September 2015 – Historic African Intersex Representation at the 30th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva
In a groundbreaking moment for African intersex advocacy, Africa was represented in one of the earliest side events dedicated to intersex rights at the UN Human Rights Council, 30th session that took place in September 2015. The event, supported by ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) and COC Netherlands brought together voices from across the globe like Uganda, Australia, the United States, Europe and Taiwan to share insights on the lived realities of intersex people all over the world.
Julius Kaggwa from Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development, (SIPD Uganda) stood alongside longtime international advocates, bringing with him stories, struggles and resilience of the intersex community in Uganda and across East Africa including the fact that most intersex children are raised as female because,
“Culturally, it is better to avoid the embarrassment of raising a ‘dysfunctional’ male child.”
The opportunity to share these stories and urgent needs of African intersex persons on such a prestigious global platform marked a pivotal step towards inclusion and visibility. For many of the intersex persons in Africa, this moment was not just symbolic – it was a beacon of hope that their stories matter on the world stage. 10 years later, awareness on intersex persons has grown significantly across Africa particularly in the East, South and West with emerging efforts also visible in the North. Africa has taken center stage on intersex rights globally and continues to do so especially at the United Nations with the recently adopted Resolution 55.
Photo: ILGA