Variations of Sex Characteristics (VSC), or intersex, encompass naturally occurring differences in chromosomal, hormonal, gonadal, or anatomical traits that deviate from binary definitions of male and female bodies. Despite VSC posing no inherent harm, societal pressures to conform to rigid understandings of sex have driven the widespread use of irreversible and non-consensual sex assignment surgeries (SAS) on children. These procedures often prioritize cultural norms over individual autonomy, resulting in lifelong physical and psychological consequences.
This study examines the cultural and policy landscapes of Ireland and Italy to understand how social representations of intersex and biological sex affect the wellbeing of individuals with VSC. Through 18 in-depth interviews and 5 focus groups with stakeholders, including intersex individuals, activists, parents, and professionals, the research highlights how intersex experiences are often framed as subsets of other categories, such as rare diseases or the LGBT+ community. This framing diminishes the recognition of intersex as a distinct identity, restricting the development of policies and care frameworks that reflect the complexity of intersex lives.
Findings reveal critical gaps in expertise beyond healthcare and LGBT+ contexts in both countries. Employment and education issues, for example, are either overlooked or conflated with transgender experiences. In Ireland and Italy, employment concerns are narrowly perceived as childhood medical matters, while educational needs are deprioritized due to overlapping assumptions with other identity categories. These omissions reflect a fragmented understanding of intersex wellbeing and hinder the creation of comprehensive support systems.
This presentation advocates for reframing intersex wellbeing within a holistic and interdisciplinary framework, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and economic dimensions across the life course. Effective policies in Ireland, Italy, and beyond must move beyond reductive narratives, addressing the unique complexities of intersex experiences to promote equity and justice for individuals with VSC.