I Want to Be Like Nature Made Me: Medically Unnecessary Surgeries on Intersex Children in the US

In this report, based on interviews with intersex adults, parents of intersex children, and medical practitioners working with intersex people, interACT and Human Rights Watch document the fall-out from that medical paradigm, and the failure of the medical community to regulate itself effectively. There have been changes in practice in recent years, with many doctors now advising against surgery on infants and young children. But even so, surgery continues to be practiced on children with atypical sex characteristics too young to participate in the decision, when those procedures both carry a meaningful risk of harm and can be safely deferred.

Recommended LGBTQ Children, Youth, and Families Cultural Competence Tools, Curricula, and Resources

This synthesis recommends publicly available resources that can support workforce development in child-, youth-, and family-serving systems (e.g., schools, healthcare, child welfare, homelessness, juvenile justice). Resources are intended to support more competent practice and affirming, inclusive services and supports for LGBTQ children, youth, and families.

American Institutes for Research