Organisation Intersex International

What is 47XXY?

2006-09-07T07:37:00.001-07:00

There are 23 pairs of chromosomes found in each cell of the body, and each contain genes that determine our coloring, our features, and our sex. Women inherit two X chromosomes -- one from each parent, written 46,XX. Men inherit an X chromosome from their mothers and a Y chromosome from their fathers, written 46,XY. Some individuals, however, have an additional X chromosome in their chromosomal arrangement, referred to as 47,XXY, or more commonly, just XXY. The cause is unknown, yet XXY occurs in approximately 1 in every 500 to 1000 live male births, making it one of the most common chromosome variations. The XXY variation is identified in an individual through a karyotype, a buccal smear, or FISH.

For more information, visit 47XXY

http://www.47xxy.org/

A Canadian organisation which has helped many people throughout the world.

OII - Fundamental Principles

2006-09-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

1) Intersex is not a medical condition: intersex refers to those individuals born of intermediate sex - between what is considered standard for male or female in our societies.

2) Contrary to what is often asserted, the various degrees of intersex are not innately an illness or deformity. They are simply variations of the human body similar to the length of the nose, the colour of eyes, etc.

3) We reject medical categories for the various degrees of intersex, which are in fact only different reference points on a natural continuum of anatomical and genetic variations.

4) We stress the whole person from infancy through adulthood and choose not to focus on an individual's genitalia. We are people, not genitals. As people, we have a right to our own genitalia and our own identity without interference, forced treatment or other coercion from legal and/or medical authorities.

5) The basic problems faced by the intersexed are socio-cultural in nature and not medical and are a result of the dogmatic fundamentalism inherent in the current binary construct of sex and gender. Some intersexed individuals are subjected to genital mutilation in childhood as a result of this totalitarian, sexist oppression. For this reason, we denounce all forms of sexism prevalent in our societies, which is principally directed against women, the intersexed, and other communities which challenge sex and gender norms.

6) To promote visibility and the recognition of our existence as a normal and natural part of humanity will benefit not only the intersexed but all people oppressed by the sexism which prevails in our societies.

DSD vs. Intersex

2006-09-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Do you have an opinion about the new term chosen to replace the term "intersex" with "disorder of sex development", or, "DSD"? Make your opinion known. OII is taking a survey. Click on the link below:

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=3bj6j5u5g6ll4jz211822

You can read the results of the survey thus far at the following link :

http://www.intersexualite.org/English_OII/dsd_survey/dsd_survey.html

OII- Canada thanks you for your participation.

Who owns our bodies? Human rights and the intersexed

2006-08-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Presentation given in Montreal, July 2006 during the Outgames

· Who owns your body?

Presented by Joëlle-Circé Laramée, Vice President, OII

Complete text:
http://www.intersexualite.org/Francais_NA_OII/Who_owns_our_bodies.htm

OII - Canada

2006-08-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Joëlle-Circé Laramée
Vice President
Contact for Canadian English speaking media

Courriel: joellecirce2000@yahoo.ca