The Intersex Issue

“Intersex people, especially those affected by multiple forms of marginalization, are vulnerable to medical mismanagement, discrimination, stigmatization, and potential malpractice,” write the editors of this special issue in their introduction. “Whereas trans-affirmative clinicians, parents, and patient advocates have developed and disseminated various models of gender affirming care for trans* kids and adults over the last several decades, no comparable model of ‘intersex affirming care’ has emerged.“ The authors consider the differences, tensions, commonalities, and resonances between intersex studies and trans* studies-fields that may seem naturally allied but have proceeded at radically different paces and scales. “In the face of ongoing state violence, environmental collapse, and the COVID-19 pandemic, with disparities that most intensely impact BIPOC and poor communities, how might critical intersex and trans* inquiries productively call one another into question?” the authors ask. “How might they team up to use their (super)powers to subvert and transform dominant institutions and relations of power and knowledge? How can we craft better strategic affinities and solidarities between trans* and intersex communities and studies to work toward more sustainable care webs that allow for modest witnessing of intersex and trans* freedom struggle, suffering, joy, and vulnerability?”