Ever looked at LGBTQIA and wondered, “What does I stand for?”
Each letter stands for a real group of people. When we know what the letters mean, we understand people more and make safer spaces. The acronym also changed over time because our understanding of real identity is still growing. In this blog, we’ll learn about the letter I of the acronym.
What the “I” Stands For: Intersex
The “I” stands for Intersex. Intersex people are born with natural sex traits that don’t fit the usual “male” or “female” definitions. This includes effects like chromosomes, hormones, or reproductive anatomy, as explained by InterACT.
These variations are normal human diversity, not a mistake, not a complaint.
How Common Are Intersex Traits?
You might suppose intersex traits are rare. They’re not; studies shown by the United Nations Free & Equal project show that about 1.7 of people have intersex traits. That’s roughly the same number of people who have red hair.
Some intersex traits are visible at birth. But numerous ones show up.
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During puberty
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During medical tests
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Occasionally not until adulthood
This is why numerous people don’t indeed know they’re intersex until later.
A Short Look at History
Intersex people have always existed, but society has misunderstood them.
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In the 1800s, early medical books used dangerous terms like “hermaphrodite.”
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By the 1950s, psychologist John Money at Johns Hopkins promoted “homogenizing surgeries” on intersex babies. Reports from groups like Amnesty International show that numerous of these surgeries were unnecessary and done without consent.
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The 1990s brought a shift when intersex activists began speaking out around the world.
Intersex Activism and crucial Moments
Representation in media and social mindfulness also keep growing each time.
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1993: The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) is formed.
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1996: The first public intersex kick takes place in Boston.
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2013: Malta becomes the first country to fairly cover intersex people.
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2015: Malta bans non-consensual surgeries on intersex babies, a world-first law celebrated by Human Rights Watch.
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2019–2022: The UN urges countries worldwide to stop medically gratuitous surgeries on children.
Why the “I” Was Added to LGBTQIA
The original acronym used to be just LGBT. Later, the “I” was added because intersex people frequently faced similar issues: demarcation, lack of rights, and medical mistreatment. Though intersex is about natural traits, not gender identity or fornication, intersex communities frequently set up support within LGBTQ movements.
Challenges Intersex People Still Face
numerous problems still need attention.
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Unnecessary infant surgeries still take place around the world.
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Schools rarely educate about intersex people.
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Numerous countries have no legal recognition.
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Health guidelines are outdated.
Groups like OII Europe are pushing for stronger “bodily autonomy” laws.
A Space Built for Pride and Connection
Pride Location makes it simple, If you want a safe place to meet LGBTQ people from anywhere. It’s a real-time video chat space with features like one-on-one calls, masks, follow options, discussion history, and safety controls (block, mute, report).
Pride position stands on four values.
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Community
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Support
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Safety
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Pride in identity
It’s made so you can show up as your real self without fear.
Conclusion: Why This Matters
Knowing what the “I” means helps us make a kinder world. Intersex people are part of natural human diversity. Their bodies should be admired. Their choices should be recognized.