#queering reproductive justice

[wttnblog]

10 August 2024 Book Releases to Put On Your Radar

It’s nearly the end of summer, and that means the book releases are picking back up again. There’s so many incredible books coming out that I desperately want to read, and I’m hopeful that y’all will feel the same way after reading this list! Happy August! As always, this list does not contain books by St. Martin’s Griffin or related imprints as part of the boycott for accountability on the part…

[dhddmods]

Intersex Guide!

Hello and happy pride! We wished to share a passion project we have been working on for months - a guide to intersex traits and variations! Please reblog to spread awareness.

Now, a question that many ask - what is intersex? Well, we will be answering that question for you here! Anything on this post that is written in red is NOT intersex, so if you wish to skip over any of it, you can. And if you wish to get straight into the intersex types, scroll down to the read-more and start from there.

Intersex, also known as the intersex spectrum, is a term used to describe when someone's biological sex - as in the sex they are born with/what they naturally develop during puberty - is not clearly defined as the typical male or female sex traits.

(This does not include someone that was born male or female, and later chose to have their sex traits changed due to being transgender, transsex, or altersex. It also does not include males that experienced circumcision/dorsal slits or penis splitting, females that experienced genital mutilation, or males & females that indulged in modifications such as piercings and beading.)

This only applies to primary sex traits - chromosomes, genitals, reproductive organs, and hormones. Atypical secondary sex traits (breasts, muscle tone, body/facial hair, deepness of voice) do not make someone intersex unless it is paired with "abnormalities" in primary sex traits.

Before you can understand what it means to be intersex, first we must clarify what it means to not be intersex.

A typical male has XY chromosomes, a penis, two testicles within the scrotum, and more androgens (mostly testosterone) than females. Upon puberty, they usually (but not always) develop more facial hair & muscle tone than females, and a deeper voice than females.

(Note: A penis has a phallus, a scrotum beneath the phallus, foreskin protecting the head of the phallus, and a urethra on the head of the penis. It is is straight or slightly curved when erect.)

A typical female has XX chromosomes, a vulva, two ovaries, a single uterus, and more estrogen than males. Upon puberty, they usually (but not always) develop larger breasts and wider hips than males.

(Note: A vulva has two labia, a single pea-sized clitoris, a single vaginal entry, and a urethra above the vaginal entry and under the clitoris.)

Here is a list of non-typical sex traits that, by themselves, are not intersex.

Accessory Breasts (Polymastia): Having more than two breasts. Accessory Nipples (Polythelia): Having more than two nipples. Athelia: Having only one nipple, or no nipples at all. Amastia: Having only one breast & nipple, or no breasts & nipples at all. Breast Hypertrophy/Macromastia/Gigantomastia: Having extremely large breasts Gynecomostia: Breasts on a male. The reason this is not considered intersex is because all sexes (except for people with amastia) have breast tissue, which can vary in size regardless of sex. Females can have small breasts, and males can have larger breasts than is expected. Hypotonia: Low muscle tone. Bicornuate Uterus: A heart-shaped uterus. Septate Uterus: A uterus that internally has a partition down the middle. Macropenis: A penis that is 7 inches/17.78 centimeters or larger. Macroorchidism: Testicles that are 4 milliliters or above pre-puberty, and above 30 milliliters as an adult. Macrovagina: A vagina that is deeper than 5 inches/13 centimeters. Labial Hypertrophy: Labia that is longer than average (above 2 inches/5 centimeters)

Now, onto the intersex spectrum! First, some notes.

-An intersex trait is a singular atypical trait. For example, someone with ambiguous genitals, but no other "abnormality" has an intersex trait. -An intersex variation is when multiple atypical traits are present, with at least one of them being an intersex trait. For example, someone with ambiguous genitals and fused kidneys has an intersex variation. Equally, someone with ambiguous genitals and cryptorchidism also has an intersex variation. -CTF stands for "close to female." CTF traits are when the traits are predominantly "feminine" (vulvas, uteruses, ovaries, estrogen as the main sex hormone, breasts, widened hips, XX chromosomes, etc.) -CTM stands for "close to male." CTM traits are when the traits are predominantly "masculine" (a penis, testicles, androgens as the main sex hormones, increased hair growth, higher muscle mass, a deepened voice, XY chromosomes, etc.)

Also, when we state that an intersex trait/variation is "fairly common", we mean that it is fairly common amongst the intersex population, not that it is fairly common in the general population. Being intersex is still classified as "rare" statistically speaking (as statistics define "rare" as 1 in 1,000 people.)

So for the sake of this post, here is how we are classifying the following:

"Fairly common" = 1 in every 5,000 (or less)

"Rare" = above 1 in every 5,000, up to 1 in every 100,000

"Extremely rare" = above 1 in every 100,000

Similarly, when we say "higher risk of _", it does not necessarily mean that risk is very high, just that its a higher chance than a person without that trait/variation. It could be as low as 1% higher of a risk. Every sex has its risks, whether its male, female, or on the intersex spectrum. To put it into perspective, females are at a higher risk of breast cancer than males.

