One of the most interesting things I learned on Out & Equal Summit last week was the context and challenges of Intersex people, presented by InterACT Advocates. I ran a survey in my Instagram page (www.instagram.com/humane_leadership) and literally ZERO people were familiar with the term. Given the importance of the topic, and how leaders must be prepare to provide the best support to all employees under their responsibility, I think it is a good idea to share some of what I learned about this topic. Intersex is an umbrella term to define individuals that might have one or more physical aspects different from what is expected by binary society. It means they might have, for example, XY chromosomes (male combination), but are highly resistant to androgenes, meaning they might not develop a penis and develop a vulva and clitoris instead. They might also have XX chromosomes (female combination) but have no cortisol production, resulting in high production of testosterone and developing physical characteristics generally expected from biologically male individuals. This situation is poorly managed by doctors, who normally recommend early surgery having parents to “decide” on the baby’s gender. In the past, these individuals were known as “hermaphrodites”, but some consider today as a pejorative term. As leaders, we must know: In which aspects people can be different How we can support each team member’s specific struggles Facilities/ergonomic needs from each team member How to refer to people not assuming genders based on physical aspects – it is always highly recommended and appreciated to ask which pronoums a person prefers to be treated by prior to misgendering anyone If you’d like to learn more about Intersex, visit InterACT Advocates homepage and get in touch.
