i'm new here and would like to say hello. I've been reading this forum for some time now, and I am touched by the courage and support I see here. I am not intersexed, and only recently became interested in it because I believe one of my friends is IS.
I just want to say that I admire many of the posters here in how they have learned to accept and love themselves. I see many good and kind people here.......Mark.

I want to thank you for your kind words, Mark... I think that any group as misunderstood, ridiculed, and ostrocised as we are, should welcome supporting and comforting words such as yours... trust, on the other hand, may prove more difficult to obtain... so please understand and forgive us for being slow in responding... PJ

__________________
Faith Manages - Cap

thanks PJ, I was wondering if I was noticing that people were slow to respond. I guess I can understand that. I have read on this site, however, that all people are welcome, and that it could be helpful for non-IS people to become more aware of this issue as a way to bring it more into the open and then, less stigmaticized.
I guess it's important to realize in the end, that not only IS people or people directly effected by IS,need to be aware of it and talk about it.
I've been hesitant to mention , but I think it may be helpful here, that I'm a licensed social worker. I've hesitated because I'm not here as a professional. I'm here as a person who has become aware of the immense hurtles IS people have had to deal with (and their immense courage). I have also been astounded by the degree of insensitivity ( in general) of the medical community.
So, that's my story ( and I'm stickin' to it...lol).

Hi and welcome!
I as IS person want to tell you that inspite of all pschological bla-bla-bla being IS is not so bad. At least the IS people I know have found some way of life that satisfies them. OK, anyway we need some moral support sometimes.And it may be goos to speak with your friend together with a bottle of wine. Sometimes it is really helpful.
Good luck for you!
:D

__________________
OK

Good for You!! Good luck to you as well. I'd also like to compliment you on your English. It's alot better than my Latvian!
Mark.

Hi!
I understand that my english isn`t good but what about Latvian?Do you know the language, and if it it so -how you managed to know Latvian?

__________________
OK

No, I don't know Latvian at all (!). I was just joking and at the same time complimenting that you are bi-lingual. I respect that you or anyone takes the time to learn English. I think we here should take the time to learn other languages. I keep telling myself that I'm gonna re-learn my Spanish ( we have alot of Hispanic Immigrants these days), but I've yet to make a serious attempt at it.

Hi again!
i had one friend and his name is Mark, so in one moment I supposed that you are that person. That is why was the question about Latvian :p If you want to learn Latvian or russian- I can help you. Anyway-good luck in everything you do- especial;ly in learning spanish- I know that it is really difficul to learn new language, at least for me
OK

__________________
OK

Hi again. There are alot of Marks in the US (!). I guess Latvian is similar to Russian? I think all languages are important, and I really admire the people who speak several. How are things in Latvia? I always wonder about the stability of government, culture, etc. since the fall of the Soviet Union.