Advocates

In a recent discussion I responded to someone with this.

“I wish there had been an advocate there to say to us things like:
“Your kid isn’t broken”
“There is no medical requirement for surgery.”
“You have a long time to think over what’s best for your kid.”
“Your kid should have their own say”

And the more I think about it the more it’s something that HAS to happen. When an intersex kid is born the very last thing they need is a surgical opinion. Especially presented as if it’s the only option. Of course there will be some kids for whom a surgery is a medical necessity and cannot be put off because it puts their health in danger. But that’s a very small minority of kids.

The vast majority of intersex kids don’t need surgery and presenting that as the only option is disingenuous at best. When an intersex kid is born the medical team should be calling a qualified secular counsellor, preferably an intersex person themselves. Someone who can advocate for the kid and their future, free from medically unnecessary, destructive, irreversible, surgical interference.