InterAction for Health and Human Rights

On a purple background, text reads "Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up. Bullying No Way Week 11th- 15th August 2025"

On an orange background, InterLink FactSheet shown titled "Talking About Intersex with Friends". InterLink logo shown- name in yellow with the i's in purple with the dot of the i in interLink with two connecting circles. Photo is of two children and two young people looking at the camera. They are wearing school uniforms and have happy/ cheeky expressions.

On an orange background, InterLink FactSheet shown titled "Talking About Intersex at School or Work". InterLink logo shown- name in yellow with the i's in purple with the dot of the i in interLink with two connecting circles. Photo is of two children and two young people looking at the camera. They are wearing school uniforms and have happy/ cheeky expressions.

Bullying at school can be devastating, especially for children and teens with IVSC who may already feel different or isolated.

In this Bullying No Way Week, explore tools and guidance on the Interlink Resource Hub to support intersex youth in schools-

ilink.net.au/resource-hub/

Intersex resolution receives unanimous support from Australian Medical Association – InterAction The Australian Medical Association held its National Conference last weekend and in exciting news, Dr Thomas Drake-Brockman moved for the AMA to “recognise Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics as ...

Motion for AMA to recognise IVSC as natural variations in humans, oppose pathologisation, & call for the deferral of all non-urgent medical & surgical interventions for those who cannot given personal & informed consent” passed unanimously!

Read more at interaction.org.au/.../intersex...

Read the Practical Ethics post here: blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2023/01/gues...

Read a short post on how body shaming is an intersex issue here: interaction.org.au/30697/body-s...

Text reads: Body Shaming- It is not funny. It is not kind. It is not acceptable. Image is a screen capture from a recent South Park episode with President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. It is a cartoon image except for Donald’s head which is a photo that has been superimposed

In light of the recent South Park episode depicting Donald Trump in bed with Satan, the creators chose to portray the president with a small penis. Whatever your views on Trump- the widespread acceptance of mocking someone’s genitals is a form of body shaming.

Links to read more in the comments.

Text reads: World Athletics discriminates against female athletes with intersex variations. Image of World Athletics logo shown- a semicircular top with pink/orange/mauve colourings with lines reminiscent of tracks. The bottom of the shape is a jagged edge to provide a reverse image sense of a letter W. Below the image is “World Athletics” A red coloured “FAIL” stamp mark has been added. There is also a photo of three female athletes running on a track.

World Athletics has introduced a new policy mandating genetic testing for all women athletes competing at elite levels. This policy is discriminatory.

Read this article on The Conversation: theconversation.com/world-athlet....

Here's the link to our analysis too: interaction.org.au/42531/world-...

Text reads: Symposium: Intersex, Sexual Health and Human Rights Images are set in a collage fashion on a bright blue background which matches the WAS 2025 Congress logo outer circle and gold/orange swirly lines matching the inner circle of the logo. The top left photo is of Dr Morgan Carpenter. Morgan is a middle aged white man wearing a brown jacket and collared shirt. He is standing at a podium giving a speech. The podium has the WAS Congress 2025 logo on it. The top right photo is of Mauro Cabral-Grinspan. Mauro is a middle aged balding man, wearing a black t shirt and black shirt. He is delivering a presentation at the podium and has his right arm raised to gesticulate. The bottom left photo is a slide of Dr Liane Gonsalves and her introductory slide “Perspectives on conducting “sex-normalising” intersex surgeries conducted in infancy: A systematic review”. The World Health Organisation logo is also featured. The bottom right photo is a slide from Mauro’s presentation at the symposium. It says "Pathologisation: the systemic practice of identifying certain traits as intrinsically “abnormal”, “disordered” or “pathological”, and placing those traits, and the very people who embody them under medical jurisdiction”.

At the recent 2025 World Association for Sexual Health Congress in Brisbane, historian, activist, and intersex advocate Mauro Cabral Grinspan coordinated and chaired an Intersex, Sexual Health and Human Rights Symposium.

