Module 3

In a previous course that I took (Human Sexuality), we learned all about intersex infants and the options that they, their parents, and their doctors have. There is a great controversy as to what should be done, taking into account the infant's health as well as their well being later in life. When an infant is born and they are first noticed to be intersex, doctors and parents usually pick a sex and the infant's genitals are constructed in that particular sex. There are medical problems that could arise because of this (as there is with any surgery), but it is generally pretty safe. However, when some of these children grow up they may identify more with and wish that they were the opposite sex. In a sense, the doctors and parents have "picked the wrong sex" to make the child. This can lead to deep psychological problems and a gender identity problem.

On the other hand, different problems can arise if no change is made at all and the child is left to be intersexed. First of all, it is very painful and can be psychologically scaring to perform surgery later in the child's life after they figure out what sex they identify with most. Embarrassing situations can arise in locker rooms and bathrooms with intersex infants and taunting by others is very common.

Personally, if I were an intersex infant I would immediately want my parents to decide on a sex and have me surgically changed. I also don't think I would ever really want to know that I was ever intersex later in my life. I feel that nurture has a lot to do with how girls and boys identify with their sex. If an intersex infant is decided to be transformed into a girl, the parents will surely treat the girl like any other female. They will buy her dolls, barbies, cooking sets, and other things intended for girls. Although this alone does not "make" a girl a girl or a boy a boy, I think that it plays a huge role. I would also not want to go through the embarrassment of daily activities not really knowing who I am.