Medical institutions have played an essential role in shaping society's view of what is considered "normal" when it comes to human anatomy and sexuality. For centuries, doctors and other healthcare professionals have been responsible for identifying "abnormalities" in patients' physical characteristics and deciding how best to treat them. Unfortunately, this has often meant that individuals who identify as intersex – those born with characteristics that fall outside of traditional male/female binaries – have been subjected to unnecessary medical procedures designed to alter their bodies to fit into these norms.
Recent years have seen a growing movement towards greater acceptance of diverse bodily forms and expressions of gender identity. Many medical professionals are now advocating for a shift away from the idea of "fixing" intersex bodies, recognizing that such interventions can be traumatic and invasive, without necessarily providing any benefit to the patient. But while this approach represents progress, it also raises significant questions about whether or not we can truly abandon the cultural biases that underpin these practices without addressing the broader issue of gender roles and expectations.
One of the primary reasons why medical institutions may still feel compelled to intervene in intersex bodies is due to a desire to align their appearance with societal standards of beauty and sexiness. From early childhood, many people are taught that there are certain ideals to which they should aspire regarding their physical attributes, such as having a certain size or shape of breasts or genitals. This creates pressure on individuals who don't meet these criteria, leading to feelings of inadequacy and shame. As a result, some parents may choose to seek out surgery to change their child's body so that it better fits these expectations.
But this approach is problematic because it reinforces harmful stereotypes about what constitutes an attractive or desirable sexual partner, perpetuating narrow ideas about masculinity and femininity. It also fails to recognize that there is no single standard of beauty or sexiness – rather, attraction is subjective and varies widely between individuals. By focusing on altering one's physical characteristics to fit into a specific mold, we risk erasing the unique qualities that make each person special and beautiful in their own right.
The practice of "fixing" intersex bodies can have negative consequences for those involved. Some procedures can lead to long-term health issues or complications, while others may cause psychological distress if they fail to provide the intended outcome. In addition, patients may face stigma and discrimination from family members or society at large, making them feel even more isolated and alone.
So how do we move forward? One way is to shift our focus towards education and awareness-raising around gender identity and expression. We need to challenge the notion that there is only one acceptable form of physical appearance or behavior and work towards creating a world where all bodies are celebrated as they are. This means recognizing the diverse ways in which people experience their gender identities and allowing individuals to express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Abandoning the idea of fixing intersex bodies requires us to confront deeply ingrained cultural biases about what makes someone worthy of love and acceptance. Only by doing so can we create a truly inclusive society where everyone feels free to be who they are and celebrate the beauty within themselves and others.
Can medical institutions ever truly abandon the idea of “fixing” intersex bodies without confronting cultural biases?
Medical institutions should take steps towards deconstructing their biased notions about the “normality” of gendered bodies instead of simply abandoning intersex surgeries without providing alternative options for individuals with non-binary identities. By doing so, they can empower patients by offering more choices while challenging traditional understandings that associate certain body parts as inherently male or female.