Intersex Euphorias! Positive Experiences of Intersex Variations on and After Diagnoses

Abstract

AbstractPeople with intersex variations are mostly framed within conservative psycho-medical research challenging their autonomy, or critical empowerment Intersex Studies literature noting discrimination. Resisting deficit-based framings, this chapter uses the concept ‘euphoria’ to investigate when, why and how 272 Australian online survey participants (aged 16-87yrs) had positive experiences of their intersex variations. Upon diagnosis, under one fifth described what this piece calls Category Validation, Difference Legitimisation, Knowledge Integration, Medical Sense-making or Sudden Hope euphorias. Post-diagnosis euphorias were more common, most often Body Positivity euphoria. Also, Acceptance, Autonomous Control, Relative Gains, or Fitness Edge euphorias emerged. Euphorias had different feelings, stimuli, processes, and impacts. Body Positivity euphoria was most connected and conducive to other euphorias, and has external stimuli which could be invested in further.