First, don’t ask intersex people about their genitals. Seriously. That’s like asking someone with red hair how their follicles work. It’s private, and it’s not a party trick.
Do this instead: Listen when they share their stories. Use inclusive language—say “assigned male/female at birth” instead of “born a boy/girl.” And if you’re a parent, support legislation that bans unnecessary genital surgeries on infants. It’s that simple.
One More Thing: It’s Not ‘I’ for ‘Questioning’
I’ve seen people online argue that the ‘I’ stands for “Intersex” and “Inquisitive” or “Individual.” Cute, but no. The ‘Q’ already handles “queer” and “questioning.” The ‘I’ is a specific flag for a specific community that’s been erased for too long.
So next time you see that rainbow acronym, give the ‘I’ a little nod. It’s carrying the weight of generations who were told their bodies were wrong—and it’s saying, “Actually, we’re exactly as we should be.”
Now, go forth and spread the word. And maybe, just maybe, don’t assume everyone at brunch knows what the letters mean. We’re all learning together.