Learn more at interaction.org.au/.../making-j...

Participate in qualitative research on health, well-being and experiences – InterAction Do you have lived experience of an innate variation of sex characteristics? You might have a variation yourself, or you might be a parent or carer. We know that different people have different prefere...

Do you have lived experience of an innate variation of sex characteristics? Interconnect would like to invite you to participate in qualitative research on health, well-being and experiences.

To learn more about eligibility and how to be involved, visit interaction.org.au/42514/partic...

Image is of four operating theatre staff leaning over as if you are on the operating table. Strong theatre lights are also shining. The four people are wearing blue surgical scrubs and one is holding a scalpel. Text reads "It's time for Depthalogisation" Logo for InterAction for Health and Human Rights is shown- name and purple circle. Logo for United nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner is also shown- blue wreath and flames.

Intersex people have natural variations, not disorders. End stigma, discrimination & human rights violations. OHCHR Report will be presented to UN Human Rights Council in Sept & InterAction will be there, calling for depathologisation.

Learn more: intersexdepath.org/pathologizationandhumanrights

A colourful blocky image showing all kinds of bodies with the words "All bodies are beautiful" and "All bodies deserve respect"

A colourful image with a body in the middle of a sunburst, with the words "Respect my body" and "Ask for consent"

The InterLink website is relaunching as an information hub for people with innate variations of sex characteristics and our families. Check out the information and the posters!

@interaction.org.au

ilink.net.au

InterAction for Health and Human Rights congratulates Australian Labor on the election win. We look forward to working with you to further the health and human rights of people with innate variations of sex characteristics in Australia. Images include logo for InterAction- name and purple circle, logo for Labor- name and southern cross set on blue. Photos include Anthony Albanese- pale skinned man, smiling and wearing dark rimmed glasses. he is wearing a suit, white shirt and maroon tie, Dr Morgan Carpenter- pale skinned man with short dark hair and minimal facial hair, smiing and wearing glasses. He is wearing a dark jacket and checked shirt, Ged Kearney- pale skinned woman with brunette bob, dark rimmed glasses. She is smiling and wearing a white suit in a textured fabric.

“We congratulate the Albanese Labor government on its re-election, with the promise to reform & build, to leave no-one behind, & to promote fairness, equality & respect for one another.” -Dr Morgan Carpenter
Read our statement including our call to action here-
interaction.org.au/41786/call-f...

People with innate variations of sex characteristics (intersex/dsd) are usually cisgender, but we can all be impacted by legislation targeting trans people. This preprint (I’m proud to have coauthored with a great team) looks at intersex exceptions in US legislation restricting care for trans youth

InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo at top with name and purple circle. Image of Australia. Yellow banner with 2025 ELECTION in purple. Photo of 3 babies sitting together. Text: What issues are we asking the major political parties to consider in this election? Legislate to protect bodily autonomy and immediately cease medically unnecessary interventions on children without their personal, informed consent. Who will support the health and human rights of individuals with innate variations of sex characteristics in Australia? Authorised by Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights, The Channon

With the election coming up May 3rd, we are inviting candidates to consider some issues that are important to us.
InterAction will always stand for the health & human rights of our intersex population & we are watching to see who will stand with us.
Our votes count & we deserve to be considered.

Text reads Celebrating World Health Day 2025. "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures". Picture is a cartoon depiction of five women- the first is in hospital blue uniform, the second is holding a baby and is wearing an orange top and yellow pants with pink love hearts on them. the third is holding a red love heart and is wearing a red top, purple pants and a long white doctor's coat. The fourth woman is pregnant. She wears a black top and green pants and the fifth woman has her baby strapped to her back. She is wearing a pink top, blue checked skirt and a purple baby carrier. Images at bottom are logos for World health Organisation- their name and globe with peace laurels and medical snake symbol. The other logo is for InterAction for health and Human Rights- name and purple circle.

