Beyond the binary – Intersex experiences and activism in Germany and the Netherlands – A decolonial approach

Abstract

With the birth of a child and the glance between their legs, the child's pathway is often pre- defined from that moment. In the case of intersex children, this pathway is frequently marked by discrimination, non-consensual medical interventions, and secrecy (von Lisdonk, 2014). This research explores the struggles and experiences of intersex individuals in Germany and the Netherlands, focusing on advocacy campaigns. By using a decolonial lens, this research examines how intersex activism challenges colonial and heteronormative structures that, to this day, still impact, marginalise and, dehumanise intersex individuals. By focusing on Germany and the Netherlands, this research questions Europe’s position as the centre of colonial thought and practice, illustrating how colonial legacies continue to shape societal norms, affecting the lives of intersex individuals (Adamson, 2022; Ndlovu-Gasheni, 2012). Two different qualitative research methods are used, in-depth interviews and a critical discourse analysis of advocacy documents. While the interviews identify more personal experiences, the discourse analysis gives more insights into key strategies employed by activists (Hennink et al., 2020; Locke, 2004). The findings reveal, there is a differentiation of emotional and societal struggles for intersex individuals. While societal struggles encompass the lack of legal recognition or non-consensual medical interventions, emotional struggles touch upon topics of guilt, dynamics of community feeling, and coping mechanisms. A human rights lens is the most frequently used framing, while there is little to no usage of a solely medical lens. A big focus of responsibility is thereby laying upon legal advancements, collaborative educational approaches between activists and the medical sector, and community-building efforts rather than confrontational strategies. Intersex individuals in Germany and the Netherlands face different kinds of struggles that are defined by societal power structures. They strategies through legal, educational, visibility and community-building efforts, focusing on human rights to challenge these structures, enhance agency, and facilitate access to developmental services.