Intersex Support
Healthcare // Intersex Support
Intersex Education
What is Intersex?
Intersex is an umbrella term for someone born with chromosomal, hormonal or anatomical sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definition of male or female. There are over 30 different variations in which someone could present as Intersex.
How common is Intersex?
Being intersex is more common than you think. Research suggests that approximately 1.7% of the population are intersex. This is about the same amount of the population born with red hair or the entire population of Russia.
Is Intersex a health issue?
No! Being intersex is not a health issue but rather a perfectly normal and healthy variation in biological sex. We now know that sex is a spectrum of possibly overlapping male and female elements rather than a binary.
The more you know…
For the answer to the question “What is Intersex?” and other frequently asked questions visit InterAct’s website
For further information on intersex awareness and allyship check out this resource from The Canadian Center for Gender & Sexual Diversity
For awareness on the human rights violations faced by intersex people and to take a stand to end intersex surgery in Canada check out the Fix Hearts, Not Parts campaign by Egale
To hear the stories and lived experiences first hand from intersex people, check out the Interface Project
For families or parents with an intersex child looking for support, information or resources:
Know Your Rights: A Guide for Parents
By InterAct
Parents and Families: You’re Not Alone
By InterConnect
Libraries to check out:
Intersex Community
While there is currently a lack of visibility and representation for intersex people and their experiences, it doesn’t mean you have to navigate being intersex in a binary world alone! There are many places where intersex people come together to connect and find community and support with one another.
If you are intersex and would like to connect with other intersex folks within our community, please reach out to Coastal Queers and we will connect you.
There are also many places to find Intersex community online. Check out the following organizations for different ways to connect with intersex people from across Canada and beyond:
Intersex Canada is a non-profit organization that aims to empower intersex individuals and their families to acquire knowledge, find community, and navigate healthcare in Canada. To find community and connect reach out through facebook.
InterConnect is a compassionate community of intersex individuals, family members, and trusted allies working together to promote a better quality of life through connection, support and education. Contact them for a range of opportunities to share experiences and information, through private Facebook groups, monthly hangouts, and peer support groups.
QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. Peer-facilitated support and social groups visit their website to meet, share your experiences, or just have fun with others. For more details on peer groups email reception@qmunity.ca.
Eagle Canada (COMING SOON) intersex online space: Intersex Community Hub, a project that aims to improve the quality of life for intersex people in Canada through the creation of an online support space for the intersex community and online training modules for medical professionals.
Intersex Care
There are currently very few care support systems in place for intersex people in our healthcare region as well as in many other rural areas. In addition to this, some barriers that an intersex person might face when accessing care include:
A lack of general knowledge surrounding intersex identities and care needs
Care providers using incorrect, disrespectful or outdated language with regards to your body, gender or intersex variation.
Pressure for unnecessary and often harmful surgical or medical intervention to “fix” intersex bodies
Invasive questioning and/or examination
Lack of informed consent for care
Check out the following resource for Knowing your Rights When Seeking Medical Care as an Intersex Person:
InterACT Advocates for Intersex Youth - Sometimes the best way to find intersex informed care is to connect with other intersex folks or organizations and see whom they recommend.
Qmunity Referrals - For intersex or queer competent services: email reception@qmunity.ca or call 604-684-5307 for information or referrals.
Qmunity Counselling - for low cost counselling with counselors competent in 2SLGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse related issues and are equipped to create a productive, non-judgemental relationship.