The media plays an important role in shaping public understanding of intersex people. While African intersex advocates have long been telling their own stories through books, documentaries and other organisational work, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reporting has helped bring some of these voices to international audiences. This article highlights three BBC stories that shed light on the realities, challenges and resilience of intersex people across Africa.

Julius Kaggwa — Uganda

“Becoming Julius: Growing up intersex in Uganda” (2017) is the personal story of Julius Kaggwa, from being raised as Julia to becoming Julius, one of Africa’s leading intersex activists. The piece explores his childhood, stigma, school experiences, identity, the journey into advocacy and the family he has built. It is both deeply narrative and an important story on how intersex advocacy in East Africa began. The story is beautifully illustrated by PositiveNegatives for the Open Society Foundations. Julius Kaggwa is the Founder of Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development (SIPD). You can read the full BBC story here.

Mphatso Sakala — Zambia

The short documentary, “Being intersex: I wanted to be my true self” (2019), produced by BBC Africa’s Life Clinic, explores Mphatso Sakala’s story of disclosing his truth to his childhood friend who became a sister, Miriam. The film explores the emotional impact of secrecy, family expectations, self-discovery and the courage it takes to live openly in a society where intersex people often face misunderstanding and stigma. He shares a deeply personal story of his intersex journey, especially the reality that comes with being different from the rest, being assigned female at birth and eventually embracing their authentic identity. The journey is not about becoming someone else but about living genuinely. Sharing his story publically, Mphatso helps challenge stigma and encourages greater understanding of intersex people in Zambia and across Africa. Mphatso is the Founder and current Executive Director of Intersex Society of Zambia (ISSZ). Watch the BBC documentary:

James Karanja — Kenya

Kenya was the first African country to recognise intersex as a gender category in their 2019 population census. In this BBC article, James Karanja narrates his childhood story as an intersex person born in Kenya unselfishly sharing the struggles of an intersex child and their family and explaining why being counted matters. James was assigned female at birth and raised as Mary because his family and the health care providers were uncertain how to classify his sex. As he grew older, his body developed more typically male characteristics, leaving him to navigate confusion, stigma and rejection within his community. Through self-discovery and advocacy, he embraced his identity as James Karanja and became a leading voice for the intersex rights in Kenya. The timing of the BBC story is significant as it coincided with Kenya’s historic decision to collect data on intersex people during the national census, making the country the first in Africa to do so. For James, this was acknowledgement that intersex people exist and deserve equal access to services, legal protection and public policy. By weaving James’ personal story with Kenya’s landmark census, the BBC demonstrated that behind every policy milestone, there are real people whose lives have been shaped by invisibility and this should no longer be the way forward. Watch the BBC documentary here:

These stories have helped move public conversations beyond myths and misconceptions especially when told right. While no single media outlet can capture the diversity of intersex experiences, because they go way beyond just these stories, responsible journalism can increase understanding, reduce stigma and encourage informed discussions about bodily autonomy and human rights. Continue reading these stories in our archive to experience wider realities of intersex lives. 

This article was written by our Intersex Content Contributor, Delphine Barigye

Valentin (middle name used to protect the activist) is a young Beninese person who was born and raised in Niger. His childhood was marked by stigma, misunderstandings, and many questions related to his experience as an intersex person. For a long time, he tried to understand who he was in a society where differences are often poorly understood. Over time, he learned to accept himself and transform his lived experience into a source of advocacy.

Today, his commitment is to raise public awareness about the reality of intersex people. He wants people to understand that being intersex is not a choice: it is how one is born. Through his testimony and his activism, he works towards greater understanding of human bodily variations, the fight against prejudice, and the respect for the dignity and rights of all intersex people.

To begin simply, could you tell me about yourself?

“My name is Valentin. I was born in Niger and grew up there, although my family origins are from Benin. My parents settled in Niger for professional reasons before I was born, and it is here that I have built my entire life. I am an intersex person, an activist, and the founder of Voie Divine, an organisation that raises awareness about intersex realities in Niger. My commitment was born from my personal experience. For a long time, I lived without truly understanding who I was. I faced stigma, mockery, insults, exclusion, and misunderstanding. Today, I work so that other intersex people can have access to the information, support, and acceptance that I sometimes lacked during my childhood and adolescence.”

When you look back, what are the earliest memories you have of growing up and understanding yourself?

“When I think back to my childhood, what I remember most is a feeling of being different that I could not explain. From a very young age, I noticed that certain things in my life were different from those of other children. I asked myself many questions about who I was, but I could not find answers. At that time, I knew nothing about being intersex. I only knew that there was something I did not understand about my identity and my body. This feeling of not being like others stayed with me throughout much of my childhood.”

As a child, how did you experience your body, your identity, and the way people around you responded to you?

“My childhood was marked by many questions about my body and my identity. I felt different without being able to explain why. I was simply looking to be accepted like other children, but this was not always easy. The way others looked at me had a significant impact on me. Some people saw me as different, and this sometimes resulted in mockery, insults, or rejection. As a child, I did not understand why this was happening to me. These experiences sometimes affected my confidence and pushed me to search for more answers about my identity.”

Were there moments in your early life that confused you, or made you feel different before you had words for it?

“Yes, several moments deeply marked my childhood and adolescence. Some memories remain particularly painful. I remember that some people tried to forcibly check what was underneath my clothes or underwear because they had doubts or questions about my body. These situations were extremely humiliating and traumatic for me. I did not understand why I had to go through this. I also remember being pointed at, insulted, or publicly identified as someone different. On several occasions, I experienced physical or verbal violence because of this difference that others perceived. Some people would hit me or mistreat me because they did not understand who I was. At that time, I did not yet have the words to describe what I was experiencing. I only felt confusion, sadness, and sometimes loneliness. These experiences deeply influenced my life journey.”

Who were the most important people around you growing up and how did they shape how you saw yourself?

“The most important people in my life were members of my family. Despite the difficulties I experienced outside, I was fortunate to have a family that accepted me as I am. Their love, support, and presence allowed me to continue moving forward even during difficult moments. They helped me understand that my value did not depend on the opinions or judgments of others. Without their support, it would have been much more difficult for me to face the discrimination and violence I experienced.”

At what point did you begin to understand that your experience had a name or meaning beyond your personal story?

“I began to truly understand my experience in 2023. For many years, I only knew that I was different, but I did not understand why. I had many questions that no one seemed able to answer. I then began my own research to understand who I really was. It was through this research that I discovered intersex variations. For the first time, I found information that matched my lived experience. I also started watching videos, listening to testimonies, and reading stories from intersex people from different countries. By listening to their experiences, I recognised myself in many of their stories. This helped me understand that I was not alone and that other people were living realities similar to mine. This discovery gave meaning to many experiences I had lived through since childhood but had never been able to explain.”

How did that discovery affect you emotionally at the time? Was it a moment of clarity, struggle, fear, or something else?

“This discovery represented a major turning point in my life. At first, I felt an immense sense of relief. After years of questioning, I had finally found answers. Understanding who I was brought me an inner peace that I had never experienced before. At the same time, this discovery made me reflect on all the difficulties I had gone through: the humiliations, insults, violence, and discrimination. It was painful, but it also helped me understand that these experiences did not define my worth. From the day I understood who I truly was, I developed greater confidence in myself. I stopped being ashamed of my difference. Today, I walk with my head held high. I am no longer afraid of other people’s opinions or judgments. On the contrary, this discovery gave me the strength to affirm myself, defend my rights, and transform my personal experience into a commitment to support others. It was this awareness that led me to create Voie Divine. Through this organisation, I want to enable other intersex people to find the information, support, and understanding that took me so many years to obtain.”

How did your identity as an intersex person influence that journey in any way?

“While growing up, I did not know that I was an intersex person, but I felt that I was different from others. For a long time, I searched to understand who I truly was. It was through my own research that I discovered my intersex variation. This reality influenced my life journey, especially because I experienced stigma, insults, mockery, and rejection from primary school through university. Despite these difficulties, I was fortunate to have a family that accepted me as I am.”

When you think of “home” now, what does it mean to you?

“For me, ‘home’ is above all a place where I feel accepted, respected, and safe. It is also the place where my family, my points of reference, and the people who support me are found. Although my family origins are from Benin, Niger is the country where I grew up and where I built my identity. Therefore, this is where I truly feel at home.”

Activism & Leadership Journey

When did you first begin to see yourself as an activist, not just someone living your own experience?

“I truly began to see myself as an activist in 2023, after discovering my intersex variation. Before that, I was mainly on a personal journey of understanding myself, without considering myself as an engaged advocate or activist. It was when I understood that my experience was not isolated and that other intersex people were living similar realities that I felt the need to take action. The creation of Voie Divine marked the concrete beginning of my activism, with the objective of raising awareness, providing information, and supporting intersex people in Niger.”

What does leadership mean to you in this context?

“For me, leadership is not about directing others, but about serving, listening, and opening pathways for understanding. It is the ability to transform a personal experience into collective action to improve the lives of others. In my context, leadership also means having the courage to speak about a subject that is highly taboo, carrying the voices of people who are often invisible, and creating a space where they can be recognised and respected. It is a commitment that requires responsibility, humility, and perseverance.”

What have been some of the risks or fears you have had to navigate?

“The risks are multiple and connected to the social and cultural context of Niger. The first is the strong stigma surrounding intersex variations, which remain very little known and often misunderstood. People engaged on this issue are sometimes automatically associated with the LGBT community, which leads to social judgment and prejudice. In this context, even though no law directly criminalises certain identities, social perceptions remain very negative. This can make awareness work difficult and limit opportunities for public action or official recognition. There is also a constant fear of being misunderstood, rejected, or reduced to a single label, whereas the work being carried out is primarily about human rights, dignity, and raising awareness about intersex variations.”

What keeps you going on difficult days?

“My main motivation comes from my own experience. I grew up without understanding who I was, living through confusion, stigma, and sometimes violence. I do not want other intersex people to go through the same suffering in silence. In 2023, I began connecting with international and regional organisations working on intersex issues. These encounters greatly strengthened my commitment. I particularly collaborated with AIM (African Intersex Movement), led by Obioma, as well as CIA, led by Loé Petit in France. These organisations supported me greatly in building my activist journey and in strengthening the structure of Voie Divine. AIM allowed me to participate in a research committee on intersex people in West Africa. As part of this work, we were invited to Nigeria for training on research methods and approaches adapted to intersex realities. This experience was very educational and helped me better structure my activism. Today, my motivation also comes from the belief that every person deserves to be informed, respected, and recognised in their human dignity. Every step forward, even a small one, represents a victory for the intersex community and for the awareness work we carry out through Voie Divine.”

Voie Divine

At what point did Voie Divine begin to take shape in your mind or in your life?

“Voie Divine began to take shape in 2023, shortly after my discovery of intersex variations. For many years, I had lived with questions about my identity without truly understanding what I was experiencing. In 2023, through my personal research, I finally discovered intersex variations and understood who I truly was. This discovery marked a turning point in my life. I began watching videos, reading testimonies, and following the journeys of other intersex people around the world. For the first time, I recognised myself in the experiences of others. I understood that I was not alone and that what I was experiencing had a name. At the same time, I realised that in Niger, very few people knew about this reality. I began asking myself how many other people were living in silence, confusion, or suffering without access to information. It was at this moment that the idea of creating an awareness-raising organisation began to emerge.”

Was there a specific moment, experience, or frustration that pushed you to create it?

“Yes. My personal journey was the main motivation behind the creation of Voie Divine. Since childhood, I had faced difficult situations. I experienced insults, mockery, stigma, and rejection because of my difference. Some people even tried to forcibly check what was underneath my clothes because they did not understand my body. I was also a victim of physical violence simply because I was perceived as different. For a long time, I had no explanation for what I was experiencing. When I discovered intersex variations, I understood how essential information is. I then promised myself that other people should not have to spend as many years as I did searching for answers about their identity. I decided to create Voie Divine in order to provide information to intersex people, raise awareness in society, and create a space where people concerned could come together, share their experiences, and support one another.”

Why the name “Voie Divine”—what meaning does it carry for you?

“The name “Voie Divine” reflects the fundamental values of our organisation. The word “Voie” (Path) symbolises the fact that we all have different paths in life. Every person is born with their own story, reality, and journey. Some people are born with particular characteristics, such as intersex variations, which influence their life experiences. This word therefore represents the different paths that each person takes to understand themselves, accept themselves, and find their place in society. The word “Divine” refers to faith. It expresses my belief that, despite our differences, we are all creations of God and made in His image. We do not choose the characteristics with which we are born. For this reason, every person deserves respect, dignity, and acceptance. Through this name, we want to share a message of hope, respect, and recognition of the value of every human being.”

When you first started, what did you imagine it would become?

“When I started, I primarily imagined a space for information and awareness raising. I wanted intersex people to have access to the information that I myself had struggled so much to find. I also hoped to create a community capable of bringing together intersex people in Niger so that they could exchange, share their experiences, and support each other. I dreamed of an organisation that would contribute to reducing prejudice, raising awareness among families, and promoting respect for the rights of intersex people. Even today, I hope to see Voie Divine become a recognised organisation that works with communities, institutions, and partners to improve understanding of intersex variations in Niger.”

What were those early days like when Voie Divine was just beginning?

“Voie Divine was officially created on 2 June 2023 in Niger, only a few months after my discovery of intersex variations. The beginnings were modest. We had few resources, but we had a lot of motivation. We started by sharing information, raising awareness among those around us, and organising awareness activities. Little by little, we began making our mission known and drawing attention to a reality that remains largely unknown in the country. Since the beginning, we have particularly focused on awareness activities in order to make the voices of intersex people heard and promote a better understanding of their realities.”

What challenges have you encountered?