Also, keep in mind that "may include" means that not all of the features will be present on every single person with that variation; in fact, none of the extra features could be present. However, for chromosomal variations specifically, it is highly likely that at least 1-5 (or more) of the listed extra features will be present.

And finally, when we say that "fertility is average", what we mean is that the gonads are fully capable of producing healthy average numbers of sperm/eggs, and/or the uterus is capable of carrying healthy babies. Struggles with the sperm reaching the eggs still might occur, but if direct insemination is done (as in the sperm is directly injected), then pregnancy should occur perfectly fine.

---

Penile Traits/Variations (not including those on the agenital spectrum)

Urethral Traits/Variations (not including those on the agenital spectrum)

Ambiguous Genitals

The Agenital Spectrum/Agenital/Agenitalia

An umbrella term, describing those born with no genitals, closed-off genitals, small genitals, or genitals that are missing typical penile or vulval traits.

(Anorchia & Monoorchidism fall under this as well.)

Gonadal Agenesis

An umbrella term, describing an individual that is born with an absence of one or both gonads (ovaries, testicles, or ovotestes).

Other reproductive traits/variations

Hypergonadism

An umbrella term, describing an individual that is born with gonads that produce high levels of hormones compared to males and females.

Hypogonadism

Primary Hypogonadism/Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism: when its the gonads themselves that have low production levels. The brain is still communicating to produce the average male/female levels of hormones, but the gonads are failing to keep up with the brains-signals.

Secondary Hypogonadism/Hypogonadtropic Hypogonadism/ Central Hypogonadism: when the brain has low levels of communication with the gonads. The brain is failing to send out typical levels of signals to the gonads, and the gonads only produce hormones when a signal is received.

Other Hormonal Variations

Chromosomal Variations

And thats all!

Again, please reblog to spread awareness. Intersex people are highly discriminated against. Their bodies are still regularly mutilated at birth, in order to make them "look right."

This mutilation can cause complete infertility, a loss of sensation in genital areas (making sex unsatisfactory), gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and even chronic pain.

Additionally, intersex children are often bullied at school for looking or sounding "abnormal" for their age/gender. And as they grow up, they face the same difficulties transgender individuals do - judgement for not being a "real man" or "real woman" (or for being non-binary), difficulty dating, struggles finding jobs, complications in receiving proper healthcare, and they are at an increased risk of being abused and assaulted. Many are also left out of sports or kicked out of public bathrooms as well.

This is all due to the lack of education. Tolerance and acceptance needs to be taught to children. Many doctors have no idea how to treat intersex patients, as they didn't learn about their bodies, even in advanced schooling. We need to put a stop to this.

[queerism1969]

[artemis-pendragon]

WA governors are simply not having it lmao

[erotetica]

Fuck Trump, here’s all the civil rights orgs I know:

(Most have education pages and/or socials to follow and boost if u can’t donate right now)

LGBTQ+

Trevor Project—queer crisis hotline/counseling (NOTE THAT THEY CALL POLICE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS)

List of Crisis Hotlines/etc compiled by Inclusive Therapists .com which DON’T CALL POLICE

Point of Pride—helps trans folks having trouble accessing gender affirming healthcare

Trans Lifeline—community support/resources/financial aid for trans folks

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

National Network of Abortion Funds—financial assistance/transport/childcare for people in ban states seeking abortions.

Brigid Alliance—same

Sister Song—reproductive justice for WOC

Indigenous Women Rising—helps Indigenous families access abortions/menstrual hygiene/midwifery/etc

Afiya Center—reproductive justice/HIV care for Black womxn in Texas

Abortion access orgs for Americans in the

Midwest

South

Appalachia (they also offer free emergency contraception/support services/etc)

RACIAL JUSTICE

NYU Law Center on Race Inequality—self-education resources on racism & antiblackness/how to contact elected officials/how to protest safely.

List of orgs protecting Black Americans, compiled by NYU (incl NAACP, Audre Lorde Project, BLM, Black Voters Matter, etc)

National Immigration Law Center—fighting for asylum seeking/DACA; helping immigrants access healthcare/worker’s rights/etc

American Civil Liberties Union—working on many intersectional initiatives

Southern Poverty Law Center—same

GLOBAL AID (While we Americans wait for shoes to start dropping, let’s not forget others in need, and that Trump’s atrocious foreign policies will affect everyone!)

World Central Kitchen—hunger relief

Action Against Hunger—same

War Child—supports and educates children in conflict zones, like Yemen and DRC

Medecins Sans Frontieres— medical aid

Islamic Relief USA—emergency aid

PALESTINIAN AID

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund— medical aid for kids

Anera— emergency relief & long-term development resources for Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan

United Nations Relief and Works Agency—aid for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon/Syria/West Bank/Gaza/Jordan

Palestine Red Crescent Society—medical aid

SUDANESE AID

List of humanitarian orgs working in Sudan, compiled by 500 Words Magazine

CONGOLESE AID

Panzi Foundation—supports assault survivors & their families

Eastern Congo Initiative—supports ands funds local/community-based Congolese efforts

Please reblog, & add any legitimate humanitarian organizations you know of! I love all of you!!

