Intersex people of faith speak out to bring change

When Megan’s period never comes, this homeschooled 17 year old and her conservative Missouri-Synod Lutheran family wrestle with the question “What does God want from me?”

With a conservative up bringing Marissa had a binary idea of sex and gender. So when learned about her intersex traits and medical history as a teenager she felt alone and angry. Despite years of anxiety and disordered eating, Marissa healed her initial anger with God, and found solace with her involvement in the intersex community.

Suppressing Anunnaki’s natural testosterone levels almost killed him. But when he stops all the treatments keeping his body appearing female to regain his health, his emerging masculine self causes trouble at his Roman Catholic Church.

“Jorge” tells his story anonymously to protect himself and his family. Born “with both”, his Jewish mother opts for secrecy, surgery, and testosterone therapy which eventually leads to a severe health crises. While he has never questioned his male gender identity or “straight” sexual orientation, he has to redefine his masculinity to accept that his body is healthier on estrogen. He finds strength in the resilience of his Jewish heritage.

Lianne explains how some of her cells have a Y chromosome and some don’t. Her gonads are a combination of male and female. Raised as a boy but always questioned and harassed for not passing as a boy, she chooses a female puberty and receives the blessing of her Orthodox Presbyterian Pastor.