“The challenges have been numerous and continue today. The first challenge is that intersex variations remain a very taboo subject in Niger. Many people do not know about this reality or prefer not to talk about it. Prejudices, misconceptions, and stigma make awareness work particularly difficult. Another major challenge concerns the formalisation of the organisation. Currently, Voie Divine continues to operate informally. We have begun steps to obtain official recognition, but we have encountered several obstacles. Some people consider intersex issues to be too sensitive or too delicate to allow the organisation to be formally recognised. This situation limits our possibilities for development and access to certain partnerships or funding opportunities. Financial difficulties are also a considerable challenge. To date, Voie Divine does not have stable funding. We often use our own personal resources to carry out activities. Every first Sunday of the month, we organise awareness activities using our own means. Despite our commitment, the lack of funding greatly limits our ability to reach more people and develop our programmes. Today, Voie Divine suffers greatly from a lack of financial resources, even though the need for information and awareness raising is significant.”

Did you ever doubt whether it would continue?

“Yes, I have had moments when I doubted several times. The financial difficulties, the lack of official recognition, and the many obstacles linked to prejudice can sometimes be discouraging. However, whenever I think about my own journey, the years of confusion I experienced before understanding my identity, and the suffering I went through, I find the motivation to continue. I also think about intersex people who are still living in silence, isolation, or misunderstanding. Knowing that our work can help someone better understand their reality or feel less alone gives me the strength to continue this mission. Despite the challenges, I remain convinced that Voie Divine has an important role to play in raising awareness, providing information, and defending the dignity of intersex people in Niger.”

If we were to understand Voie Divine today through your eyes, what would I see?

“Through my eyes today, we would see a complex reality, between difficulties and hope. On one hand, intersex variations remain very little known in Niger and are strongly surrounded by taboos. When the issue is discussed, it is often misunderstood and interpreted in different ways: some people talk about deformity, abnormality, a curse, or even a spirit depending on their beliefs. This lack of information contributes to strong stigma against intersex people. In this context, many intersex people live in silence and fear. Some hide themselves to avoid family or social rejection. Others have experienced very difficult situations from birth, ranging from abandonment to violence or violations of their dignity. Although these realities are rarely documented, they exist and reflect the vulnerability of intersex people within society. On the other hand, I also see gradual change through awareness raising. People are beginning to ask questions, seek understanding, and reconsider their perceptions. Voie Divine contributes to opening a space for dialogue, information, and recognition, even though the journey is still long.”

Who are the people you are mainly working with?

“Voie Divine is currently mainly carried by me, with the support of a few close people who share the vision of the organisation and accept me in my commitment. We also work through exchanges and collaborations with organisations and networks engaged on intersex issues at regional and international levels. Among them, I can mention the African Intersex Movement (AIM), led by Obioma, and CIA, led by Loé Petit in France. These relationships have played an important role in my activist journey, particularly in terms of training, research, and strengthening my engagement. The organisation is still informal, with a small team based on trust, personal commitment, and the desire to raise awareness.”

What kinds of support or interventions are most needed?

“Voie Divine needs several types of support in order to strengthen and develop its work. The first is financial support. Currently, the organisation operates with very limited resources and relies largely on personal contributions. We organise awareness activities every first Sunday of the month, but they are financed through our own resources, which limits their reach and consistency. The second is institutional support. At present, Voie Divine is not yet formally recognised, particularly because of the sensitivity of the issue within the Nigerien context. The process of formalisation is difficult, which limits opportunities for partnerships and development. There is also a need for capacity strengthening, particularly in awareness raising, research, and advocacy, in order to improve the impact of the work being carried out. Finally, social support is essential to reduce stigma and promote better understanding of intersex variations within society.”

Can you share a moment where you felt the work made a real difference for someone?

“One of the most significant moments in my journey happened during an awareness activity, when we were sharing stories and information about intersex variations. A person approached us and recognised themselves in the experiences that were being described. After several discussions and conversations, this person stated that they were intersex. This moment was very powerful because it showed the direct impact of awareness raising and the importance of creating spaces for listening and information. Sometimes, these spaces allow people to put words to what they have been experiencing silently for a long time. However, a few months later, this person returned and denied being intersex. I understood this situation as a possible consequence of social and family pressure, in a context where intersex variations remain highly stigmatised. This experience deeply affected me. It helped me understand the extent to which social pressure can influence people’s identity and their ability to speak about their experiences. It also showed me how difficult it can be for some people to accept and openly express their reality. Despite this, it strengthened my determination to continue awareness raising and to create safe spaces where people can express themselves freely, without fear or judgment.”

What kind of world are you hoping Voie Divine helps to build?

“We want to build a world where differences are no longer seen as abnormalities, curses, or reasons for rejection, but as a natural part of human diversity. A world where every child, including intersex children, is welcomed with respect, protection, and information. A world where no one is excluded because of their body, identity, or personal history. A world based on human dignity, acceptance, and social justice.”

Connection to the Wider Movement

How do you see Voie Divine fitting into the broader African intersex movement?

“I see Voie Divine as an emerging but essential initiative within the African movement for the defence of intersex people’s rights. Although the organisation is still young and operates informally, it represents an important voice from Niger in a space where intersex variations remain largely invisible and often misunderstood. Within the African movement, Voie Divine plays a grassroots role: documenting local realities, raising awareness among communities, and bringing forward the voices of intersex people in a context where they are often invisible. It is also a space of resistance and awareness raising in response to social and cultural taboos.”

How did you join the intersex movement? Are there connections or solidarities that have been important for you? 

“My entry into the movement happened gradually in 2023, after discovering my own intersex variation. While searching to understand my identity, I began connecting with spaces for information and organisations working on intersex issues. It was through these searches and exchanges that I joined several activist networks. I was particularly in contact with organisations such as AIM, led by Obioma, and CIA, led by Loé Petit. These organisations supported me in understanding the issues and building my commitment. I also participated in research and training activities, particularly through a committee on intersex people in West Africa with AIM. A training organised in Nigeria allowed me to gain methodological tools and better structure my activism. At the same time, my personal journey, marked by difficulties accessing employment, financial insecurity, and experiences of stigma, strengthened my commitment to this movement.”

The Reality of Intersex Lives in Niger

Through your work and experience, what have you come to understand about the realities of intersex people in Niger?

“In Niger, I have understood that intersex variations are very little known as both a medical and human reality. When they are known, they are often misunderstood or incorrectly defined. Depending on the person, it may be perceived as a deformity, an abnormality, a curse, or sometimes even as a spiritual sign or a “spirit”. There are therefore several different perceptions, but very little reliable and scientific information. In reality, intersex people often live in silence and fear. The majority prefer to hide in order to avoid judgment, rejection, or violence. The lack of information creates strong stigma and prevents many people from openly living their reality.”

How are intersex children usually received in families or communities?

“The reception of intersex children is often marked by confusion and misunderstanding. At birth, families and communities may be shocked or disoriented when faced with sexual characteristics that differ from usual expectations. In some cases, this can lead to rejection, shame, or fear. Some families may be influenced by cultural or religious beliefs, which can increase stigma. However, there are also families who choose to protect and accept their child despite the lack of information.”

What happens when a child is born with variations in sex characteristics?

“When a child is born with variations in sex characteristics, the situation is often handled in silence and without appropriate support. There may be significant social pressure to quickly “normalise” the child or assign them an identity that conforms to society’s expectations. In some cases, medical or social decisions are made at a very early stage, sometimes without complete information or without the informed consent of the person concerned. This can have important consequences for their future life. There are also very difficult situations where children are abandoned at birth or hidden by their families because of fear of social judgment. In extreme cases, some people may experience serious violence or violations of their fundamental rights. These realities, although rarely officially documented, exist in certain contexts.”

What kinds of beliefs or myths exist around intersex people?

“Several myths still surround intersex variations in Niger. Some people believe that it is a curse, a divine punishment, or a supernatural phenomenon. Others describe it as a “deformity” or an “abnormality” without understanding that it is a natural variation of human sex characteristics. There are also beliefs that intersex people possess spiritual powers or are beings who are different from others. These perceptions, whether negative or based on mystification, all contribute to moving away from scientific reality and reinforcing stigma.”

What are the biggest forms of harm or exclusion you are seeing?

“Intersex people in Niger face several forms of exclusion. First, there is social exclusion, which appears through mockery, insults, rumors, and rejection within communities. This stigma pushes many people to live in secrecy. There is also family exclusion in some cases, when the birth of an intersex child is misunderstood or experienced as a source of shame, sometimes leading to rejection or isolation. On a medical level, some people may experience interventions or early decisions without adequate support or a complete understanding of their situation. Finally, there is significant psychological and identity-based exclusion, because the lack of information and experiences of rejection can deeply affect self-confidence, self-esteem, and the mental well-being of intersex people.”

Personal Reflection 

What support do you need?

“I am currently facing a situation of significant vulnerability. As an intersex person, access to employment is very difficult. In my experience, even when I have managed to obtain professional opportunities, I have sometimes been dismissed once my identity became known or was suspected. This reality makes my professional integration unstable and fragile. Today, I am unemployed, and this directly affects my ability to meet my basic needs, including paying my rent and managing my daily living expenses. I often find myself in a situation where I have to survive with very limited resources. During these difficult moments, I have received support on several occasions from people and organisations committed to this cause, particularly CIA, led by Loé Petit, which provided me with important moral and human support. This support allowed me to continue moving forward despite the obstacles. For a long time, I hoped that my professional situation would improve quickly and that I would be able to access stable employment. However, until now, this remains difficult, and I continue to live with financial instability. The limited resources I manage to obtain are sometimes used for my personal needs, but also to support the awareness activities I carry out through Voie Divine. Despite the difficulties, I remain committed to this work because it is essential for intersex people who continue to live with misunderstanding and stigma. Today, my main need is sustainable financial support that would allow me to stabilise my personal situation and strengthen my advocacy and awareness activities.”

How has this journey changed you as a person?

“This journey has deeply transformed me. For a long time, I lived without understanding myself, with a feeling of being different without being able to name it. The discovery of my intersex variation in 2023 was a major turning point in my life. It allowed me to put words to my experience, but also to understand that I was not alone. I have also gone through difficult experiences marked by stigma, rejection, and sometimes violence. These challenges shaped me and pushed me to transform my pain into commitment and action. Today, I see myself not only as a person directly affected, but also as an actor of awareness and change through Voie Divine.”

What parts feel the most healing or empowering?

“The most empowering aspects of my journey have been awareness, resilience, and meeting other organisations and committed individuals. Discovering intersex variations allowed me to understand my identity and give meaning to my experiences. Resilience helped me continue despite social, economic, and personal difficulties. My exchanges with organisations such as AIM and CIA also allowed me to gain knowledge, open myself to other perspectives, and strengthen my activism. Finally, every person who becomes aware or begins to understand their own reality represents something meaningful and motivating for me.”

When you imagine the future for intersex people in Niger, what do you see?

“I imagine a future where intersex people in Niger and across Africa will no longer have to hide or suffer in silence. A future where they will have access to information, respect, and dignity from birth. I also hope to see Voie Divine become a structured, recognised organisation capable of working effectively on the ground in awareness raising, research, and support. On a personal level, I hope to achieve professional and financial stability that will allow me to live with dignity and continue my commitment.”

If a young intersex person were listening to this conversation, what would you want them to hear from you?

“To a young intersex person, I would like to say that they are not alone. What they are experiencing has a name, an explanation, and above all, human value. It is important not to be ashamed of yourself, even if society can sometimes be harsh or lack understanding. Difference is not a weakness; it is part of human diversity. I encourage them to seek reliable information, surround themselves with caring people, and not remain isolated. A better future is possible, even if the journey may be difficult.”

Thank you for sharing your story so openly. Before we close, is there anything you feel is important that we haven’t touched on?

“I would simply like to add that awareness raising work is essential, especially in contexts where intersex variations are still very little known. Silence and ignorance contribute to the suffering of the people concerned. This is why Voie Divine exists: to inform, raise awareness, and give a voice to those who do not have one. Despite the personal, financial, and institutional difficulties, I remain committed to this mission because it is necessary and urgent.”

This interview with Valentin was conducted by our Intersex Content Contributor, Delphine Barigye.

Founded on 12 September 2024 in Malawi by Shammah Solomon, Helping Educating Regarding Orientation (HERO) is a registered, community-based human rights advocacy organisation focusing on intersex persons, sexuality and orientation.

The context in Malawi for intersex people

According to HERO,

“Although sexual orientation and gender identity are integral to a person’s dignity, in Malawi there still exists much discrimination and abuse based on the sexual orientation and gender presentation of intersex people across the country. Several cases are reported every year that show that intersex people are physically assaulted, kidnapped, raped and even murdered. Along with the abuse and physical assault, intersex people in the country also face discrimination in their homes, workplaces, schools and colleges, housing and healthcare.Intersex children and adolescents often face bullying in school, do not always receive parental support at home and may even be thrown out of their homes by their parents. Some of the reasons that result in hatred towards intersex people include:

• Lack of understanding of intersex issues
• Religious practices
• Traditional beliefs
• Political beliefs

Some of the challenges that intersex people face include:

• Having had prior surgery without their consent
• Feelings of distrust
• Ongoing side effects
• Gendered treatment
• Increased cancer risk
• Gendered and discriminatory terms used
• Taking hormones

Intersex people often experience prejudice and discrimination because their bodies do not conform to other people’s expectations about sex and gender.”

Vision

A Malawi where all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression feel seen, safe, valued, included, celebrated, equal and proud, and they can freely exercise their rights and enjoy the highest standard of health and well-being.

Mission

Raise awareness of intersex people’s existence by drawing attention to gender role construction and gender inequity and confronting interconnected “isms” (such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, etc.) To provide a safe and a supportive space for intersex people, empowering our diverse communities to realise their full potential everyday. Our services and activities are a lifetime for those in need.