[allthatispeculiar]

I just found a quick way to check on your abortion/LGBTQ+ rights in your state!

sexetc.org lets you sort by your state for various laws and for ways to take political action (even if you’re a minor!)

it also has a lot of sex-ed material if you weren’t taught it at school.

[impulsivedecisionsat3am]

reproductive rights are directly related to trans rights

motherfucker if you're trans and you tell me you don't care about reproductive justice, i need you to fucking think for a second.

you are trans. the government wants to take away your bodily autonomy. guess who else the government wants to do that to? WOMEN/ANYONE WHO CAN HAVE A LITERAL BABY (WHICH INCLUDES TRANS PEOPLE!!!!)

dont tell me you "want to remain neutral" and "prefer not to get involved" when you are LITERALLY THE VICTIM HERE AND ARE BEING TARGETED!!!!

[jacks-weird-world]

[eveshmeve]

ode to iuds

[sleeplessdreamer14]

I made the mistake of looking at politics first thing in the morning and now I feel like I’m gonna vomit please for the love of god we’ve just gotta grit our teeth and vote

[floral-ashes]

Every time someone says we shouldn’t allow gender-affirming care for minors because evidence is low quality, you need to ask them if they’re suggesting banning abortion and birth control.

However they answer, they’ll be showing their whole ass.

I talk about their respective evidence bases here.

[lunarresin]

Abortion is healthcare keychains available on my Etsy!!

[smoking-witch]

I used to think there was something wrong w me that I like wearing clothes more than being naked, even during sex. But it turns out I hekkin luv clothes bc you can say stuff w them. For instance, this outfit says "Rogues for Palestine"

[queerism1969]

[dhddmods]

IGM/ISM, FGM/FSM, & MGM/MSM flags

(Before reading this, we recommend reading and reblogging our intersex guide! It is important to spread awareness and educate about intersex bodies.)

Tw: talks of bodily mutilation.

We decided to make flags for those that have suffered from genital mutilation, reproductive mutilation, or hormone abuse.

The IGM (intersex genital mutilation)/ISM (intersex sex mutilation) flags. Yellow and dark purple represents being born intersex. Black represents violation of consent and negative mental health affects (dysphoria, dysmorphia, depression, etc.) The red intersex symbol with the slash represents the negative affects that came from mutilation (scarring, chronic pain, difficulty urinating, reproductive issues, etc.) Blue, pink, and white are for victims that identify as transgender later in life. Green and light purple are for victims that identify as altersex later in life.

The FGM (female genital mutilation)/FBM (female breast mutilation)/FSM (female sex mutilation) flag.

Dark pink represents being born female. Black represents violation of consent and negative mental health affects (dysphoria, dysmorphia, depression, etc.) The red female symbol with the slash represents the negative affects that came from mutilation (scarring, chronic pain, difficulty urinating, reproductive issues, etc.) Blue, pink, and white are for victims that identify as transgender later in life. Green and purple are for victims that identify as altersex later in life.

The MGM (male genital mutilation)/MSM (male sex mutilation) flag.

Dark blue represents being born male. Black represents violation of consent and negative mental health affects (dysphoria, dysmorphia, depression, etc.) The red male symbol with the slash represents the negative affects that came from mutilation (scarring, chronic pain, difficulty urinating, reproductive issues, etc.) Blue, pink, and white are for victims that identify as transgender later in life. Green and purple are for victims that identify as altersex later in life.

There are millions of people worldwide who have had their anatomy mutilated and violated against their consent, for no medically necessary reason whatsoever. This ongoing issue affects people of all sexes, however it disproportionally affects endosex females and intersex people.

An estimated 230 million AFAB individuals (endosex or intersex) have suffered (and continue to suffer) from genital mutilation worldwide. 144 million in Africa, 80 million in Asia, 6 million in Middle East, and 1-2 million in other parts of the world.

There is very little statistical research showing the accurate number of intersex mutilations that occur (as intersex topics are often hidden and underesearched, due to intersexism), however from country-to-country, it is often shown that anywhere between 40-80% of intersex individuals are operated on while underage (often as infants or during puberty.) Most places in the world DO NOT have proper protective laws against intersex medical abuse. A majority of intersex individuals that you speak to will have experienced genital, reproductive, or hormone "correction" against their consent.

Genital and reproductive mutilation diminishes (or entire rids of) the ability to experience sexual pleasure, and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, possibly even cause difficulties with urination. In many cases, it causes scarring and numbness or chronic pain. It can also strip away a person's ability to have children.

Hormone abuse forces a person's body to develop in a way that they are incapable of consenting to. Rather than allowing an intersex person to develop the way they prefer, or go onto hormone blockers so that they have time to figure out their desires, caregivers and doctors force upon them whatever "gender" they think "suits them best."

People that suffer from any of these violations are at a much higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, sex dysphoria, and fear of sex.

These terrible practices need to stop, and more people need to be aware of it!

[dollydoedear]

Leave radfem out of your mouth. You are not one of us. Gtfo, fakefem.

oh noooo ive made the terfs mad. whatever shall i do?? if you were proud of what you were saying, would you be saying it anonymously?