Post submitted by Ella, one of our Student Experience Ambassadors
Intersex Day of Remembrance, also known as Intersex Solidarity Day, is held each year to raise awareness of the human rights issues faced by intersex people around the world. An intersex person has anatomical, chromosomal or other biological characteristics that do not fall into society’s categories of male or female. There are at least 16 different ways a person can be intersex.
The purpose of the day is to remember and honour those who have been subjected to human rights abuses related to their intersex status. It is also to celebrate the progress that has been, and will continue to be made, in advancing the rights of intersex people.
The day was originally proposed to memorialise the life of Herculine Barbin, French intersex individual who lived from 1838 to 1868. Their memoirs were published in 1980, and their stories continue to resonate with many modern intersex individuals who undergo similar identity challenges.
Ultimately, by raising awareness about issues faced by intersex individuals through observing Intersex Day of Remembrance, as a society we create a safe space for those whose gender identity or expression falls outside of society’s traditional categories. It serves as a reminder that we all must work collaboratively if we want to create a wholly inclusive society for all.
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