Values

• Passion – creating peaceful and inclusive spaces for intersex people and communities
• Respect – celebrating what makes us unique and establish trust through inclusivity and
• recognition
• Empowerment – creating a space in which to grow and thrive
• Integrity – holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards, doing what is right for the community

Objectives

• To build and strengthen partnerships and alliances, understanding, solidarity and bridges between those working on human rights and intersex rights in particular, in Malawi and across the globe
• To defend intersex people in Malawi and support their families and communities against all forms of discrimination, exclusion, violence and hate crimes
• To promote intersex people’s sense of security and social cohesion
• To address and respond to the economic struggles, unemployment and other class-based challenges of intersex people
• To enhance collaboration and partnerships between CSOs, fellow human rights organisations and the Government of Malawi
• To take on systems and practices which criminalise or seek to reinforce the criminalisation of intersex people, human rights organisations, knowledge creation, sexual and cultural self-expression(s), and organising for change.

Focus areas / Projects

• Raising awareness about violence, discrimination and stigma towards intersex people
• Advancing and upholding human rights-compliant laws
• Supporting economic, cultural and societal inclusion of intersex people in Malawi
• Supporting intersex people who face unique challenges during crises, conflicts and acute threats to their life
• Strengthening national capability: contributing to having stronger, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable organisations with the technical and legal knowledge and skills
• To make progress on intersex equality and inclusion, to increase their reach, effectiveness, and impact
• Providing technical and legal support for human rights defenders, parliamentarians and government officials for the reform of laws and policies that discriminate against intersex people in Malawi
• Increasing awareness and understanding of intersex rights among duty bearers, diplomats, the media, development and humanitarian workers, religious organisations, the business sector, government, cultural traditional leadership, and amongst parents and families of intersex people in Malawi
• Organising workshops for intersex youth and adults in different regions
• Advocacy, influencing parliamentarians, CSOs and supporting donors, multilaterals and national government to commit to intersex rights through sharing and collating evidence and data to build more coherent approaches to intersex rights, build political will nationally and at regional levels to prioritise intersex rights and scope;
• Supporting influential thought leaders including faith leaders to advocate for local and global reform
• Learning, evidence and advice on understanding the real ‘live’ situation in varied contexts, sharing information on the practical and most effective approaches that work to improve the lives of intersex individuals in Malawi.

Contact

Email: heroitfhero@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +265 888 618 885
Facebook

Founded on 26 July 2024 by Boomer Mateus, Luis Mário Seteco and Jéssica Sanga, Direitos Humanos Intersexual Angola (DHIA) works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of intersex people and their families in Angola. Direitos Humanos Intersexual translates to “Intersexual Human Rights” from Portuguese. Boomer is the current Executive Director and active members are Miriam Benilde, Elisandro Jorge, Vero Nicolau and Nelma da Cunha.

Vision

To create a world where all intersex people are valued, respected and celebrated for their diversity.

Mission

To promote awareness, acceptance and respect for intersex people by challenging stereotypes and combating discrimination.

Goal

To contribute to building a society where intersex bodies are not stigmatised and where their rights as individuals are respected, protected and upheld.

More about the reason for founding DHIA, by co-founder, Boomer Mateus

“As an intersex person and the founder of the first human rights organization for intersex people in Angola, my connection to this organization is deeply rooted in my personal life journey. Every step I take along this path is driven by lived experiences of struggle, resilience, and hope for a brighter future for all intersex individuals. This organization is not just a project; it is an extension of my dreams and the dreams of so many voices that have been silenced for far too long. It is a space where our stories find strength, where we transform pain into action, and where we build, together, a fairer and more inclusive world. Being part of this is the fulfillment of a greater purpose that guides me every single day.”

Projects

Contact

Website
+244954518143
Email: dhiangolano@gmail.com
Facebook

Watch our interview with Boomer Mateus

We interviewed Boomer on the 21st of March 2025 with a Portuguese:English translator about his life and activism.

Out in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, civil society organizations joined forces to speak openly about intersex lives with a goal of shifting how society understands differences in sex traits while also challenging the long standing myths and misconceptions. The conversation led by CRD Femmes Debout, in partnership with Intersex Nigeria, brought together health professionals, community leaders, and advocates to reflect on the realities faced by intersex people in Cameroon. The gathering was supported by Open Society Initiative for West Africa through the Visibility, Inclusion and Recognition of Intersex Persons (VIRAL) project, marking another step in growing efforts across Africa to build awareness and dialogue around intersex issues. 

The conversation stressed how deeply rooted gender norms and limited awareness continue to shape the experiences of intersex people in Cameroon. Many continue to face secrecy, shame and harmful medical practices, particularly when decisions about their bodies are made without their informed consent. By bringing together different stakeholders including healthcare providers and traditional leaders the workshop created space for learning, reflection, and the gradual reshaping of narratives about intersex bodies and rights.

What stood out most was how the gathering lifted up real and personal stories from intersex individuals. This space gave room for listening and learning mostly from those affected the most. Their words showed tough realities around employment, and estranged families yet also illustrating resilience as activists. This meeting in Yaoundé became one point in a longer journey where African advocates push not for attention, but for truth to be seen clearly. 

This reflection is based on the article: “CSOs raise awareness on intersexuality at Yaoundé confab” The Guardian Post Cameroon. Read the original article.

This reflection was written by Delphine Barigye, our Intersex Content Contributor.

Unlike the traditional advocacy that relies on reports, policy briefs or legal arguments, in March 2024, Intersex Nigeria employed storytelling to explore the realities of intersex people in Nigeria. The organisation transformed a theatre stage in Abuja into a commemorative site, resistance and public education. Through the debut of its stage production, “World Untold: Echoes of Silence”, audiences were invited to witness stories that have too often remained hidden behind stigma, secrecy and silence. More than a theatrical performance, the play marked an important moment in the history of intersex advocacy in Africa, demonstrating how art can preserve lived experiences while inspiring social change.

The choice of the title reflects realities the production brings to the stage. “World Untold” speaks to thousands of intersex stories that have gone overlooked or unheard, while “Echoes of Silence” reflects the lingering effects of secrecy, shame and exclusion experienced by many intersex people in families, communities and healthcare systems. The play challenges both by giving a voice to intersex experiences. It transforms untold stories into public testimony and replaces silence with dialogue, inviting audiences to witness intersex lives while questioning long-held assumptions and recognising the dignity and humanity of intersex people.

Throughout the show, audiences encounter themes of identity, family expectations, social exclusion, religion, resilience and self-determination. The performance illustrates how intersex persons navigate social pressures while seeking acceptance and dignity. The emotional burden carried by parents and families who are frequently influenced by misinformation, fear and societal expectations is neatly exposed on this stage. Viewers were not only dared to question cultural norms and medical practices that have historically marginalized intersex people but also reflect on the consequences of silence and stigma. All this is presented through relatable characters rather than abstract concepts.

The production was staged before an audience of approximately 700 people, bringing together a diverse audience including representatives of the government, members of the National Human rights commission, healthcare professionals, psychologists, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, intersex people and members of the wider public.

As organisations across Africa explore new approaches to advocacy, Intersex Nigeria’s World Untold: Echoes of Silence demonstrates that story telling can change hearts and minds as effectively as policy papers move institutions. It reminds us that history is not preserved only in official documents or legislation. It is also found in performances on stage like these. To experience the voices behind “World Untold: Echoes of Silence”, watch the full production here:

This review was written by our Intersex Content Contributor, Delphine Barigye

On 27 February 2024, Trans & Intersex History Africa (TIHA)’s co-founder, Liesl Theron, delivered a presentation to the Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa (PATHSA) on the topic of the African history of trans and intersex movements. Liesl used the opportunity to highlight the work we do at TIHA in creating a first of its kind archive of trans and intersex movements in Africa and the African Diaspora. Watch the presentation on YouTube:

Créée en 2024 à Madagascar par le Malgache AL Andrianjafy, activiste queer et neurodivergent Malagasy, Vatana Spectrum travaille principalement avec les personnes intersexes malgaches, en particulier les plus marginalisées, ainsi qu’avec leurs familles, les professionnel·les de santé, les journalistes, les éducateur·ices et les communautés locales. Vatana Spectrum agit pour la reconnaissance, le respect et la dignité des personnes intersexes à Madagascar. Nous construisons une communauté, produisons des données locales, facilitons l’accès à des soins adaptés, offrons un soutien psychologique, et menons des actions de plaidoyer pour une transformation durable. Vatana Spectrum est un programme sous l’égide de Queer Place, cofondé par AL Andrianjafy.

Created in 2024 in Madagascar by Malagasy AL Andrianjafy, a queer and neurodivergent activist, Vatana Spectrum works primarily with Malagasy intersex people, particularly the most marginalised, as well as their families, healthcare professionals, journalists, educators, and local communities. Vatana Spectrum works for the recognition, respect, and dignity of intersex people in Madagascar. They build community, produce local data, facilitate access to appropriate care, offer psychological support, and lead advocacy efforts for sustainable transformation. Vatana Spectrum is a programme under the umbrella of Queer Place, which was co-founded by AL Andrianjafy.

La Vision / Vision

Un Madagascar où les personnes intersexes sont respectées, soutenues et soignées dignement, avec des droits pleinement reconnus.

A Madagascar where intersex people are respected, supported and treated with dignity, with fully recognised rights.

Mission

Transformer la vie des personnes intersexes à Madagascar grâce à un accompagnement humain, une meilleure information, des soins respectueux, un plaidoyer solide et une communauté forte et solidaire.

To transform the lives of intersex people in Madagascar through human support, better information, respectful care, strong advocacy and a strong and supportive community.

Objectifs / Objectives

• Créer un réseau de solidarité intersexe.
• Collecter et produire des données sur les réalités intersexes malgaches.
• Favoriser des soins médicaux adaptés, respectueux et autodéterminés.
• Offrir un accompagnement psychologique aux intersexes et à leurs proches.
• Sensibiliser les professionnel·les, les institutions et l’opinion publique.
• Obtenir des réformes concrètes pour la protection des droits intersexes.

• Create an intersex solidarity network.
• Collect and produce data on intersex realities in Madagascar.
• Promote appropriate, respectful, and self-determined medical care.
• Provide psychological support to intersex people and their loved ones.
• Raise awareness among professionals, institutions, and the public.
• Obtain concrete reforms to protect intersex rights.

Domaines de travail / Areas of Work

• Communauté & réseau intersexe.
• Recherche et documentation.
• Accès à la santé et droits corporels.
• Accompagnement psychologique.
• Plaidoyer et éducation populaire.
• Médias et culture.

• Intersex community networking.
• Research and documentation.
• Access to health and bodily rights.
• Psychological support.
• Advocacy and popular education.
• Media and culture.

Contact

Site web / Website
Adresse email / Email: contact@vatana-spectrum.org
WhatsApp: +261 34 98 813 48
Signal: +261 32 91 675 75

“Envisioning African Intersex: Challenging Colonial and Racist Legacies in South African Medicine” by Amanda Lock Swarr (Associate Professor, Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, University of Washington) was published 30 January 2023 and is a groundbreaking work that challenges entrenched scientific and social norms about intersex individuals, particularly within the context of South Africa. Swarr meticulously deconstructs the historical and contemporary narratives surrounding intersex bodies, highlighting how these narratives are steeped in colonialism, racism, and gender binaries. The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of intersex representation and activism, with a strong emphasis on the voices and experiences of intersex individuals themselves.

Critical Analysis of Scientific Definitions of ‘Intersex’

The book opens with a critical examination of how scientific definitions of intersex have historically pathologised and categorised intersex bodies. Swarr points out that intersex has been subjected to an extensive range of taxonomic and medical definitions, often used to enforce binary gender norms. She emphasises the problematic nature of these definitions, which date back to the early 1800s and became widely adopted by medical professionals in the 1950s. Swarr quotes Iain Morland, who argues that scholarly and popular considerations of intersex often start with statistics, giving a false impression that the “truth” of bodies can be separated from discourse. Instead, Morland suggests exploring “how and why knowledge about intersex is produced”.

Swarr introduces the concept of “citational chains,” which she defines as references that build on each other to create truth claims despite the fundamentally flawed foundations of the original works cited. These chains perpetuate erroneous observations by colonial explorers and scientists, linking “hermaphroditism” and intersex with blackness and spreading these ideas across academia, popular culture, journalism, and social media

Colonial Roots of Intersex Representations

The second chapter delves into the colonial roots of intersex representations, focusing on how colonial explorers and scientists constructed narratives around the “Hottentot apron” and other racialised body features. Swarr argues that Africa was positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy in the citational chain of explorers’ and scientists’ imaginations. She illustrates how British physicians like George Blacker and William Lawrence played a significant role in erasing the history and memory of European hermaphroditism, thus valorising European bodies and reinforcing racial hierarchies​.

Swarr’s analysis highlights the importance of understanding the historical context in which these scientific narratives were formed and how they continue to impact contemporary perceptions of intersex individuals. By exposing the colonial underpinnings of these narratives, she challenges readers to reconsider the legitimacy and motivations behind them.

Sally Gross

The third chapter focuses on Sally Gross, a prominent South African intersex activist and founder of the first intersex rights organisation in Africa, whose life and work epitomised the struggle against medical violence and social exclusion. Gross’s activism was deeply rooted in her anti-apartheid efforts, and she consistently linked the fight against apartheid with the struggle for intersex rights. Swarr provides a detailed account of Gross’s efforts to challenge the theories of scientists like John Money and H. J. Grace, as well as her critique of the medical protocols that pathologized intersex bodies​.

