Putting choice before damaging conformity

AS the mother of an intersex child, I welcome the recent Australian Human Rights Commission report condemning unnecessary, nonconsenting medical intervention on young people whose sex characteristics vary from the “norm”.

Unfortunately, Tasmanian intersex children are still undergoing unnecessary, damaging operations just so their bodies conform to society’s expectations.

We need to bring this to an end so that intersex people have control over their own bodies, identities and lives.

Since the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute recommended reform last year we have encountered significant support among Tasmanian politicians.

I’m hopeful Tasmania will soon move to recognise that young intersex people are fine the way they are, and protect them from damaging surgeries.

Simone-lisa Anderson Judbury