"Psychological research shows that stigma arises when bodies deviate from socially-enforced norms, particularly binary frameworks of sex and gender (Link & Phelan, 2001). The pathologization of intersex bodies can be internalized and negatively affect intersex people's sense of self and social agency (Hart & Shakespeare-Finch, 2022). Importantly, secrecy, shame, and erasure, not intersex traits themselves, are what create distress (Meyer, 2003)."
"These variations are part of normal biological diversity. Despite this, the experiences of intersex people are largely invisible and stigmatized. In conjunction, the public's understanding of intersex variations remains limited (Hegarty & Smith, 2022). Psychological science helps explain why stigma, secrecy, and violations of intersex people's bodily autonomy persist, and how they shape mental health and well-being."
Intersex variations affect roughly 1.7% of the global population and include differences in chromosomes, hormone production or sensitivity, gonadal development, or genital anatomy. These variations are part of normal biological diversity, yet experiences of intersex people remain largely invisible and stigmatized. Stigma arises from socially enforced binary norms and can be internalized, undermining sense of self and social agency. Secrecy, shame, and erasure create distress and chronic health burdens. Non-consensual medical interventions often produce lasting harm. Peer connection and affirming, consent-based care are powerful protective factors for mental health and well-being.
Read at Psychology Today
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