Gross’s activism was characterised by her insistence on the acceptance of the body as it is, without the need for conformity to binary gender norms. In her unpublished work, she reflects on her life and the challenges she faced:

“When it became increasingly clear that what I am challenges the dichotomy, it is almost as if I was seen as threatening the very order of creation. I was no longer seen as a legitimate inhabitant of a shared social and moral world”​.

Racial Categorisations Underlying Intersex Classifications

The book also delves into the racial categorisations used by Grace and others, which were deeply entrenched in apartheid logic. Grace’s detailed taxonomy of intersex conditions and his simplistic definition of race reflect the scientific racism of his time. He described South Africa as having “four well-defined population groups: Caucasoids, Negroids, Asiatics, and a mixed race of all three, the Coloureds”​​. This categorisation was used to justify the racial hierarchies and segregation policies of apartheid.

Swarr challenges these outdated notions, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of intersex variations that transcends racial and colonial boundaries. Her work underscores the need to decolonise medical protocols and embrace a more inclusive and intersectional approach to intersex studies.

Caster Semenya

The final chapter examines the case of Caster Semenya, a South African runner who has been subjected to intense scrutiny and invasive gender verification testing. Semenya’s treatment by sporting authorities and the media highlights the ongoing intersection of racism, colonialism, and gender policing. Swarr argues that Semenya’s experiences are emblematic of the broader issues faced by intersex and gender-nonconforming individuals, particularly in the Global South.

Swarr discusses how Semenya and her supporters have used social media campaigns, such as #HandsOffCaster, to challenge the racist and exclusionary practices of institutions like the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). These campaigns have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the injustices faced by Semenya and other athletes subjected to gender testing.

Semenya’s case underscores the need for decolonising gender testing and embracing a more inclusive understanding of gender diversity. Her resilience in the face of institutional racism and sexism serves as a powerful example of the broader fight for intersex rights and recognition.

Conclusion

“Envisioning African Intersex” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sheds light on the complex and often painful realities faced by intersex individuals. Amanda Lock Swarr’s meticulous research and insightful analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which colonialism, racism, and gender binaries have shaped and continue to shape the lives of intersex people. By centring the voices and experiences of intersex activists like Sally Gross and Caster Semenya, Swarr not only exposes the historical injustices but also celebrates the resilience and agency of those who refuse to be defined by oppressive norms.

This book is an essential for anyone interested in intersex rights, gender studies, African studies, or the history of medicine. It challenges one to question one’s assumptions about gender and sex and to recognise the profound impact of colonial legacies on contemporary understandings of the body. Through its rigorous scholarship and compelling narratives, “Envisioning African Intersex” offers a vision of a more inclusive and just world, where all bodies are accepted and valued as they are.

Swarr negotiated with DUKE university that this book be available FREE of charge online. Chapters or the entire book can be downloaded. The income generated from books that are purchased are donated to Intersex South Africa (ISSA), the organisation founded by Sally Gross.

Video Interview with Amanda Lock Swarr About the Book

As part of the Knowing Africa Seminar Series, Amanda Lock Swarr discusses the book in the video below with Ann Cvetkovich (Professor, Feminist Institute of Social Transformation, Carleton University), Zethu Matebani (sociologist, activist, writer, documentary film maker, Professor and South Africa Research Chair in Sexualities, Genders and Queer Studies at the University of Fort Hare), and Jabu Pereira (Founder of IRANTI).

This review was written by our content contributor, Delphine Barigye

In 2023, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Intersex Society of Zambia published a review titled ‘Being Intersex in Zambia: A Legal and Policy Review’. This Review explored the legal and policy environment in Zambia as it affects intersex people with a focus on their rights and well-being.

In the Executive Summary of the Review, the situation for intersex people in Zambia is summarised as follows:

“Intersex persons are legally ‘invisible’ in Zambia, and there is limited and insufficient research and data on the impact of laws and policies on their rights and well-being. This research found that intersex persons in Zambia face stigma, discrimination, exclusion and institutional violence, and they struggle to realize their rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and to participate in society on an equal basis.

In Zambia, the Constitution and various national laws provide for equality, non-discrimination and enjoyment of rights such as education, employment and health care without discrimination. While these rights apply equally to intersex persons, the legal protections appear to be inadequate to protect them from specific rights violations. For instance, while many laws and policies protect all people from discrimination on the basis of sex, they fail to specifically recognize and protect intersex persons as a vulnerable population or to take into account the sexual and reproductive rights and legal status of intersex persons who fall outside the binary model (of male and female), and they contain no explicit references to gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Rights violations include stigma, discrimination, violence and unfair treatment within various sectors of society, including health care, employment and education; forced and coerced medical treatment, including unnecessary gender ‘normalizing’ surgery on intersex infants without fully informed and autonomous consent; inadequate access to medical records and breaches of medical confidentiality; inadequate access to health information and services to meet their needs; and difficulties in accessing or changing identity documentation (national citizenship sex description and their passports) to reflect their sex or gender status, among other things. In addition, intersex persons struggle to access justice for rights violations.”

Legally, socially and politically, what does it mean to be intersex in Zambia? This Review takes you on a revealing journey through the country’s laws, policies and lived realities to uncover where protections exist, fall short and what can be done better. It also included a review of international, regional and Zambia’s human rights documents, guidance and protocols that impact not just on the rights of intersex persons but also relate to responses from public and private health facilities.

The Review isn’t just about identifying gaps, it’s about imagining better. It offers evidence based, home grown recommendations on how Zambia can create safer, more inclusive environments in schools, hospitals and communities.

In the Foreword to the Review by the UNDP, it states that this Review

“is the product of a highly consultative and rigorous review and provides a comprehensive overview of the policy and legal issues affecting the intersex community in Zambia. The report offers short- and medium-term recommendations and strategies to strengthen protections for the intersex community. It highlights the lack of protections for intersex infants against forced or coercive surgeries, the complex process of legal gender recognition, and the challenges of accessing health and education services.”

In the Intersex Society of Zambia’s Foreword to the Review, they acknowledge the progress made by the Review, but write

“Although we acknowledge the progress made, there is still much work to be done to fully ensure our rights. In Zambia, those who are intersex are subjected to marginalization, societal judgment and mistreatment, as well as violations of their human rights across all aspects of life. For many, receiving legal recognition for their sex or gender remains a major obstacle.

We continue to call for the government to take concrete measures to uphold the rights of intersex persons and provide protection from abuse. This entails putting in place appropriate inclusive legal and policy frameworks aimed at protecting intersex persons from discrimination on the grounds of sex characteristics, including in access to health care, education, employment, sports and in obtaining official identity documents. The government needs to lead in raising awareness of the rights of intersex people; combating the root causes of these violations, such as harmful stereotypes, stigma and pathologizing of intersex persons; providing training to health professionals and public officials, including legislators, the judiciary and policymakers; and ensuring that adult intersex persons decide whether they wish to modify the appearance of their own bodies, and children are allowed to make
an informed decision for themselves at the appropriate age. Access to medical services that respond to their specific health needs based on non-discrimination, informed consent, and respect for their fundamental rights, is a must.

We are making an urgent appeal to the Government of Zambia to prohibit all unnecessary cosmetic medical surgeries and hormonal procedures on intersex children unless there is a major threat to the life of the intersex minor as evidenced with other intersex variations. It is imperative that we uphold the autonomy of intersex adults and children and their right to health, to physical and mental integrity, to live free from violence and harmful practices, and to be free from torture and ill-treatment. Intersex children and their parents should be provided with support and counselling, including by peers.

It is our sincere hope that the Government of Zambia will follow the example of the Government of Kenya, which is considered a benchmark in incorporating intersex individuals into the country’s national statistics census and civic registration systems as full-fledged citizens, particularly in the Registration of Births and Deaths. This includes the adoption and domestication of Resolution 552 and the commitment to implement crucial recommendations outlined in this report.”

Read the full Review.

This entry is brought to you by our intersex content contributor, Delphine Barigye

“Are you a Boy or a Girl? Growing up as an African Intersex Person” is a powerful booklet published by Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development (SIPD) Uganda to commemorate Intersex Awareness Day 2023. It brings together the lived experiences of eight intersex individuals from across Africa, offering a deeply human perspective on identity, resilience and belonging. The booklet demonstrates how the neatly drawn boxes of male or female on documents are presumptuous and extremely limit the diversity of sex characteristics in humanity. It explains that intersex people are born with natural variations in their sex characteristics which may not fit the typical definitions of male or female bodies.

Through these intensely personal stories, the book highlights the realities of intersex people in Africa. Their experiences range from childhood confusion to secrecy, stigma, discrimination and harmful medical practices. Many of the stories show that understanding of who you are as an intersex person usually comes late, often after years of uncertainty. Family can be both a safe space and source of trauma. School (especially boarding school) is a major site of stigma and exposure through the bullying and lack of privacy. The tellers go on to describe difficult experiences with in their communities where misunderstanding often leads to isolation or abuse. (Cultural interpretations profoundly shape experiences).

Despite these challenges, the central message of the booklet is strength and hope. The individuals featured show remarkable resilience as they learn to accept themselves, support others and advocate for their rights. Their journeys emphasise the importance of self-love, informed decision making and the need for society to become more inclusive and informed. 

Ultimately, “Are you a Boy or a Girl?” goes beyond sharing personal stories, it is a call to action. It urges readers to listen, learn and respect intersex people while promoting a broader understanding of human diversity. The booklet reminds us that everyone deserves the right exist without apology.

From the introduction to the booklet:

“An Intersex person is someone born with a reproductive or sexual
anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical definitions of female or female
including hormonal patterns, and/or chromosome patterns. It reflects a
combination of differences in the development of a person’s internal
or/and external sexual and reproductive organs. In some cases, an
intersex person’s genitalia will be neither clearly male nor female.
Some conditions may only become apparent when a child reaches
puberty. According to the UN 0.05% and 1.7% of the population is
born with intersex traits.

In recent years, awareness of intersex people and recognition of the
specific human rights abuses that they face has grown thanks to the
work of intersex human rights defenders, all over the world. Human
Rights abuses commonly faced by Intersex people include infanticides,
forced and coerced medical interventions, harmful practices, such as
unsupervised cultural genital mutilations and spiritual exorcisms
rampant in many parts of Africa, and other forms of stigmatization due
to their physical traits.

This book documents the lived experiences of 8 amazing intersex
individuals from different African countries including Uganda, Kenya,
Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria who share their stories with the
hope that their experiences will be largely disseminated and therefore
deepen Africa’s understanding of intersex lives.

The book is designed in such a way that participants talk about their
experiences in school, society, work, and health service centers. Stories
were transcribed to compose stories that were as close to the story
tellers’ own words as possible. These stories represent a wide range of
experiences which we believe are representative of other intersex lived
realities in Africa.

In commemoration of intersex awareness day 2023, SIPD is excited to
document and share the following powerful intersex lived experiences
across Africa to celebrate courage and hope and to create more
awareness and visibility.”

Read “Are you a Boy or a Girl? “  

Founded in South Africa in 2023 by Ayanda (Yaya) Mqakayi, Yaya M Voices works primarily with intersex people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, artists, activists, and communities impacted by silence, stigma, and bodily discrimination. The organisation’s work also speaks to families, especially mothers of intersex children, through education, storytelling, and visibility. Yaya M Voices focuses on documenting and archiving intersex lives, histories, and lived experiences through photography, film, storytelling, interviews, creative activism, and community engagement. Their work challenges medical erasure, social stigma, and invisibility while preserving intersex existence through visual and historical documentation.

Vision

A world where intersex people are fully recognised, respected, protected, and visible as part of natural human diversity, and where future generations grow up with access to truthful representation, history, dignity, and bodily autonomy.

Mission

To create and preserve intersex-led archives, stories, and visual histories through creative documentation and advocacy. The organisation aims to reclaim narrative ownership by ensuring that intersex people speak for themselves and are represented through their own lived realities.

Goals/Objectives

• To document and preserve intersex histories and lived experiences.
• To create visual and educational resources about intersex existence.
• To challenge stigma, discrimination, and non-consensual medical interventions on intersex bodies.
• To support visibility, healing, and self-representation within intersex communities.
• To build archives that future generations, researchers, families, and intersex people can access.
• To contribute toward social and legal change regarding bodily autonomy and intersex rights.

Projects

Current projects include:

• Being Intersex — a photographic body of work documenting intersex identity, embodiment, memory, scars, healing, and lived realities.
• Ride for Intersex Justice — an awareness and advocacy cycling campaign focused on ending non-consensual surgeries on intersex infants and children.
• Unseen Lives — a visual storytelling and documentary project focusing on hidden intersex experiences and social invisibility.
• Archival Documentation — collecting oral histories, photographs, interviews, and visual records related to intersex existence and African intersex narratives.
• Community Education and Visibility Work — creating conversations around bodily autonomy, identity, and intersex human rights through social media, exhibitions, public speaking, and collaborations.

Contact

yayamvoices@gmail.com
0680100962
Facebook
Instagram

Yaya M Voices in the media

Art

Watch our interview with Yaya, 22 May 2026

Founded in Gaborone, Botswana on 22 November 2022, by Crystal Hendricks and intersex activists from Botswana, Malawi,
South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Southern African Intersex Forum (SAIF), primarily works with intersex people, intersex human rights defenders, intersex-led organisations and emerging intersex leaders across Southern Africa. The Forums also engages families, healthcare providers, policymakers, governments, civil society organisations, media practitioners, funders and other allies whose actions affect the rights and wellbeing of intersex people. SAIF is an intersex-led regional forum that strengthens intersex organisations and leaders, coordinates regional advocacy, builds solidarity across countries and advances the human rights, bodily autonomy, dignity and safety of intersex people. The Forum supports member organisations through capacity strengthening, leadership development, movement building, resource mobilisation, strategic advocacy, public education and regional campaigns. SAIF came together during a Southern African Intersex Capacity Strengthening meeting convened by Iranti. Intersex activists from Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe came together to establish the regional collective. The Forum was registered in 2025.

