Anti-Inter* Discrimination

Anti-inter* discrimination refers to the devaluation, exclusion and discrimination of intersex or inter* people. It can appear as prejudice, rejection, disrespectful behaviour, degrading language, social exclusion, and psychological, physical or sexualized violence. It can also affect people who are not inter*, but who are perceived or marked by others as inter*.

A common form of anti-inter* discrimination is the pathologization of intersex bodies, meaning the portrayal of intersex traits as an illness, disorder or deviation in need of treatment. Particularly serious are medically unnecessary, non-consensual interventions on inter* children and adults, such as surgeries or hormone treatments without informed consent. Such interventions are ethically problematic and may have physical and psychological consequences. Respectful treatment means recognizing the bodily diversity of inter* people, respecting self-descriptions and making medical decisions only in an informed, voluntary and, as far as possible, self-determined way.

Internalized anti-inter* discrimination describes inter* hostile ideas being directed against one’s own inter*ness. This can develop in a devaluing environment, before an internal or external coming-out, or through repeated experiences of shame, secrecy and medical control by others. The term “interphobia” is still used in some contexts, but it is problematic because discrimination is not an anxiety disorder or phobia. In sexuality, dating and BDSM, respect, confidentiality, avoiding intrusive curiosity and clear consent are especially important.