On October 26th 1996, for the first time in history, a group of Intersex people and their allies traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to protest at the American Academy of Pediatrics convention. Their goal was simple: to draw attention to non-consensual infant genital surgeries performed on Intersex babies to make their bodies appear more male or female. The group was dismissed as a fringe activist group. In honor of their actions, this day has become known as Intersex Awareness Day. Each year it is celebrated around the world.
History was made again on October 26th, this time in the year 2021. Ned Price, State Department Spokesman, recognized Intersex people and Intersex Awareness Day in a speech to address the Sudan military coup. He said…
“Next, today on Intersex Awareness Day, we recognize the voices and contributions of Intersex communities in the United States and around the world. Too often, intersex persons are subjected to violence, to discrimination and abuse solely on the basis of their sex characteristics. We recognize these obstacles and are clear in our commitment to support Intersex people. We further recognize the hard work of Intersex activists, Intersex human rights organizations, and allies who work to promote and to protect the human rights of Intersex persons globally. As President Biden and Secretary Blinken have made clear, it is the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of gender, of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. The Department of State is committed to promoting the freedom, the dignity and equality of all persons, including, of course, Intersex persons. And we will continue to do that.”
In a matter of moments, millions of people around the world were introduced to the term “Intersex.” For most of them it raised lots of questions like “What does ‘Intersex’ mean?” and “Who are the people who are a part of this community?”
To answer these questions and more, I invite you to experience “The Intersex Interviews,” a mini-series of conversations with people in and connected to the Intersex communities. These are the first video presentations of the recurring radio segment: “TTV – Talk To Vash.”
My first guest is Jesf Benedict, the Intersex Liaison with the LGBTQ Center in Las Vegas. Jesf speaks candidly about their life, how they discovered they are Intersex, religion, and their vision for the future of Intersex people.
Click on the video below to experience “Walk Between the Fences” on TTV – Talk To Vash.
An Audio-Only version of “Walk Between the Fences” is available on the TTV – Podcast. It has been edited for radio to fit content and time constraints. Click here: TTV – Talk To Vash: “Walk Between the Fences.”
TTV – Talk to Vash is available on the following podcast platforms:
iTunes / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Breaker / Overcast / Pocket Casts
ANCHOR.FM / Radio Public
Vash Boddie 
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