Vision

A Southern Africa where intersex people thrive in full recognition, dignity and freedom.

Mission

To empower and support intersex organisations and leaders through advocacy, movement building and capacity strengthening.

Objectives

SAIF’s objectives are to strengthen the governance, leadership and sustainability of intersex-led organisations; build a connected and resilient Southern African intersex movement; develop intersex leaders through mentorship, learning and wellbeing support; advance legal and policy recognition of intersex people’s rights; promote bodily autonomy and end non-consensual and medically unnecessary interventions on intersex people; increase public understanding and positive visibility of intersex lived realities; strengthen regional advocacy through SADC, African Union and United Nations mechanisms; and mobilise resources for intersex-led work across the region.

Focus areas

SAIF’s thematic areas include:

• movement building and leadership development;
• organisational capacity strengthening and governance;
• strategic advocacy and policy reform;
• bodily autonomy and action to end intersex genital mutilation and other non-consensual medical interventions;
• access to affirming healthcare, justice and legal recognition;
• safety, security and wellbeing of intersex human rights defenders;
• resource mobilisation and donor education;
• communications, media engagement and digital storytelling;
• regional campaigns for Intersex Awareness Day and Intersex Day of Solidarity;
• Umngani programme;
• member-organisation capacity support;
• regional safety;
• and security work, media training, public sensitisation, policy tracking and engagement with SADC, African Union and United Nations human rights mechanisms.

More about the Umngani Programme

The Umngani Programme is SAIF’s regional movement-building and organisational strengthening initiative. It supports intersex-led organisations across Southern Africa through tailored technical assistance, mentorship, leadership development, advocacy support and small grants. During Phase One, SAIF conducted one-on-one organisational support consultations with partner organisations to assess their governance, financial management, strategic and operational planning, monitoring and evaluation systems, leadership capacity and sustainability needs. These consultations identified common priorities, including board training, policy development, stronger financial controls, strategic plans and annual workplans, data-collection tools, M&E frameworks, leadership coaching, safety and security support, and sustainability planning. The findings are guiding a phased technical-support programme that responds to each organisation’s specific needs while strengthening the long-term resilience, accountability and effectiveness of the regional intersex movement.

Contact

Website (under construction)
Email: programmes@saifafrica.com
Facebook
Instagram

SAIF in the media

• New Southern African Intersex Forum launched: https://grocotts.ru.ac.za/2023/03/01/new-southern-african-intersex-forum-launched/
• New collective to campaign for intersex rights in Southern Africa: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/lgbtqia/new-collective-to-campaign-for-intersex-rights-in-southern-africa-breaking-28-february-2023/
• Iranti post on SAIF’s capacity-strengthening workshop:
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iranti_the-southern-african-intersex-forum-saif-activity-7272252382615400448-pXDc

25—27 November 2022 Meeting

Between the 25th and 27th of November 2022, intersex activists from Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe met for a Southern African Intersex Capacity Strengthening meeting, convened by Iranti. During this meeting they founded a new collective; the Southern African Intersex Forum (SAIF), with the aim of strengthening the capacities of intersex organisations in the SADC region.

As Southern African intersex activists, we wish to announce the formation of the Southern African Intersex Forum (SAIF). SAIF is an autonomous collective consisting of intersex-led organisations and intersex activists from Southern African countries that work to raise awareness on intersex issues and advocate for the protection of the rights of intersex people.

We aim to:

• Set the regional advocacy agenda on intersex issues;
• Strengthen the capacities of Southern African intersex organisations;
• Share skills, resources and information;
• Collectively mobilise resources for regional intersex organising;
• Co-create regional intersex advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and visibility of intersex issues in the region;
• Engage with regional human rights and policy makers in order to advocate for the promotion and protection of the rights of intersex people in the region;
• Engage in research to contribute to legal and policy review and reform with evidence-based data centered around the lived realities of intersex people; and
• Support the forum’s members to implement advocacy priorities at national level.

We recognise that stigma, discrimination, medical violence, and exclusion of intersex people is prevalent in the region. The legal and policy environment is not enabling for the promotion and protection of the rights of intersex people.Intersex people have limited access to justice and redress when faced with human rights violations both nationally and regionally. Discrimination results in limited access to education, employment, affirming healthcare and other essential services.

We also recognise that intersex organisations in the region have limited access to resources, which hinders their ability to effectively organise, advocate and raise awareness on the various issues and violations that impact intersex people. We also recognise the inherent expertise, experience, and capabilities of intersex activists to bring about social, legal and political change for their communities as well as the on-going work and achievements of intersex activists despite these challenges.

We affirm both the 2017 and 2019 statements by the African Intersex Movement (AIM) and remain committed to supporting the efforts of AIM.

With this background in mind, we call upon SADC member states to:

• Prohibit any non-consensual medical interventions, including surgical, hormonal and sterilisation interventions that alter the sex characteristics of intersex people.
• Ensure that legislation, policy and medical guidelines clearly define “medical emergency” as relating to physical health and not to perceived psychological or social factors.
• Ensure that sanctions exist for healthcare providers who violate the rights of intersex people and who conduct medical interventions (that are not a medical emergency) without informed consent from the patient.
• Ensure that antenatal care includes providing parents with affirming and evidence-based information on intersex traits.
• Avail free and easily accessible gender-affirming health care for intersex adults, based on principles of informed consent and self-determination.
• Provide healthcare providers with training on the health needs and human rights of intersex persons.
• Prohibit discrimination on the basis of intersex traits, characteristics or status including in education, health care, employment, and access to public services.
• Enact enabling laws and policies allowing intersex persons to amend sex markers on birth certificates, identity documents and other official documents.
• Ensure that intersex people have the right to information and are able access to their medical records.

We call on SADC and national human rights bodies to address the structural and institutional barriers that prevent intersex people from the full enjoyment and realisation of their human rights in a systematic way. We call on funders to address the under-resourcing of intersex organising on all levels; locally, nationally, and regionally by providing flexible long-term unrestricted funding without burdensome administrative requirements.

We call on human rights organisations to take leadership from intersex organisations, and engage in meaningful collaboration and partnership with us when working on intersex issues through the principle of “nothing about us without us”.

Source: Iranti — https://youtu.be/LWUof8bQ8P8?si=JF73s-lcC7FpRvF_

On 23 October 2022, the Centre for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development (SIPD) and the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe (ICoZ), launched the ‘Study on the Human Rights Situation of Intersex Persons in Africa’ Report at the 73rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia. The Report acknowledges the lived realities of intersex persons and leverages their voices through interviews and personal testimonies. The methodology is qualitative and relies heavily on

“the strength of the stories to show evidence of human rights violations against intersex persons in Africa”.

A total of 25 intersex individuals, parents, and stakeholders from six African countries (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana) were interviewed. The Report highlights that

“all names of the interviewees were noted down. However, some requested to remain anonymous… due to fear of victimization”.

Below follows more information about the launch, which is then followed by a review of the Report by our intersex content contributor.

The Launch of the Report

The launch was attended by representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs), and was moderated by Dr Tresor Makunya of the Centre for Human Rights. Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Commissioner Remy Lumbu from the Ivory Coast, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights welcomed the intersex study

“as coming at a critical time when there is urgent need to address the human rights violations against intersex persons on the African continent. He bemoaned the lack of awareness, misunderstandings and misconceptions around intersex bodies which often lead to many of the violations against intersex persons. He welcomed the presentation of a draft resolution on intersex persons as part of the study which, if adopted by the African Commission, will be one of the first steps in protecting the rights of intersex persons at a regional level”.

Source: Centre for Human Rights

Professor Frans Viljoen, the Director of the Centre for Human Rights, said:

“We urge the Commission to take note of the study results, and consider adopting normative guidance (for example, in the form of a resolution) to assist states to correct the misunderstanding on intersex persons among the general public, and to provide legal protection to address the plight of of intersex Africans through a human rights-based approach.”    

Speakers included Tapiwa Mamhare (SOGIESC Officer at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria), Delphine Barigye (Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development — SIPD) who spoke about the human rights situation faced by intersex persons in Kenya and Uganda, and Ronnie Zuze (Intersex Community of Zimbabwe — ICoZ) who spoke about the situation in Zimbabwe. The Report was contributed to by the African Intersex Movement (AIM), Julius Kaggwa from SIPD, James Karanja (a Kenyan lawyer), Mphatso Sakala (Intersex Society of Zambia — ISSZ), Ryan Wangui (Kenyan intersex activist), and the Rainbow Identity Association (RIA) in Botswana.

Review of the Report

by Delphine Barigye, our intersex content contributor

Chapter 1: Introduction

The initial chapter introduces the term “intersex” as an umbrella category encompassing diverse natural variations in sex characteristics. The authors are keen to separate intersex from LGBTQ identities, emphasising that “there is no necessary correlation between being intersex and having a particular sexual orientation or gender identity” (p.5).

Under this chapter, it is noted that the persistence of misconceptions is often rooted in religious and cultural beliefs that frame intersex individuals as cursed or abnormal. One critical observation is that intersex traits are not always visible at birth but may emerge at puberty or later, which complicates awareness and diagnosis. The authors document that over 40 intersex variations exist, including “external genitals that cannot be easily classified as male or female” and “inconsistencies between the external genitals and the internal reproductive organs”.

Statistics are difficult to obtain, though Kenya made a landmark move in 2019 by counting 1,524 intersex people in its national census. However, the Report cautions: “statistics should not be a limiting factor for intersex persons to enjoy the rights and freedoms provided for under the African Charter”.

Furthermore, the pathologisation of intersex bodies is critiqued. The use of the term “disorders of sex development” is contested. According to the Report, “genital ‘normalizing’ surgeries often lead to irreversible medical procedures that can cause life- long psychological suffering, depression, permanent infertility, pain, incontinence and loss of sexual pleasure”.

Chapter 2: Case studies

The second chapter is the emotional heart of the report, presenting deeply personal accounts of intersex persons. The most egregious violation identified in the Report is non-consensual genital “normalizing” surgery on minors. These procedures, often cosmetic, are presented as urgent by medical professionals but are rarely medically necessary.

Non-consensual surgeries on minors

Ronika Zuze, a 42-year-old intersex individual from Zimbabwe, recounted how they were operated on without consent:

“I felt like a medical experiment because lots of people would come to see me… I still have chronic pain up to now. Given a choice, I would have never gone through the surgery. I have become homeless at some point, battled alcohol addiction, suicidal thoughts and depression” (p.10).

Such surgeries are likened to female genital mutilation (FGM) and are violations of the African Charter’s protections on physical integrity and dignity. The Report recommends a moratorium on all cosmetic genital surgeries until the intersex person is old enough to give informed consent.

Legal identity

Legal identity is another major challenge. Most intersex individuals face problems registering at birth or correcting their gender markers later in life. James Karanja, an intersex activist, described a traumatic encounter at a bank:

“They started beating me up… I had to be searched and that meant removing my clothes. It was dehumanizing” (p.14).

Another participant, Ryan, described being unable to access financial aid because

“My school certificates were written [with] my former name, while my ID was changed” (p.15).

Social stigma

Social stigma is rampant, with several stories documenting abandonment, school bullying, and infanticide. One Ugandan participant shared:

“An elderly man accused me… said I was the reason why my area was facing a drought and I was supposed to be stoned to death.”

Mental health

The chapter closes by highlighting mental health impacts. Depression, anxiety, and trauma are recurring themes. The Report documents how societal rejection begins within the family and extends into schools, workplaces, and correctional facilities.

Chapter 3: Legal protections

Chapter three outlines legal protections afforded under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Articles 2, 3, 5, and 16 provide a framework for non-discrimination, protection from torture, and access to health. Yet, few African states have applied these rights explicitly to intersex persons.

On the global stage, substantial progress is noted:

• The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning genital surgeries.
• Malta passed the GIGESC Act banning cosmetic surgery on intersex minors.
• Australia included intersex status in its anti-discrimination laws.

“The IACHR urged states to urgently prohibit surgeries and medically unnecessary procedures on intersex children” (p.21).

The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture condemned involuntary surgeries as a form of cruel and degrading treatment. The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) urged states to prohibit medically unnecessary procedures and respect bodily autonomy.

Within Africa, South Africa and Kenya stand out. South Africa allows changes to sex markers on birth certificates under the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act. Kenya has integrated intersex recognition into judicial, legislative and policy spheres most notably in the Baby A (2013)and RM (2007) cases, which led to the intersex taskforce and reforms (p.24).

Chapter 4: Advocacy

Chapter four entails advocacy for intersex rights is still emerging in Africa. Previously, intersex issues were subsumed under LGBTQ advocacy, but intersex organisations are beginning to organise independently.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has hosted side-events, thanks to efforts by the Centre for Human Rights, SIPD-Uganda, and others. However, Commissioner Mute warned:

“You have to do a lot of work in clarifying and explaining what intersex is all about. There is a lot of conflation… from the acronym LGBT” (p.27).

Engagement with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) has led to discussions on intersex children’s rights, but limitations remain since protections often exclude adults.

Chapter 5: Norm setting

Chapter five outlines the urgent need for norm-setting by the African Commission. The authors argue that the lack of domestic laws in African states stems from the absence of regional frameworks. They recommend the following actions:

• Adopt a specific resolution to address the rights of intersex persons.
• Develop principles and guidelines to elaborate on legal obligations.
• Draft model legislation for member states to adopt.

The Report emphasizes that although Resolution 275 addresses violence against sexual minorities, it fails to account for violations unique to intersex persons, such as forced surgeries and infanticide:

“A resolution will provide precision… and will be an important advocacy tool to raise awareness and engage governments to make legal reform on issues relating to intersex persons” (p.30).

