Approaching Critical Mass: An Exploration of the Role of Intersex Allies in Creating Positive Education, Advocacy and Change

Authors

Moonhawk River Stone M.S.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the role of allies working on behalf of intersex people. The article approaches this exploration from various perspectives that have informed the author's ally work with intersex issues for more than ten years. First, the author begins with the personal perspective and the way in which the author became an ally of intersex people. Second, the article discusses the perspective of psychological trauma, the tapestry of which is interwoven through all aspects of intersex history and experience. Third, the author delineates ally attitudes, behaviors, and tasks that are important when one is working in support of intersex people. Fourth, the article examines the history of interaction between transgender activists and intersex activists, addressing challenges between the two groups, including the movement of some towards incorporating "I" for Intersex into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual ("LGBT") organizations. In conclusion, the author proposes that the work of allies will help create a critical mass for creating a paradigmatic change in society's attitudes not only toward intersex people, but also toward sex/gender diversity and variance in general.

Disciplines

Education Law | Human Rights Law | Law | Law and Gender | Medical Jurisprudence

Recommended Citation

Moonhawk R. Stone M.S., Approaching Critical Mass: An Exploration of the Role of Intersex Allies in Creating Positive Education, Advocacy and Change, 12 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 353 (2005).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol12/iss1/19