions. It is nice to talk even though it is through the computer.

Andie

[frefghtrgrl]

Glenn,

Hi. Nothing wrong with being social. Thanks

Andie

[panduwinata]

Originally Posted by frefghtrgrl

My parents were and are supportive as the rest of my family are. . . I can walk into a guys restroom and nobody looks, but when I go into a girls bathroom I usually get stared at or somebody tells me I am in the wrong room. I have blown up a few times and have even had the cops called on me. So life sometimes is great and other times it sucks. I am happy where I am though, just wish that people would be more open.

Hello there! I'm also intersexed, PAIS, 23-years old, happy with my condition but also wishing people are more open. Totally identify with the "restrooms" problem. I mean, more people should be aware of the intersex condition-- so that when we explain we wouldn't be met with blank unknowing stares. Or, better yet, we shouldn't need to explain at all! That would be in a perfect, perfect world.
It's really cool that your parents were supportive. I need tips about that. How to make them more supportive? What don't they get about the intersex condition that makes it so hard to accept me for what I am? Like, oh my gosh! I feel so durn alone here in backwaters of Indonesia.
Anyway, welcome. Sorry for turning this into a personal rant.