Chapter 6: Conclusion

In chapter six, the Report concludes that while international human rights law provides a strong foundation, African states must take proactive steps and key recommendations includes banning cosmetic genital surgeries on minors, allowing legal sex and name changes through administrative procedures, providing psychosocial and legal support, empowering intersex-led organisations with funding and visibility, raising public awareness to counter stigma and ignorance.

It can thus be summed up that the study positions itself as both a policy tool and a moral call to action. The voices of intersex Africans raw, painful, and resolute demand nothing less than structural change and legal recognition.

Read the full Report.

From 27–31 August 2021, Pan Africa ILGA hosted its 5th Regional LGBTQIA+ Conference. Titled ‘Reclaiming Our Past, Defining Our Future’, the Conference hosted more than 500 delegates and over 100 speakers from across the continent.

The Conference held a variety of Pre-Conferences, including an Intersex Pre-Conference. Our content contributor, Delphine Barigye, who was also the moderator for the Pre-Conference, wrote a report about the summaries from the Intersex Pre-Conference.

Report: The Intersex Pre-Conference at the Virtual Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) Regional Conference, 2021

“Our past is painful to reclaim, but as intersex persons we will definitely define our future.”

These words from a keynote speaker at the Intersex Pre-Conference echoed through the hearts of the attendees, setting the tone for a powerful discussion on intersex resilience in Africa.

The 2021 Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) 5^th Regional Conference, under the theme of “Reclaiming Our Past: Defining Our Future”, held virtually from August 27 to 31, housed the Intersex Pre-Conference on the 27^th. Initially, the Conference was planned to take place in Ghana in 2020, but was rescheduled and held virtually in 2021 due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The Intersex Pre-Conference, organised by the Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development (SIPD), brought together over 20 intersex activists. The panel included renowned intersex advocates Mphatso Sakala, Ronnie Zuze, Sammie MacJessie and Obioma Chukwuike. Their contributions to the discussion revealed not only challenges but also remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of a global crisis.

The vision beyond the African Intersex Movement (AIM)’s inception

Mphatso Sakala from the Intersex Society of Zimbabwe (ISSZ), shared insights of the future of the African Intersex Movement (AIM). AIM was initiated to increase individual and organisational capacity of African intersex activists and organisations, not only to develop regional strategies and address human rights violations of intersex persons in Africa, but to also increase representation of African intersex persons in international forums. Mphatso noted that,

“AIM was started to put in place a strategic framework for organisational response to health and human rights violations faced by intersex people in Africa, develop capacity and structures to support and sustain positive change for intersex people and mobilise support for the movement.

The aim is to achieve contextual change in relation to African intersex movement building. It is ultimately hoped that AIM will provide a working approach for African intersex leaders pursuing similar goals, while addressing negative cultural norms, the livelihood needs of intersex persons and the need to legally recognise the existence of intersex persons across all African countries.”

AIM strategically laid out 5 goals and action points to achieve these aims with a clearly defined vision of:

“An African society that recognises, respects and protects the rights, autonomy and agency of intersex persons.”

Mental health and the intersex journey

Ronnie Zuze, the founder of Intersex Community of Zimbabwe (ICoZ) spoke about intersex people and their mental health. Many intersex persons face mental health challenges due to the unique challenges posed not only by the pressure from society to conform to the binary gender norms, but by identity struggles, non-consensual surgeries, stigma and discrimination in major aspects of life like health, education, employment and sports. Often, these issues are overlooked and yet take a toll on a person’s mental health, eventually leading to anxiety, depression or even trauma. The need to focus on the intersex individuals’ mental health is greater than ever before. The Pre-Conference concluded that efforts should be directed to promoting healing, resilience, and empowerment of individuals to reclaim their past.

Ripple effects of COVID 19 on intersex funding

Sammie MacJessie from the Ivy Foundation in Malawi, the Coordinator of AIM, and Obioma Chukwuike from Intersex Nigeria, the Board Chairperson of AIM, shared insights about the effects of inadequate funding and COVID 19 on intersex organising in Africa, especially in their home countries, Malawi and Nigeria respectively. They shared that the impact of COVID 19 on the intersex community was profound. The panelists spoke about how the pandemic changed their lives and how it put strain on their work with community members, especially in relation to access to healthcare and support services. One panelist highlighted that,

“It is already difficult enough to try and get inclusive and non-discriminatory healthcare as it is in a free world. COVID greatly increased this and many of us were left in a world without essential care.”

The other challenges discussed ranged from disrupted advocacy and awareness campaigns, where vital in-person interactions were no longer possible due social distancing, financial challenges and the difficulty of keeping up with digital transformation. While the shift to digital communication posed challenges, especially in local spaces where intersex individuals hardly even own a smart phone, it opened up a new era where intersex organising would go worldwide.

Learnings from the Pre-Conference

• The intersex community is still mainly funded by the same donors who are stretched and not focused on the distinct needs of the intersex community.
• The still prevailing lack of awareness about intersex people and their lives has only worsened the effects of the pandemic on intersex persons, including their mental health.
• The focus on intersectionality in LGBTIQ+ rights advocacy work has also contributed to the invisibility of intersex people.
• The next step for AIM would be to establish a secretariat for better coordination, visibility and representation.

Call to action

• Funders need to engage with intersex organisations and support them in the struggle for visibility, increase their capacity and seriously consider mental health as a funding criteria.
• National governments have to address the concerns raised by the intersex movement and create adequate solutions in direct collaboration with intersex representatives and organisations.
• Human rights organisations need to contribute to building bridges with intersex organisations and build a basis for mutual support and meaningful engagement.
• Community leaders should engage in intersex education to dispel misconceptions and stigma surrounding intersex people and their families.
• Traditional and religious leaders need to stop harmful cultural practices, such as tradition-led mutilations and killings of intersex people.
• National, regional and international human rights institutions have to take intersex issues on board and provide visibility to intersex people and the violations they face.

Report written by our content contributor, Delphine Barigye.

A report, ‘COVID-19: A Report on the Situation of Intersex People in Africa‘, authored by Obioma Chukwuike from Intersex Nigeria, was conducted between 12 October 2020, and 16 December 2020, and published in June 2021. The COVID-19 Report was part of a global study initiated by the global intersex committee, aiming to understand how the pandemic affected intersex individuals across different regions. 

The findings from the Report paint a clear picture of the challenges intersex individuals faced during the crisis, including financial struggles, employment instability, lack of access to healthcare, increased mental health issues, and threats to personal safety. Many respondents reported losing jobs, struggling to afford basic needs, dropping out of school and facing discrimination in healthcare settings. Activism and community support also took a hit, with lockdowns limiting in-person organising. 

The Report shows a community harshly affected by COVID-19, experiencing frustration about how to create a better future not only for themselves, but for the future generations as well. It highlights the need for targeted support, better healthcare access, and financial aid for intersex communities, especially during global crises. 

The conclusion to the Report is as follows:

“The survey shows that intersex persons in Africa are experiencing a strong negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in regard to their financial situation, employment, access to health care facilities and continuous access to medication as well as their mental health and well-being, and safety seriously undermined.

The worsening of their financial situation caused by the pandemic strongly impacted the livelihoods of intersex persons in Africa. The responses show that most have lost sources of income either by loss of employment or closure of their businesses, leaving them in hand to mouth situations. Lockdowns and physical distancing enforced a drastic meltdown in income generation for intersex persons in Africa, exposing them to more hardship and added vulnerability besides the already existing hardships, the stigma and prejudices they faced before the pandemic. Personal safety is not guaranteed as many intersex people became victims of abuse, discrimination, and violent attacks, staying in hostile places with the person who hosted them during the pandemic or family members who are abusive towards them. Relocation would have been helpful, but it is only possible for those who have the means and resources to do so. In times of crisis, people who are part of a vulnerable minority are more likely to be victims of human rights violations. The response to ill-treatments from security personnel is also a reminder of inadequate security measures for intersex people in Africa. Unfortunately, intersex people cannot rely on protection by law enforcement agents, who also play a role in the victimization of minority populations. Trauma from insecurity and unsafe situations often trigger past negative memories as many intersex people have suffered stigma due to non-consensual treatments that pathologize their body or cultural beliefs that harm their bodies.

Public access to health services is difficult as many cannot access health care facilities. Some do not have the finance to seek good health care practitioners and medications they require to manage their health issues. Many have worsening health conditions that need urgent medical attention. With little or no access to health care facilities, the fate of these intersex persons becomes uncertain. In most hospitals in Africa, intersex persons have always had difficulties with medical practitioners. They are often subjected to medical trials, leaving them confused or traumatized by these experiences.

The pandemic is limiting the in-person interactions of activists and intersex people and the intersex movement. As a result, it has put severe barriers and obstacles to the recent and fast growth of the African intersex movement, platform building, awareness-raising, community building, and advocacy. The Covid-19 pandemic is a significant threat to the efforts of many activists and intersex-led organizations which operate with little human capacity and limited funding. It is highly worrying that efforts made over the past years, which put intersex work in Africa in the limelight, might fade away. Many activists have moved to the new reality of internet access to connect with stakeholders or intersex people. However, this is also challenging, as many intersex persons have indicated limited internet access or cannot afford it. In-person interactions are more effective in terms of positive engagements in events and creating a sense of belonging.

In all these uncertainties, intersex persons in Africa have shown strength in their hopes for a better tomorrow. Many have not lost hope that the pandemic will slow down and its negative impact would become less severe in the future. However, many stressed their situation would continue to worsen in terms of financial stability, safety, and health access if the society and government do not recognize their existence and rights by ensuring integration of intersex into the strategies and programs that will protect their human rights. They also marked the importance of championing more intersex activists and bringing sustainable advocacy and change in the society to dismantle the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination of intersex persons, while calling for increased funding for the intersex movement in Africa.”

You can read the full report here.

This post was written by our content contributor on intersex issues, Delphine Barigye.

Founded on 2 February 2021 by Kanyesigye Gloria, Voice of Togetherness (VOT) is a grassroots non-profit organisation located in Mbarara City in western Uganda, and focuses on human rights awareness for intersex people. The organisation was registered on 12 December 2023. VOT’s primary focus is to raise awareness and educate Ugandans about Differences in Sex Development (DSD). Through a combination of media initiatives and community outreach programmes, the organisation strives to bring about positive change and engagement with intersex human rights issues within Ugandan society.

Vision

A Uganda where intersex persons are respected, supported, and empowered to live fulfilling lives, free from stigma and discrimination.

Mission

To empower intersex persons in the western region through advocating for their health, well-being, and rights by creating awareness about intersex needs through impactful media campaigns and community engagement, conducting research and documentation while fostering social support and economic employment.

Goal

To establish a network of comprehensive health services accessible to rural intersex individuals, including case identification, referrals, and psychosocial support, while concurrently conducting impactful media campaigns and community outreaches to raise awareness of intersex issues and rights in Uganda.

Objectives

• To promote access to comprehensive health services for intersex persons in the Ankole region, tailored to the specific needs.
• To empower intersex individuals. 
• Capacity building and organisational development. 
• Contribution to knowledge base, research initiatives, and knowledge sharing.
• To advocate for the rights of intersex persons through conducting initiatives, strategic partnerships, and networking.

Contact

Email: voiceoftogetherness971@gmail.com / nyesigyegloria@gmail.com
+256783806250 / +256703767489
Facebook

Founded in Nigeria in 2021 by Mx Cookie and Anthony Adole, Living Free Initiative for Health Development and Rights Awareness (Living Free Initiative) is a feminist, trans-led organisation that provides services for trans, intersex and non-binary people in the form of advocacy, legal awareness and digital campaigns. The organisation was registered in 2021.

Vision

A just and inclusive society where trans, queer, and gender-diverse people live freely, with full bodily autonomy, dignity, and equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities free from violence, discrimination, and systemic oppression.

Mission

To advance gender justice and human rights through feminist, trans-led, and community-driven approaches that provide protection, amplify voices, and build the leadership of marginalised communities. Living Free Initiative works to dismantle oppressive systems by strengthening access to justice, health, and safe spaces for trans and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Goals

• Advance Gender Justice and Bodily Autonomy — Promote the rights of trans and gender-diverse people to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and identities.
• Strengthen Community Protection Systems — Improve access to legal, psychosocial, and safety support for individuals facing violence and discrimination.
• Build Feminist Leadership and Collective Power — Support trans and queer individuals to lead advocacy, storytelling, and community initiatives.
• Shift Harmful Norms and Narratives — Challenge patriarchy, stigma, and anti-gender movements through advocacy and public engagement.

Objectives

• Increase access to paralegal and psychosocial support services for trans and LGBTQ+ individuals facing rights violations.
• Deliver capacity-building programmes on GBV, SRHR, and safety strategies using feminist and rights-based approaches.
• Create and sustain safe spaces and learning hubs that centre healing, leadership, and peer support.
• Strengthen community-led advocacy to influence policies and improve protection mechanisms.
• Build partnerships with human rights institutions and service providers to expand inclusive support systems.
• Document and amplify lived experiences and stories ethically to influence change and visibility.

Contact

Email: livingfreeforever24@gmail.com
+2348169829169
Instagram

Published in 2021, John Chigiti SC’s book, Intersex Persons & the Law in Kenya, offers a comprehensive overview of the legal rights Kenyan intersex people have, as well as the failures of Kenyan law to protect intersex people. Our Intersex Content Contributor, Delphine Barigye, wrote this review.

Intersex persons in Kenya continue to experience systemic discrimination, legal invisibility, and persistent violations of fundamental rights. Drawing on the analysis presented by Chigiti (2021) in Intersex Persons and the Law in Kenya, this article synthesises the author’s major themes across law, medicine, social systems, and policy. The discussion illustrates that although Kenya’s Constitution guarantees equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for all persons, the absence of explicit recognition of intersex identity structurally prevents full realisation of rights. Reforms in documentation, healthcare, access to information, family law, and education are urgently needed to align Kenya’s legal and policy environment with international human-rights principles.

