Kenya*, a Black intersex person who also identifies as nonbinary, is no stranger to being bullied. They have been called slurs like “monkey” (because of their “African nose”), “she-male”, and “hermaphrodite” (because of their muscular build and excess hair). Some have even gone as far as to call them an abomination. They have endured experiences like this since childhood.

Kenya told LGBTQ Nation that growing up, their parents were openly disgusted with them. “One of the things they would make me do is voice-train, and whenever I would forget to speak in a higher pitch, they would say things like, ‘Must you talk like a man?’” As such, they still struggle with feelings of shame surrounding their intersex identity and the ways they don’t fit the female mold, even after years of therapy.  

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This experience is, unfortunately, not unique. The discrimination Kenya has endured is something with which Black intersex folks around the world are painfully familiar.  Black intersex discrimination is both personal and systemic, and it is not nearly spoken about enough. 

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Gender obsession

Intersex people have existed for as long as humans have, yet many people are barely familiar with the term, let alone what it means to actually be intersex.

According to the Center for Human Rights, “Intersex is an umbrella term to describe people who were born with natural sex characteristics (including genitals, gonads, and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.” Though a genetic anomaly, experts estimate that about 1.7% of the population is intersex. 

In the past, being intersex was referred to as “hermaphroditism,” which is now considered a slur. Others referred to it as “disorders of sexual development” (DSD). Though society has evolved and seen the flaws in both terms, there are still many issues that get in the way of the happiness and success of intersex folks. This is especially true for those who are Black. 

Members of the Black intersex community are bullied based on featurism (prejudice based on ethnic features), colorism (prejudice based on skin color, often towards darker-skinned individuals), as well as their intersex identity. 

Another challenge many Black intersex people face is the deep-seated shame they inherit from their parents. Like Kenya experienced, this contributes to low self-worth, gender dysphoria, and mental health issues. 

Gender and gender roles are deeply embedded in society, but they are even more embedded in Black culture — both African culture and African-American culture — due to colonialism. Because of our culture’s preoccupation with two genders and the fulfillment of respective gender roles – driven by queerphobia and the fear of not “fitting in” as well as narcissism in some cases – Black parents can be overly concerned with their kids completely aligning with the scripts designed for males and females. This concern can sometimes manifest as intentional or unintentional displays of disgust and shame.

Hate from within

A general feeling of unsafety in queer spaces is another challenge intersex people face. Despite their evident membership (being the I in LGBTQIA2+), some intersex folks report feeling unsafe and unwelcome. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community argue that intersex people have no business being in queer spaces unless they’re trans and/or not straight.

Tatenda*, a Black cisgender intersex male with some female traits, says that being a minority within a minority is hard. “Even though intersex is a part of the community, I still feel like I have to fight for my right to occupy LGBTQIA+ spaces, which only makes me want to avoid them altogether.”

“In addition to me having to fight for my right to occupy queer spaces, there seems to be a hierarchy within the community that places white cis gays and lesbians above everyone else.”

But social dynamics are only half the battle. 

According to a survey from the Center for American Progress, “88% of LGBTQ+ intersex respondents reported experiencing some form of discrimination from a doctor or healthcare provider.” This includes refusal to care, harsh language, sexual harassment, and physical abuse. 

The poor treatment intersex folks receive from healthcare providers is the reason why three in five LGBTQ+ intersex individuals avoid going to the doctor altogether. It seems the only time healthcare providers — doctors especially — care to provide ‘treatment’ to intersex folk is when they perform medically unnecessary, nonconsensual surgeries on intersex infants. The surgeries have lifelong consequences, including infertility, reduced sexual function, chronic pain, incontinence, and mental health issues.

In addition to all of these challenges, Black intersex people are also more likely to experience homelessness, as are intersex folks of all ethnic minorities (including those from migrant backgrounds). 

Even though the challenges intersex folk face seem unending and perhaps insurmountable, there are things we as allies can do. The ILGA (International lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex association) offers many tips for intersex allyship. These include:

1. Talk about it!

Lack of knowledge is one of the key reasons for the human rights violations and the discrimination intersex people face. By spreading the word about the existence of intersex people and the human rights violations and discrimination they face, you work towards making society a safer and more welcoming space for intersex people. This includes making intersex people’s existence visible by mainstreaming intersex issues in all areas of life and politics. So, read up on the experience of intersex people and start some conversations!

2. Create a safe space for intersex people

It is very likely that you already have intersex people in your organisation, at your work place or even amongst your friends and family; therefore creating a safe space for them to come out is crucial. Those individuals might not feel safe enough to come out yet, but if they know they are in a space of acceptance, they just might share their identity with you. Let them know it’s okay by sharing your recognition of the issues intersex people face.

3. Integrate the ‘I’ into your work

Inform your colleagues and the members of your networks on intersex human rights issues. As a first step, you might consider asking intersex activists if they can provide training or advice for you. This will help you better understand intersex issues, the challenges intersex organisations face and how you can effectively work for the improvement of intersex people’s situation in your country.

4. Support intersex activists and NGOs

Being visibly intersex is still a very difficult task. Despite this fact, the number of intersex activists and organisations is growing but they all work with almost none or very limited funding. Becoming an intersex activist most often means having to forfeit the chance of having a regular income. Due to the lack of funding, you are expected to provide professional and highly specialised expertise for free. Helping intersex activists and NGOs financially to perform their task is key to ensuring they can share the unique expertise they have.

We must always make an effort to intervene in the midst of injustice. Black intersex folks deserve to live happy, healthy, and full lives.

*Names have been changed

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