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What is Intersexism?

Our principles of support and education for parents, families and friends applies to intersex persons as well. "Intersex" refer to persons having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs so that an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made at birth. In the past, intersex persons were referred to as hermaphrodite and pseudohermaphrodite. These terms are now considered pejorative and inaccurate and should no longer be used.

Much information is available on the Internet and through many organizations. According to the Intersex Society of North America,

Intersexuality is a problem of stigma and trauma, not gender.
Parents' distress must not be treated by surgery on the child.
Professional mental health care is essential.
Honest, complete disclosure is good medicine.
All children should be assigned as boy or girl, without early surgery.

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