Abstract
This paper examines the history of and the feedback towards the nomenclature change around the “intersex”. Since the biggening, the term around intersex has never been steady. It can be said that this was the simple reflection of the confusion of medical society, where they kept failing to “treat” intersex body. Medicine even tries to classify intersex bodies and never succeeds. The name shows and defines how society perceives them. Therefore, it affects the named community and their identity. Intersex movement, such as ISNA, lead to the nomenclature change of intersex and then DSD. On the other hand, it never reflects the intersex community. Now, instead of DSD, and with the term intersex, VSD (Variation of Sex Characteristics) is now being used in the community. How does this happen and what does this mean? To clear this question, this paper traits the nomenclature changes and the history of intersex movements. As a result, it was found that there are various “new” names in the intersex community. These are stories of struggles and rebellion. Rebellion to the medical system and society, which had/has been labeling and marginalizing the intersex body. Naming was the strong statement movement of regaining power and empowerment of the community.
Presenters
Keiko IrieAssociate Professor, Faculty of Letter, The University of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Communications and Linguistic Studies
KEYWORDS
Intersex, Social Movement, Sociology, Lebaling Theory
