There are a lot of acronyms used in our community - LGBT, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA2S+, and so on. Have you ever wondered what the "I" stands for? This is in recognition of the Intersex community, and this month we're going to learn about one of my favorite advocacy groups fighting for intersex youth, interACT!

First off, what does "intersex" mean? Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe people who are born with differences in sex traits or reproductive anatomy. Someone who is intersex used to be referred to as a "hermaphrodite", but that term is now outdated and considered offensive, so let's strike that from our vocabulary. Most of these differences are either present at birth or develop during childhood through to puberty, which may or may not be visually noticeable. For example, a child could have external male parts, but internally they have female parts, or they may be born with chromosomal differences that change what hormones their bodies produce throughout their lives (and would genetically not be categorized as entirely male or female). Someone might not know they are intersex until they try to have their own children, where medical testing could show that they have different internal reproductive organs than they had believed. Often, physical differences are visually present at birth, and sadly many doctors and parents make the decision to operate on their children before the child has any idea of who they are.

Unfortunately, throughout history, there has been a lot of pressure from doctors and parents to change intersex children's bodies because of shame and stigma. This can result in major physical health complications as well as being extremely harmful to the child's mental health later in life. According to a study done in 2016, 35 out of 37 parents of intersex children opted for "cosmetic surgery" on their children, and hospitals are not required to report these particular surgeries. There have been doctors that have even performed surgery on intersex newborns without informing the parents. Most of these surgeries occur before the child is two years old, long before they even understand themselves or have any autonomy, meaning they cannot give consent on their own. That is where organizations like interACT become so important.

Originally known as Advocates for Informed Choice, interACT was founded in 2006 with the intention to end harmful and unnecessary medical procedures on intersex children. The health and well-being of the children are what is wanted by everyone involved, which everyone can agree on, and interACT advocates that performing surgery on intersex youth goes against that goal and should be ended. The organization is made up of doctors, lawyers, mental health professionals, and leaders of different intersex organizations and members of the community. There is also interACT Youth, which operates a peer support group page called iSpeak for intersex youth. interACT also works to educate and train medical providers and school officials on how to properly care and provide for intersex youth, from physical needs to accommodations, based on the student's needs and comfort.

This month, I encourage all of you to educate yourselves more on the intersex community and look for ways you can help. To all the intersex folks out there, you are amazing and wonderful, and I send all my love to you. <3

Hello, readers! Welcome back to another article of A Beautiful Soul. While we have previously featured stories from real life and from some HEXians, I'll be focusing on one person in particular. They have decided to remain anonymous as they are only out to some people. Of course, we will respect their privacy. There may be some things mentioned that can be triggering to others. As always, please proceed with caution.

We appreciate your courage for allowing us to learn from your journey. The floor is yours now.

Hello everyone. Thank you for asking me to be featured, first and foremost. While I'm not out to the entire world, it is nice to share my story so far. Where to start? As a teenager I thought of myself as Queer, which was much more taboo back then than it is now. The bullying I endured when I first started to be considered different than the "norm" was very harsh, to say the least. From many slurs to physical acts, it became too much to bear. No fourteen-year-old should have to deal with that harassment. I quickly dressed and acted in ways that were not my own. I was very, very good at masking my identity. My family only thought it was a "phase" and I was left alone. Cisnormativity was something that was big in my household. I knew outer peace, but my inner turmoil was heavy. I would secretly act/dress how I wanted in my room while no one was home, but it wasn't the freedom of expression or the ability to be myself that I craved.

As I've gotten older, I dipped back into a place where my identity comfort was more important than how I was perceived by my peers. I'm only out to a few close people who have been a huge support, as well as an aid to my mental health and learning process. I'm not sure when I'll come out and that's okay. I don't have to yet. I gender identify as non-binary/demigender, for now, as it's a label that I don't feel entirely represents myself but is the closest I've found to what I'm comfortable with. Body dysphoria is something I deal with that, I believe, is another reason I'm not sure the gender identity fits me entirely. Please remember sexual identity and gender identity are two different spectrums. Sexually, I identify as Greysexual, which might be a term many have not heard of. I also identify as Polysexual, though I feel it's more of an umbrella for multiple sexual identities, and that's what I like best about it. It gives me a bit more freedom to explore myself and not unintentionally tie myself down to one label.

I was encouraged by a friend to do research and not just say I was trans-curious or a lesbian or any other label that didn't fit, as I've personally seen others do in a similar situation. I'd hate to diminish or belittle anyone else's experience or identity by doing so. And I personally feel that is what I would be doing. Research has been my best friend through this experience, and I'm proud of the work I've put forth on this discovery. Each day, I look in the mirror, give myself a little pep-talk, and try to be the best version of myself. I think that's all we can do. I've learnt that if I'm not happy with myself, I need to find what does make me happy. I hope this little bit of information I was able to share with you will help someone out there.

Thank you for sharing what you were comfortable with. We hope to one day hear an update on your journey and see how you are doing!

Many people throughout the years have felt the same way or been in the same situation. Please remember that there are people who support your journey, support you, and love you. If you ever need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to someone.

If you would like to share your story in another article of A Beautiful Soul, please owl Salazia. I'd be more than happy to see your story in Prism. And with that, keep your chin held high, your hopes and dreams in mind, and be the best self you are happy with! Remember, you are all beautiful souls. <3