Introduction

Intersex persons born with natural variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female remain socially marginalised and administratively invisible in Kenya. Chigiti demonstrates that while awareness of intersex identity is increasing globally, Kenya’s legal and medical systems remain ill-equipped to address the lived realities of this population. This article organises the core themes emerging from Chigiti’s text into a rigorous, thematic analysis to guide legal scholarship, advocacy, and policy design.

Conceptual and Medical Foundations

The conceptual and medical understanding of intersex persons forms the intellectual foundation of John Chigiti’s argument in Intersex Persons and the Law in Kenya. He begins by revisiting the definition of intersex, historically known under the stigmatising term “hermaphrodite.” As medical knowledge evolved, such terminology gave way to scientifically grounded and human-rights-based language “intersex” or “persons with differences in sex development (DSD).” These terms describe individuals born with variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female.

Chigiti identifies multiple biological bases for intersex variation, including chromosomal patterns (e.g., 47XXY; Klinefelter syndrome; 47XXX; Trisomy X), gonadal differences (presence of both ovarian and testicular tissue), and hormonal atypicalities (such as androgen insensitivity syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia). These medical distinctions, he argues, demonstrate that intersex is not an anomaly but a naturally occurring human variation that is present in approximately 1.7% of the world’s population, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

From a biomedical perspective, Chigiti underscores the importance of genetic and chromosomal evaluation in determining an intersex condition. This involves understanding the genetic composition (heredity), where chromosomes carry the physical units of heredity known as genes. The book clarifies that each human cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, but variations in these pairs can produce different expressions of sex traits. For example, atypical configurations in sex chromosomes (such as XXY or XO) may lead to non-binary sexual differentiation.

Chigiti also references international legal definitions to enrich the conceptual clarity. The Maltese Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics Act defines “sex characteristics” as encompassing chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical features including reproductive organs, genitalia, hormonal structures, and secondary traits like muscle mass, hair distribution, and breasts. This broader framing moves beyond mere physical appearance and emphasizes biological diversity as part of human variation. The California Senate Bill 225 and the South African Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act similarly recognize that intersex persons exhibit variations in physical traits such as genitalia, hormone function, and chromosome patterns that deviate from stereotypical male-female norms.

Importantly, Chigiti cautions against superficial or appearance-based judgments. Physical features such as a deep voice in women or softer features in men do not constitute evidence of intersex status. A definitive classification must be based on medical examination of chromosomal, gonadal, and hormonal structure by a competent medical practitioner. The Persons Deprived of Liberty Act (2014) in Kenya explicitly adopts this medical standard, defining an intersex person as “a person certified by a competent medical practitioner to have both male and female reproductive organs.” This legal definition anchors intersex identity in verified medical evidence rather than social perception.

Chigiti thus establishes a dual conceptual framework: medical and legal. The medical framework recognizes intersex as a spectrum of biological diversity requiring sensitivity and scientific accuracy, while the legal framework demands recognition and protection of such individuals within Kenya’s constitutional and statutory systems. He insists that law and medicine must converge to ensure dignity, autonomy, and accurate identification. The medical field, therefore, carries not only a diagnostic function but also an ethical and human-rights obligation to refrain from coercive “normalising” surgeries and to support informed decision-making rooted in bodily autonomy and consent.

Stigma, Culture and Discrimination

Stigma surrounding intersex persons in Kenya is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, religious narratives, and social norms that privilege binary understandings of sex. In many communities, intersex birth is not merely misunderstood; it is feared. Local languages contain derogatory terms such as huntha (Kiswahili), kiugu (Kikuyu), and malinda (Kikamba), reflecting long-standing othering of bodies perceived as sexually atypical. These linguistic patterns reinforce the perception that intersex traits are unnatural or shameful, encouraging secrecy and silence within families. Fear of public shame leads many parents to conceal affected children, thereby denying them opportunities for health care, social participation, and early identity formation. Where physical differences manifest during adolescence rather than infancy, stigma often intensifies, as peers and communities react to visible divergence from gender expectations exposing intersex adolescents to ridicule, isolation, and emotional trauma.

This stigma is exacerbated by cultural narratives that view intersex children as omens, curses, or spiritual anomalies. In extreme cases, families may resort to infanticide, abandonment, or coercive “normalization” practices in an attempt to erase perceived deformity. Such reactions are reinforced by a lack of awareness and the dominant societal insistence on male/female classification. Schools and hospitals, operating within rigid gendered systems, inadvertently perpetuate discrimination by forcing children into binary categories. Administrative institutions, including registration authorities, contribute to indirect discrimination by refusing to issue documents when sex cannot be readily categorized thereby excluding intersex children from schooling, social protection, and later, employment. Chigiti underscores that such bureaucratic exclusion constitutes structural discrimination because policies that appear neutral in text disadvantage intersex persons in practice.

Legal discourse demonstrates the depth of this systemic exclusion. In Baby A (Suing through the Mother E.A.) v Attorney General & 6 Others, the court declined to recognise intersex as a distinct sex category, holding that “sex” under the Constitution referred solely to male and female. This reinforced the legal invisibility of intersex persons and signalled judicial reluctance to depart from binary frameworks. Although the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act acknowledges intersex through a medicalized definition, it does not dismantle broader discriminatory systems. Consequently, intersex persons remain vulnerable to both direct discrimination such as bullying, denial of services, and forced medical procedures and indirect discrimination through policies structured around binary assumptions. The cumulative effect of stigma, cultural misconception, and legal marginalization produces multidimensional exclusion that compromises fundamental rights to dignity, equality, identity, and social belonging.

Sex, Gender and Legal Classification

The distinction between sex and gender is central to understanding the legal challenges intersex persons face in Kenya. Sex is primarily a biological construct based on chromosomes, gonads, hormones, and genital anatomy while gender refers to socially constructed roles, identities, and expectations assigned to individuals. Despite this conceptual separation, Kenyan legal and administrative systems continue to treat sex and gender as synonymous, maintaining a rigid male–female framework that excludes intersex identities. Chigiti emphasises that this conflation denies the biological complexity of intersex persons and forces their lived realities into categories that do not reflect their physiology, identity, or social experience. Such binary rigidity erases intersex existence at the institutional level, reinforcing both invisibility and exclusion from legal and social systems.

At the core of these challenges is the requirement legally and administratively that every individual be categorized as either male or female at birth. Birth registration forms, school records, hospital files, and identification documents mandate binary sex classification, leaving no room for intersex variations. Because many intersex traits are not visible at birth or are misunderstood by medical personnel, sex assignment is often arbitrary, based solely on external genital appearance rather than chromosomal or gonadal composition. These early decisions may conflict with the individual’s later physical development or personal identity, creating lifelong inconsistencies between documentation and lived experience. As intersex persons grow, these mismatches complicate access to schooling, healthcare, employment, and travel, illustrating how binary registration systems create legal and social instability.

The judicial system has reinforced this binary view. In Baby A (Suing through the Mother E.A.) v Attorney General & 6 Others, the High Court held that “sex” within constitutional provisions referred only to male and female, dismissing attempts to argue for broader interpretation that would include intersex. The Court noted that expanding the definition of sex fell outside judicial authority and should instead be addressed by Parliament. This decision crystallised intersex exclusion within constitutional interpretation and signalled the judiciary’s hesitation to challenge cultural and legislative norms. Consequently, intersex persons remain without explicit recognition under Kenyan law, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and dependent on fragmented statutory protections. Chigiti concludes that achieving meaningful recognition requires legislative reform that acknowledges biological diversity and ensures that intersex persons are fully protected within Kenya’s constitutional and legal frameworks.

Identity, Documentation and Legal Personhood

Identity documentation is a primary gateway to legal personhood in Kenya, yet intersex persons routinely encounter exclusion because existing systems recognise only two sex categories: male or female. Chigiti underscores that birth certificates, national identity cards, and passports are not merely administrative tools but instruments that affirm an individual’s legal existence, belonging, and citizenship. Without them, a person’s ability to participate in society is profoundly restricted. For intersex children, the challenge emerges immediately at birth. Medical staff and civil registration officers, operating within a binary framework, often compel parents to select a sex designation despite uncertainty, resulting in assignments based solely on outward genital appearance rather than comprehensive medical assessment. This early classification which is frequently inaccurate imposes an identity that may later conflict with the individual’s physical development or self-understanding, thereby undermining their autonomy and personal narrative.

Because legal records form the basis for nearly all entitlements, inaccurate or absent documentation triggers a cascade of exclusion. Intersex individuals who cannot obtain accurate birth certificates or national IDs face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, housing, and voting rights. For school enrolment, birth certificates are compulsory; those without them may be denied admission or forced into constant explanation of their identity. In healthcare settings, identity cards are essential for insurance coverage and continuity of care. Lack of documentation can therefore undermine access to diagnosis, treatment, and psychological support. Adults with mismatched records frequently encounter suspicion, humiliation, and bureaucratic hostility when attempting to update their sex markers, underscoring the intertwined nature of documentation and social acceptance.

Although Kenya’s Access to Information Act and related legal provisions allow for correction of personal records, the process remains complex, costly, and poorly understood. Individuals often require medical certification, affidavits, and legal representation to effect changes thus placing rectification out of reach for most intersex persons. This administrative burden constitutes a form of indirect discrimination: while the procedures apply to all, they disproportionately disadvantage those whose identities challenge binary norms. Chigiti argues that the absence of explicit legislative guidance on intersex documentation leaves individuals dependent on discretionary decisions by civil servants and courts, leading to inconsistency and vulnerability. He emphasizes that recognition is not symbolic; it is a prerequisite for enjoying fundamental rights and freedoms. Achieving meaningful reform therefore demands that Kenya adopt clear legal provisions enabling flexible sex/gender markers, streamlined correction processes, and non-discriminatory recognition of intersex status to ensure full legal personhood.

Parental Dilemmas and Child Protection

The birth of an intersex child in Kenya often triggers confusion, fear, and emotional turmoil within the family, largely because intersex variations are poorly understood and highly stigmatized. Chigiti explains that parents are typically thrust into a decision-making space without sufficient medical, psychological, or social support. In many cases, families receive inconsistent or superficial medical explanations, leaving them uncertain about their child’s biological status and future development. This uncertainty can generate guilt, shame, or internalized blame, particularly where cultural or religious interpretations frame intersex traits as curses, misfortunes, or aberrations. The desire to protect the child from ridicule, combined with the pressure to conform to binary expectations, often drives parents into secrecy, resulting in delayed health care, insufficient emotional bonding, and isolation of the child from community life.

Within this context of inadequate guidance, parents frequently face intense pressure to authorise early genital “normalisation” surgeries. These procedures are typically presented as corrective measures intended to align the child’s body with male or female norms, even when not medically necessary. Chigiti emphasizes that these decisions are often made before parents fully understand their long-term implications. Without access to balanced information regarding physical risks, psychological impact, and ethical concerns, families may consent to interventions that compromise bodily autonomy, future reproductive function, and the child’s self-determination. Moreover, because intersex traits may involve developmental changes during puberty, surgical decisions made in infancy can produce lifelong distress when the child’s physical or psychological sex diverges from the assigned identity. As the child grows, undoing earlier surgical or legal decisions becomes complex, expensive, and emotionally destabilizing.

These challenges underscore the need for strong child-protection frameworks grounded in the best interests of the child, as recognised under Article 53 of the Constitution and the Children Act. Chigiti argues that societal shame and misinformation can lead to harmful practices, including abandonment, infanticide, or long-term concealment. Ensuring child welfare therefore requires active State intervention to prevent abuse, promote family counselling, and regulate medical decision-making. Protecting intersex children involves guaranteeing access to psychosocial support, delaying non-essential surgeries until the child is mature enough to participate in decisions, and preventing discrimination in healthcare, education, and documentation processes. Child-focused protection mechanisms must affirm dignity and safety while empowering caregivers with accurate information. Chigiti concludes that safeguarding intersex children requires shifting from secrecy and coercive conformity toward transparency, informed consent, and holistic support systems that respect bodily integrity and human rights.

Healthcare, Bodily Autonomy and Post-Surgery Harm

Healthcare access for intersex persons is deeply intertwined with issues of bodily autonomy, dignity, and informed consent. Chigiti observes that the medical system in Kenya often approaches intersex variations through a pathological lens, prioritizing the “correction” of bodies rather than understanding or supporting their natural diversity. From infancy, intersex individuals are subjected to medical examinations that frequently frame their anatomy as problematic or abnormal, reinforcing stigma and legitimizing invasive intervention. While healthcare professionals have an important role in diagnosing intersex traits, Chigiti stresses that their responsibility extends beyond clinical assessment to the ethical obligation of respecting autonomy and providing transparent, non-coercive information to families. Effective care must include psychological support for both child and caregivers, avoiding fear-based narratives that push families toward unnecessary medical decisions.

A central concern in this thematic area is the widespread practice of non-consensual “normalisation” surgeries performed on intersex infants and young children. These surgeries, often conducted for social rather than medical necessity; aim to modify genitalia to resemble typical male or female forms. Chigiti emphasizes that such interventions are irreversible and frequently result in diminished sexual function, chronic pain, scarring, reduced fertility, and psychological trauma. Many intersex youth grow up without being informed of the procedures performed on them, only discovering later that their anatomy was altered without their consent. Because these surgeries are performed before the child can participate in decision-making, they are incompatible with key human rights principles, including bodily integrity, informed consent, and freedom from degrading treatment. The absence of long-term medical follow-up exacerbates the problem, leaving individuals with ongoing complications and little institutional support.

