For Intersex Jam 2026, I made an informative zine. βIntersex Inclusion: A Crash Course for Creativesβ is a quick primer on how to include intersex experiences in your creative works. The text-only version* is available for free, licensed under CC BY 4.0, and I encourage others to repost and use this zine in place of asking random non-activist intersex folks about how to represent our entire community with dignity.
* (it's supposed to be in comic form, but due to rampant computer crashes, I wasnβt able to assemble the artwork into a screen-reader accessible PDF in time for the deadline.)
Overwhelmingly, the most common question I see from allies to random bystanders who just so happen to be publicly intersex is βhow do I include intersex people?β I know they mean well, but it gets tiring. I hold no enmity for them in my heart; in spite of that, Iβm tired. I want to see folks like me being considered at allβwithout having to see random, non-activist intersex folks awkwardly struggling to rehash the same three points again and again because well-meaning but ignorant allies keep asking the same question of non-activists while prostrating and flagellating themselves over how they didnβt spawn into existence as a perfect ally. Itβs such a demanding task that thinking about it makes me want to roll over and take a nap. Fortunately, I am an old dog incapable of learning new tricks; hence, I am back on my bullshit to provide a bunch of infographics loosely assembled into a zine. I made sure to pack it with resources and citations good for your nutrition, all with love from the universe. Take my hand. Letβs be inclusive of intersex experiences in our creative works,Β together.
This is a zine specifically focused on creating and developing intersex characters, how to handle intersexuality in a variety of genres and creative project types, how to worldbuild while conscious of intersexuality, and common pitfalls for uninformed allies new to writing intersex folks. For references more specific to writing, see versegmβs βAn Intersex Writing Referenceβ and Hans LindahlβsΒ βTips for Writing an Intersex Character with Grace.β [Content warning: in order to respectfully but realistically talk about intersex history, this zine contains brief, undetailed discussions of topics such as medical gaslighting and abuse, sexual harassment and assault, and medical and sexual abuse against children.Β These are included strictly for the purpose of educating on intersex history and experiences.Β Slurs and bigoted or discriminatory language towards intersex folks and traits are included without censorship, also to educate on their history and meaning. Full content warnings are available within the zine itself.]
