Intersex is defined as sex traits such as chromosomes, hormones, genitals, and reproductive organs that are considered atypical for males and females by medical practitioners. Because of societal commitments to sex binarism and heteronormativity, intersex identity has been systematically erased from social consciousness and legal protections. In addition to the lack of visibility, intersex people have been traditionally marginalized by, and excluded from, policy sectors that include healthcare, education, social work, and the criminal legal system. This research study was funded by the European Commission as part of a larger research project called Intersex-New Interdisciplinary Approaches (INIA) focusing on different aspects of intersex rights and experiences. This study engages 21 intersex and non-intersex policy stakeholders to understand how erasure manifests in the lives of intersex people and across policy sectors in Ireland and England. These countries have been selected as case studies given their robust equalities frameworks. However, intersex children and adults have not benefitted from these seemingly progressive policies in these countries. This thesis draws on critical intersex studies and relevant policy literature to investigate intersex erasure but also engages concepts of embodiment by Nietzsche (1882/2001) and Strozzi-Heckler (2014) to engage the body in personal and political transformation. Through action learning sets (Revans, 2017) and qualitative interviews, the research reveals the many ways in which intersex people and their issues are erased in policy sectors such as healthcare, social work, and local government. This study provides original insight into the policy and practice concerns of intersex people, and how policymakers and practitioners could respond to those concerns. Furthermore, this research study provides a deeper understanding of embodiment's relevance to critical intersex studies. Through a better understanding of the specific ways intersex people have been historically excluded, this thesis highlights strategies for resisting erasure and bringing about inclusion and justice for intersex people both locally and globally.
| Date of Award | 8 Apr 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Sponsors | European Commission |
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| Supervisor | Kate Wood (Main Supervisor) |
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