

Change the definition of 'intersex' to remove the word 'abnormal'


Change the definition of 'intersex' to remove the word 'abnormal'
The issue
Discrimination against people who do not conform to an obvious gender binary is a prevalent problem throughout society and the use of the word 'abnormal' to describe people who are born 'intersex' is just one example of this. Intersex people are operated on at birth in invasive procedures to remove one of their genitals to ensure they conform to gender binaries. In other words, they are operated on under the basis that to be born intersex is 'abnormal' and defining it as such legitimizes this medical view. This cannot continue. If we are going to stop gender discrimination, we have to look at the language we use first.

The issue
Discrimination against people who do not conform to an obvious gender binary is a prevalent problem throughout society and the use of the word 'abnormal' to describe people who are born 'intersex' is just one example of this. Intersex people are operated on at birth in invasive procedures to remove one of their genitals to ensure they conform to gender binaries. In other words, they are operated on under the basis that to be born intersex is 'abnormal' and defining it as such legitimizes this medical view. This cannot continue. If we are going to stop gender discrimination, we have to look at the language we use first.

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Petition created on 17 November 2014