“Intersex-led initiatives currently receive only 1% of the funding allocated to LGBTI issues globally,” explained Macarena Lazzuri, the Programme Officer of the Intersex Human Rights Fund (IHRF). IHRF is dedicated to resourcing the intersex movement globally and championing the human rights of intersex people.
It gives flexible funding to enable intersex activists, organisations, projects and timely campaigns led by intersex activists working to ensure the human rights, bodily autonomy, physical integrity and self-determination of intersex people. IHRF is hosted by the Astraea Foundation for Lesbian Justice and currently funds over 50 intersex organisations all over the world.
We sat down with Macarena to talk about some of the unique challenges intersex people face and intersex advocacy aligns with and supports broader human rights efforts.
Could you tell us about the Intersex Human Rights Fund at Astraea, the types of organisations it supports, and how they are advancing the rights of intersex people?
Launched in 2015 and housed at Astraea, the Intersex Human Rights Fund (IHRF) is the first and only fund dedicated solely to resourcing and supporting the global intersex movement. The IHRF is proud to be the first and sometimes only funder for intersex-led organising around the world. However, there is still a long way to go, as intersex-led initiatives currently receive only 1% of the funding allocated to LGBTI issues globally.
The IHRF supports grassroots intersex-led organisations that are working towards self-determination, bodily autonomy, and legal recognition of intersex people all over the world. These organisations often focus on advocacy, community building, education, and combating human rights violations like non-consensual surgeries and discrimination. They are advancing intersex rights by pushing for legal reforms, providing support and solidarity networks, and creating spaces where intersex individuals can safely share their experiences and raise awareness.
The Fund is unique because it not only supports established organisations but also invests in emerging groups, especially those in the Global South and regions where intersex issues have historically been marginalised.
“There is still a long way to go, as intersex-led initiatives currently receive only 1% of the funding allocated to LGBTI issues globally.”
What are the major challenges intersex people face globally, and how do cultural or religious contexts, particularly in the Global South, shape their experiences?
Intersex people face a wide range of challenges globally, including non-consensual medical interventions, stigma, and discrimination. Many are subjected to surgeries or hormonal treatments in infancy or childhood without their consent. These interventions sometimes lead to mental health issues such as depression and suicidal ideations, or physical health complications such as urinary tract infections, lack of sensitivity and sexual dissatisfaction.
In almost every community in the world, being intersex is seen as taboo, resulting in social exclusion or violence. In some societies, rigid gender norms and religious beliefs about sex and bodies can lead to even greater stigmatisation. Intersex people in these regions often face isolation and invisibility, as discussions about intersex issues are silenced or misunderstood. The lack of legal protections and healthcare support further compounds these issues.
Additionally, intersex activists, particularly in the Global South, often face exhaustion and burnout due to working with limited resources. Due to the community still being to some extent invisible, a small group of activists are forced to cover a wide range of activities on a voluntary basis or for minimal pay, making it difficult to sustain their work and achieve long-term impact.
“In almost every community in the world, being intersex is seen as taboo, resulting in social exclusion or violence. In some societies, rigid gender norms and religious beliefs about sex and bodies can lead to even greater stigmatisation.”
What role does intersex advocacy play within the broader human rights movement, and how can amplifying intersex voices create greater impact across other areas of advocacy?
Intersex advocacy plays a crucial role in advancing bodily autonomy, self-determination, and human rights within the broader movement. Intersex people are often at the intersection of various forms of discrimination—based on gender, sexuality, race, and disability—which means that their advocacy highlights the importance of an intersectional approach to human rights.
A significant area of overlap exists with children’s rights movements, as babies, infants, and children around the world are often subjected to non-consensual medical interventions aimed at “normalising” their bodies. By advocating against these harmful practices, the intersex movement reinforces the need for protecting the bodily integrity of all children.
Furthermore, the fight for bodily autonomy links intersex advocacy with abortion rights, as both movements emphasise the right to make decisions about one’s own body without external interference. Intersex people also share a common cause with the trans community in their need for access to self-determination. Many intersex individuals seek to change the gender assigned to them at birth after being subjected to these “normalising” surgeries.
Amplifying intersex voices ensures that the human rights movement becomes more inclusive and challenges systemic issues like medical violence, lack of legal recognition, and social exclusion. It can also foster solidarity across movements, as many intersex activists are deeply connected to feminist, LGBTQIA+, and anti-colonial struggles. Elevating intersex advocacy creates more awareness about bodily diversity and can reshape healthcare practices, education systems, and policies to be more inclusive.
“Let’s bring more intersex people to the tables where decisions are made. The movement is ready to be part of the wider conversation and to be more broadly supported in its mission.“
What can we all do to better support intersex communities around the world?
To better support intersex communities, we can start by educating ourselves and others about intersex issues and challenging the harmful myths and stereotypes that persist. In addition, actively listening to and amplifying intersex voices—whether through media, social spaces, or philanthropic advocacy—ensures that their stories and needs are heard and addressed. Lastly, supporting intersex-led organisations, especially financially, is fundamental to helping them grow and reach more people. Fully resourcing intersex activism is essential to advancing the movement and ensuring intersex people have the support they need to claim their rights.
Let’s bring more intersex people to the tables where decisions are made. The movement is ready to be part of the wider conversation and to be more broadly supported in its mission.
Learn more about the Intersex Human Rights Fund here.