Hi everyone. I am in the precess of writting an autobiography where I am going to be open and honest about my feelings regarding being intersexed. This is not the only topic in the book. I was wondering what are the current odds about being born as a true intersexed individual? Are they greater than 1:14000?

Thanks! Kira

The research I did last summer (http://users.snip.net/~gbooker/is.zip) said more like 1:1000 to 1:2000. That was based on ISNA.org and several medical journals.

Glenn

Hi Kira,

You mentioned "true intersexed" individuals. Just curious what the diving lines of demarcation are in your opinion.

Ah...good point. I was under the impression there was the "true", the male psudo and female psudo for a total of three "categories". I realize these are just labels since none of us can share the actual experience only our feelings about them. If there are only two categories please forgive my lack of education. As with any language there is always something ambiqious regarding any "label" therefore we just agree a certain term "means" this. Seldom is there anything "perfect".

After thinking about the "other" issues surrounding my story, while I may feel my question is valid and hopefully obtain a statistical answer, I'm leaning more toward the issue of statistically the occurance of "equal lobed" and the mental/creative ability to "free associate". I had an experience which this ability may have played a factor in saving my life. I hate to sound "mysterious" about this factor but, oh well, perhaps as I come into more information I can expound further. Pleease...be patient.

Yes, I agree the labels they gave us, long ago, are less than perfect.

But what caught my attention was, that you wrote "true intersexed", rather than, "true hermaphrodite".

As for statistics, I surmise that just how 'rare and special' the intersexed are, depends upon ones definition of Intersex.

I think also that the fewer in number we are, then the less potential exists for gaining public support, in changing the medical treatment protocol. Perhaps I am wrong, but it is far easier for society to overlook the suffering of a rare few, than it is for them to do the same to a larger group, or even possibly an entire class of people. Of course being very rare and special has it's advantages too, I suppose.

Surely you can't be refering to the carnaval side show where promoters whould make a living hunting up the "freaks" ;) Or how about the vaunted Internet where millions of people around the world actually pay to watch the sex acts of "she/males"?

What has really changed? All I ever wanted was to be loved and accepted as well as to show someone how much I care about them. Pretty basic stuff. In some cultures around the world intersexed individuals are revered because oftheir gifts. In a "Christian" country like America what do we get?

Blame for being born?

Unless some of us share our stories openly little changes. I've also come to the conclusion that pretty much little will change until it becomes a "personal problem". People ignore the feelings of others until it happens to them. Then all of a sudden, Wham, "this is now important". Others just go on like before.

I'm a very special and truely gifted person. If people are so worried about my crouch, which they can't see any way, verses seeing me, well, what do I really need them for?

Acceptance?

Heck...they are better off being "customers" provided they buy my book any way ;)

I have no idea how you got that impression, from anything I wrote in my response to you above. Maybe I misunderstood your meaning here though.



I understand how you feel, as I feel much the same. Really I think all people do for the most part.



Kira, in all fairness our culture can hardly be described as
Christian. Jesus did not teach materialism, intolerance or
violence. In fact Jesus spoke strongly against all of these
things. Yet these are all hallmarks of our culture.



I quite agree. In fact, the more of us who do so, then so much the better.



I agree that you are gifted, and also very special as well Kira. :) For one thing you have survived what would have destroyed most people. More than one therapist has said the same to me also.

Though unlike you, I will likely never know with any certainty if I truly was born a hermaphrodite. Although the results of many medical tests performed upon me over many years, do strongly indicate that I was, according to some doctors. Yet having only that and the testimony of my Grandma, I lack sufficient proof of such a pedigree. I am fine with that though.



I know I will buy it, and I really look forward to it.

Natasha

I am not sure about writing this but I will give it a try. I am not sure if I have a place in BLO though. I always wondered what was wrong with me, but I know I am not an intersex person, but I don't know where I fit in either! What if a girl was born with miniture external genitals and in a lot of ways they don't look like other girls what are they? I know if you were a man with small genitals you would have major issues, but what of women? I finally spoke to a doctor a month ago about it and he said you just got to accept the way God made you. I am a female, I suppose, but where do I fit in? Can I get support on this website? I am 43 years old. I have avoided men my whole life, lest anyone should find out my horrible secret. But as I read this site I feel ashamed when others have it so much harder. Can anyone give me any direction? Are there other women like this

Intersexuality isn't a contest to see who has the most severe condition. Some forms are very subtle and some aren't. Everyone is welcome here - even if you were "normal"!

What's important is that you are perfect the way you are. Don't forget that part!

Yes, it can be hard to find someone understanding, and that sucks. I'm convinced that people are the meanest species, especially toward each other. But I think you will find this bunch very supportive.

Glenn