October 26 - Intersex Awareness Day

Greetings,

 

The term “intersex” refers to a person who is born with sexual characteristics that do not distinctly identify them as male or female. 

 

This day highlights the challenges faced by members of the intersex community and aims to raise awareness of the struggles they may experience in their everyday lives.

 

These struggles may stem from the shame felt due to unwanted surgeries endured as intersex children in order that they conform to mainstream gender identities.

 

While often raised in the gender specific roles of male or female, intersex persons may later identify with another gender identity. However, it is also possible that some may not specifically wish to identify themselves in this binary tradition of male or female.

 

Intersex persons often grapple with obtaining sensitive health care relating to their specific health issues and it is often difficult to find places of social and psychological support in a society that continues to promote a gender binary definition.

 

We all have a duty to provide a supportive and understanding environment for all of our members. 

 

In Solidarity,

David Carr,
Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender Members Representative
PSAC Ontario Council