“My son was born intersex and I didn’t let them pressure me into surgery” – Simone-Lisa
Thanks to Simone-Lisa for this important story on parenting in Kidspot. Simone-Lisa is the Tasmanian rep and parent rep for Intersex Peer Support Australia.
Parenting (page 1 of 2)
For an introduction to these issues, see our page on intersex for parents
New resources for kids, youth and parents
Our friends at Reach Out Australia and Kids Helpline are updating their resources for intersex youth and parents of intersex youth. We have assisted in the creation of these resources and we strongly commend them.
Clinical opposition to early intersex medical interventions
Clinicians are increasingly raising their voices in opposition to forced and coercive interventions, including Physicians for Human Rights and the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association. More action is needed – particularly in Australia.
Darlington Statement
The Darlington Statement is a joint consensus statement by Australian and Aotearoa/New Zealand intersex organisations and independent advocates, agreed in March 2017. It sets out the priorities and calls to action by the intersex human rights movement in our countries.
The Family Court case Re: Carla (Medical procedure) [2016] FamCA 7
The Family Court has recently published a decision on the sterilisation of a 5-year old child and, unfortunately, it reveals that: earlier genital surgery that “enhanced” her genitals without Court approval was viewed without concern, and with no evidence of necessity. The idea of “enhancing” the genitals of an infant or young child is disturbing….
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Raising Rosie
Raising Rosie is a new book for parents of children born with variations of sex characteristics, written by Eric and Stephani Lohman, parents of a girl with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. When their daughter Rosie was born, Eric and Stephani Lohman found themselves thrust into a situation they were not prepared for. Born intersex – a…
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New publication “Intersex: Stories and Statistics from Australia”
We are delighted to announce that the 2015 survey of people born with atypical sex characteristics has now been published. This survey was an independent research project led by Dr Tiffany Jones. The book has been peer reviewed and published by an academic publisher, Open Book Publishers. The strong team of co-authors includes a reference…
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The birth of an intersex child: “Perfection comes in all kinds of packages”
A Queensland mother talks with Minna Burgess, a Queensland baby and maternity photographer, and journalist Sabrina Rogers-Anderson in two articles about the birth of her son. Minna Burgess shared a beautiful story on her blog following the birth of baby M to Jane and Stuart. Initially fearful, Jane talks about her fears and the difficulties…
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“Let them enjoy their bodies, celebrate that difference”
The Feed on SBS interviewed a parent, along with Bonnie Hart, Morgan Carpenter and Shubha Srinivasan, in this great feature presenting two personal stories.
Human Rights Commission submission on intersex policy reform and services
An OII Australia submission to the Human Rights Commissioner in response to a survey and consultation to explore key rights and services issues affecting LGBT and intersex people in Australia.
Schoolbook on “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity”, and intersex status
We have recently received a copy of “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity”, a schoolbook by Australian publisher The Spinney Press in their “Issues in Society” series. It also contains content on intersex people and intersex issues. That content includes an intersex for allies guide, and “It’s time to defend intersex rights“, an article on the…
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Submission to inquiry on intentional self-harm in children
Following discussions with the National Children’s Commissioner, we have made a late submission to an inquiry on intentional self-harm and suicidal behaviour in children.