The Intersex Identity Project.
Hello! I've started this project to address a persistent problem i've both noticed and experienced within the intersex community!
The problem in question is the lack of adequate language to capture the vast breadth of intersex identity. The words and language we have now often feel inadequate to explain the many variations and nuances of our genders, gender expressions, and experiences with sexgender oppression, CAGAB, etc. This causes friction within the broader LGBTQIA+ community, as it can lead to misuse of existing terms, conflicting identity labels, and more often than not, distress amongst the intersex individuals who are left with no way to describe their own identity.
There are a lot of various terms out there that people have coined to describe hyper-specific experiences, but I find a few issues wading through them- for one, I'm not very MOGAI-savvy, and i'm not alone! Not everyone feels content using these sorts of underrecognized labels. I also find the labeling inconsistent, because the coiners will simply invent words based on their own personal preference. There is also the problem that perhaps you find a term you like, but the OP has vanished, there's no information on it, or it was coined by someone with harmful intentions.
For all these reasons, I've started this project to try to come together and invent a more consistent language & framework of terminology to describe & capture our many intersex identity experiences. My goal with this project is to gather many intersex people so that we as a community can discuss what we'd like to see in terminology, gather info on varied experiences, etc! This project will run entirely on community input.
To achieve this, I'll be running a discord server as a hub of communication, as well as posting on here. You are absolutely welcome to spread this & any posts of mine around! I WANT more input! It's very important to me that I hear as many voices as possible!
After a certain discussion period (which I will always announce), there will be polls to gather the general consensus on preferred terms.
I hope that, together, we as a community can create a language all our own. The idea here is to work out some terminology that doesn't rely on existing terms used by other communities. A language that's ours. I believe that this could be a powerful tool to grant us back the autonomy over the way we identify and describe ourselves that has been stolen from so many of us.
If you're interested, please fill out this interest form!
I will mention one small note, though. With all sugar, there's a bit of medicine.
This project is being run by an intersex trans woman. I am a strict transfeminist, and will prioritize the safety of my sisters. This means I am unwilling to speak with groups that I believe wish us ill. I will not restrict you from voting, but I cannot put myself in the dangerous and uncomfortable position of speaking with you on a personal level, such as in a server. I aim to keep my server & community safe for my sisters. If you are confused about whether this includes you, you can check my pinned for further information.
I'm very excited to speak with you all!