The long-term consequences of these surgeries extend beyond physical harm. Chigiti documents how repeated medical interventions, failed reconstructions, and ongoing infections frequently push individuals into cycles of hospitalization and social withdrawal. Some are left incontinent and dependent on diapers; others face repeated surgical attempts to “fix” initial procedures, compounding trauma. The social stigma attached to these outcomes often prevents individuals from seeking further care, driving them into silence and isolation. Emotional harm including shame, depression, and loss of identity is pervasive, particularly when physical development during puberty conflicts with the sex assigned surgically at birth. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a patient-centered, rights-based healthcare model in which medical treatment respects bodily autonomy, defers irreversible intervention until informed consent is possible, and provides psychosocial support to individuals and families. Chigiti concludes that reform in Kenya’s health sector is essential to prevent further harm: healthcare workers must be sensitized, medical guidelines must be revised to prohibit medically unnecessary surgeries, and intersex persons must be guaranteed access to comprehensive, non-discriminatory care throughout their lives.

Education and Social Inclusion

Education is a transformative right that enables individuals to acquire skills, build confidence, and participate meaningfully in society. For intersex children in Kenya, however, access to education is often impeded by structural, social, and administrative barriers. Chigiti explains that the earliest hurdle typically arises at the point of school enrolment, where a birth certificate is required. Because many intersex children are either mis-registered or not registered at all due to uncertainty around sex classification, they may be denied admission or delayed in beginning school. Even when enrolled, school records designed around a rigid male–female binary force children into sex categories that may not align with their bodies or identity. This administrative misalignment contributes to confusion, emotional distress, and a sense of alienation, demonstrating how exclusion is built into the very structure of the education system.

Within the school environment, intersex learners face heightened vulnerability to bullying, ridicule, and physical or psychological harassment from peers and sometimes even from teachers. Puberty often magnifies this vulnerability when physical development diverges visibly from male or female norms, exposing children to stigma and unwanted questioning. Schools, which typically lack guidelines for supporting intersex students, may react with punitive or exclusionary measures rather than compassion and protection. In particular, the strict division of sanitation and dormitory spaces by sex poses serious risks. Intersex learners may be forced into facilities that are unsafe or inappropriate, or they may be denied accommodation altogether in boarding schools—pushing many out of schooling prematurely. Weak institutional awareness compounds these harms, as educators are rarely trained to recognize intersex realities or respond sensitively to students’ needs.

The repeated trauma of discrimination contributes to higher dropout rates among intersex learners and increases the likelihood of long-term social marginalization. Chigiti stresses that exclusion from education closes pathways to social mobility, economic opportunity, and legal consciousness reproducing cycles of vulnerability. Thus, social inclusion within the education system is not simply a matter of physical access but of meaningful participation in a safe, affirming environment. To achieve this, schools must adopt comprehensive inclusion measures: sensitizing teachers and staff, protecting students through robust anti-bullying policies, and ensuring access to gender-neutral facilities. Curricula should reflect human diversity, promoting understanding and dismantling stereotypes from an early age. These measures must be coupled with nationwide awareness campaigns and policy reforms that affirm every learner’s dignity. Chigiti argues that centering intersex learners’ rights in educational policy is essential to ensuring that Kenya’s constitutional promise of equality becomes a lived reality, fostering a society in which all children regardless of sex characteristics can learn, grow, and thrive.

Access to Information

Access to information is a foundational right that enables individuals to understand themselves, make informed decisions, and seek the protection of the law. For intersex persons in Kenya, this right is especially critical because much of the information related to their biological status, medical history, and early-life interventions is often withheld, obscured, or inaccessible. Chigiti underscores that Article 35 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to access information held by the State and by others where necessary for the exercise or protection of rights. This includes medical records documenting diagnosis, surgical procedures, hormone treatments, or decisions made on a child’s behalf. Without access to such information, intersex persons may be deprived of the ability to understand their identities, engage in informed health choices, or challenge violations committed against them in their early years. Thus, access to information becomes a gateway to bodily autonomy, legal clarity, and psychological affirmation.

Despite legal safeguards particularly the Access to Information Act (2016) intersex persons frequently encounter barriers when attempting to retrieve important personal records. Healthcare institutions, guardians, or civil authorities may refuse disclosure due to ignorance, stigma, or paternalistic beliefs that such information is too sensitive or harmful. In many cases, intersex individuals only learn in adolescence or adulthood that they underwent genital surgeries as infants or were subjected to hormonal treatments without consent. Such delayed discovery can trigger profound emotional distress and a sense of betrayal. These barriers are compounded by administrative challenges, including poorly digitized records, discretionary decision-making by officials, and lack of awareness about legal entitlements. Even when individuals attempt to correct inaccurate details such as sex markers on identification documents, the procedures are cumbersome, expensive, and poorly publicized, hindering their ability to secure accurate documentation and exercise full citizenship.

Chigiti argues that ensuring meaningful access to information requires more than legislative recognition; it demands proactive institutional support. Hospitals and civil registration offices must develop protocols that guarantee timely release of medical and legal records, with specific provisions for intersex persons. State agencies and service providers must be trained to understand and uphold legal obligations regarding disclosure, while penalties for non-compliance should be consistently enforced. Public awareness campaigns are also necessary to ensure that intersex persons and their families understand their rights and know how to assert them. Ultimately, Chigiti maintains that access to information is inseparable from dignity: when intersex persons are empowered with knowledge about their bodies and histories, they can advocate for their rights, correct harmful narratives, and build identities grounded in autonomy rather than silence or coercion.

Family Life, Marriage and Adoption

Family life is a core social and constitutional right in Kenya, yet intersex persons often struggle to enjoy its full expression due to stigma, legal ambiguity, and cultural resistance. Chigiti emphasizes that the family is recognized under the Constitution as the natural and fundamental unit of society, deserving protection and support. However, without explicit legal recognition of intersex identity, many intersex adults face uncertainty regarding their ability to marry or enter legally recognized partnerships. Because Kenya’s legal system is built on a binary understanding of sex, marital status is closely tied to one’s legal classification as male or female. When an intersex person’s documented sex does not align with their lived identity or physical development, they may be denied the freedom to marry simply because their legal personhood is not clearly defined. This creates a landscape in which intersex individuals may be excluded from one of the most universal social institutions family formation.

Beyond marriage, Chigiti observes that intersex persons face entrenched prejudice within their own families of origin. Some are rejected at birth, abandoned, or subjected to harmful practices intended to erase their physical differences. Others grow up in secrecy, isolated by parents fearful of community backlash. Such experiences compromise emotional development and can lead to psychological trauma that persists into adulthood. Legal protections for children such as the right to name, nationality, and parental care are often undermined when intersex identity is perceived as a source of shame. Thus, child protection initiatives must reinforce the principle that every child, regardless of sex characteristics, has a right to nurturing family care. This includes interventions to prevent abandonment, ensure access to psychosocial support, and prohibit discrimination within the home. For parents, accessible information and counselling services are essential tools to support acceptance and informed decision-making.

Adoption presents a parallel set of challenges. Chigiti explains that although adoption law in Kenya is designed to prioritize the best interests of the child, intersex children may be disadvantaged due to discriminatory attitudes among prospective parents and adoption officials. Bias rooted in fear, misunderstanding, or cultural beliefs may lead to intersex children being overlooked in placement decisions. Yet, adoption can be a critical pathway to stable family life for intersex children who have been rejected or surrendered by their biological parents. Similarly, intersex adults seeking to adopt may encounter prejudice, since their gender identity or documentation may not conform to binary expectations. To address these gaps, Chigiti calls for an approach to adoption that centers dignity and non-discrimination. This requires sensitizing adoption officers, establishing clear anti-discriminatory guidelines, and affirming that intersex adults too are entitled to serve as adoptive parents. Ultimately, meaningful protection of family rights for intersex persons depends on dismantling cultural stigma and reforming legal structures so that biological variations do not impede the fundamental human right to family life.

Employment, Economic Opportunity and Public Participation

Employment and economic participation are essential components of human dignity and self-sufficiency, yet intersex persons in Kenya face profound barriers in accessing these opportunities. Chigiti observes that the root of this exclusion is two-fold: systemic discrimination and documentation challenges. Because identity documents in Kenya are strictly binary, many intersex persons either lack accurate identification or possess records that conflict with their lived identity. As a result, they struggle to meet standard requirements for job applications, professional registration, or entrepreneurship. Even where documentation is available, employers may respond with suspicion or hostility when sex markers or physical presentation appear inconsistent. These administrative and social barriers often push intersex persons into informal or precarious work, limiting income stability and reinforcing cycles of poverty.

Beyond documentation, workplace discrimination both overt and subtle undermines equal access to employment. Intersex persons may be excluded from hiring, denied promotions, or subjected to ridicule and harassment by colleagues. In some cases, employers have terminated contracts upon discovering an employee’s intersex status, illustrating how deeply stigma informs professional environments. Because physical characteristics may become more pronounced during adolescence or adulthood, intersex persons may face increasing scrutiny at later stages in their career development. The absence of explicit legal protections against discrimination on the basis of sex characteristics leaves them vulnerable, as anti-discrimination statutes often reference only male and female categories. This legislative gap means that intersex employees have limited avenues for redress when their rights are violated, reinforcing structural inequality in the labor market.

Economic exclusion also inhibits participation in public life. Without stable employment, many intersex persons are unable to access credit, secure housing, or contribute to social security systems. Those who lack national identification documents are further excluded from voting, accessing public services, and participating in government programs. Public appointment processes such as selection for community leadership positions, government boards, or administrative roles often rely on rigid identity verification systems that disadvantage intersex applicants. Even in civic spaces where participation does not require documents, social stigma often discourages intersex persons from engaging, for fear of exposure or discrimination. Chigiti argues that meaningful public participation requires both structural and attitudinal change. Legislative reform must explicitly recognize intersex persons and prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex characteristics, while public-sector institutions must incorporate inclusive practices. Additionally, broad social awareness campaigns are needed to cultivate respectful and supportive environments. By affirming intersex rights to work, vote, and contribute to public life, Kenya can take a significant step toward substantive equality and full citizenship for all its people.

Conclusion: Toward a Holistic Rights Framework

Chigiti’s analysis makes clear that the protection of intersex persons in Kenya requires far more than isolated legal adjustments; it demands a holistic rights framework grounded in dignity, autonomy, and substantive equality. Throughout the life cycle from birth to adulthood intersex individuals encounter structural and cultural forces that obscure their identities, deny recognition, and restrict access to essential services. The cumulative effect is a form of systemic invisibility that undermines every dimension of citizenship. While Kenya’s Constitution provides a strong foundation by guaranteeing equality, non-discrimination, and the security of the person, these broad guarantees have not translated into effective protection for intersex persons, primarily because legal and administrative systems continue to enforce the male–female binary. Realising constitutional promises therefore requires reforms that acknowledge the realities of intersex bodies and identities at law, in medicine, and across social institutions.

A holistic rights framework must begin with legal recognition. Explicit inclusion of “sex characteristics” within non-discrimination provisions, streamlined procedures for correcting identity documentation, and regulation of surgical interventions are essential steps. Equally important is the principle of bodily autonomy, which demands an end to medically unnecessary surgeries performed without informed consent. The healthcare sector must adopt a rights-based approach that integrates psychosocial support, informed decision-making, and sensitivity training for medical professionals. In education, comprehensive inclusion involves not only access but safety ensuring that intersex learners can study without fear of bullying, exclusion, or administrative barriers. Social systems, including family law, child protection, and adoption services, must also reflect the diversity of human sex characteristics, providing clear safeguards against abandonment and discrimination.

Finally, meaningful reform requires shifting social attitudes. Public education campaigns, professional training, and community dialogue are critical to dismantling stigma and building understanding. Advocacy networks and civil society organizations must be supported to amplify intersex voices, ensuring that policy changes are informed by lived experience. Chigiti concludes that the measure of Kenya’s commitment to human rights will be reflected in its willingness to protect those most marginalized by traditional frameworks. By embracing a holistic rights approach, one that integrates legal reform, medical ethics, social inclusion, and public education Kenya can transform intersex recognition from a contested boundary of identity into a fulfilled constitutional promise. Such a framework ultimately affirms that human diversity is not an aberration to be corrected, but a reality to be respected, protected, and celebrated.

This review was written by our Intersex Content Contributor, Delphine Barigye

Watch our interview with intersex activist, Julius Kaggwa, about the Baby A case

Tanzania Voice of Humanity (TVOH) was established in 22 October 2020 in response to total lack of recognition of individuals with intersex in Tanzania. It is the first organisation in Tanzania to stand for intersex people in Tanzania. It offers development programs that involve medical practitioners, educators, counsellors and law enforcement agents.

Country Context

Intersex people commonly experience abuse in developing countries like Tanzania and most perpetrators are known. Likewise, individuals with intersex (DSD) experience suffer abuse at the hands of family members, at school, health services and religious institutions and community.

The main sources of discrimination are a lack of formal recognition for their Sex identity that leads friction with social norms. Based on self-reporting done by TVOH parents, intersex children are verbally abused by the community and burden them with social beliefs. Also intersex children and adults experience social isolation, abusive words, neglect at school and legal difficulties. 

Living in such a community jeopardises the welfare of intersex persons. Special training and counselling are effective ways to minimise and eradicate gender-based violence towards individuals with intersex conditions.

Vision

A community with people with disabilities who are recognised, healthy, economically stable and well protected legally and socially.

Mission

To improve the welfare of intersex people and people with disabilities, making sure they are recognised, economically empowered, protected and treated equally through empowerment, support, advocacy, awareness raising, research and participation.

Contact

Website
+255 624 004 002
Email: tanzaniavoiceofhumanity@gmail.com / info@tvoh.or.tz
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