In 2025, the focus is on maternal & newborn health. We believe it's crucial to highlight the importance of bodily autonomy & safety for newborns with innate variations of sex characteristics. Let's raise awareness, support protective policies & encourage open dialogue for informed & respectful care.

Text: Celebrating One Year of Progress: UN Resolution on Intersex Rights Image: Photo of United Nations flag- blue and white globe with peace wreath around, Intersex flag- yellow with purple circle, and a quill with a pot of black ink. Logo at bottom for InterAction for Health and Human Rights- name plus purple circle.

Today marks a one year historic milestone in intersex rights. On April 4, 2024, the UN Human Rights Council adopted its first-ever resolution specifically addressing the discrimination, violence, and harmful practices faced by intersex individuals.
Read more at interaction.org.au/40833/unhrc-...

Text reads: There are some additional issues impacting intersex people, including due to the impact of presidential decisions on classifying sex. Different ways of determining and classifying sex can have contradictory impacts on people with intersex variations. Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo- name plus purple circle. Photo of a woman with dark hair and eyes leaning on her pink suitcase and holding her passport and tickets. She is wearing a blue and white striped top and looks annoyed.

Text reads: InterAction for Health and Human Rights stands in solidarity with all people impacted by the action of the new US government, both inside the US and everywhere else. Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo- name plus purple circle. Photo of the American flag.

Equality Australia have written about the issues for transgender and non-binary
people - take a look at equalityaustralia.org.au/resources/un...

Text reads: "Planning a trip to the United States? Here's what you need to know as an intersex person." Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo- name plus purple circle. Photo of a pale skinned woman with long brown hair. She is open mouthed and wearing red lipstick. She has white sunglasses on. The woman is holding a passport and tickets.

Text reads: Passport and Identification Issues: If you have to travel to the US, spend extra time to make sure your documents are in order. Exercise caution. Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo- name plus purple circle. Photo of a passport and documents.

Text reads: Safety Concerns: Any perceived irregularity might create causes for concern. This could be to do with your work, your appearance, or your documentation. Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo- name plus purple circle. Photo of a dark skinned man with short black hair and short facial hair. He is wearing a pink polo shirt and dark sunglasses. he is holding his passport and tickets.

Text reads: Safety Concerns: Intersex travellers who are also trans or gender diverse might encounter discrimination or harassment, especially in areas where awareness and acceptance of differing identities are limited. If you have changed sex marker, and if you have an X marker, then these are likely to cause unwanted attention. It's important to be cautious and prepared for such situations. Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo- name plus purple circle. Photo of a pale skinned woman with long straight brown hair sitting on a brown suitcase. She is wearing a white blouse and jeans and a floppy brimmed white hat. She is resting her head on her fist as she waits.

People with intersex variations can face travel challenges if wanting to enter the US.

Visit InterAction for Health and Human Rights to read travel guide- interaction.org.au/41705/border...

Visit Equality Australia for US travel if trans or non-binary- link in comments.

Travel safely!

A photo of Courtney Act and text that says 'RAINBOW VOTES ELECTION FORUM Join us ahead of the 2025 Federal election to hear what our political representatives will do about the issues our communities care about. WHO: Representatives from the Coalition, the Greens, Labor and an independent WHEN: 6:30p to 7:45pm Tuesday, April 15 2025 WHERE: Surry Hills, NSW or online THIS FREE EVENT IS TICKETED (even MODERATED BY COURTNEY ACT you are joining us remotely) GET TICKETS VIA LINK IN OUR BIO HOSTED BY Equality Australia, HEALTH EQUITY MATTERS, InterAction for Health and Human Rights and LGBTIQ+ Health with MEDIA PARTNER JOY MEDIA'

On April 15, the Rainbow Votes Election Forum will be on in Sydney (and live streamed), giving you the chance to hear politicians discuss the issues and policies that matter most to our communities.

Book your free ticket to join us in person or online here:

events.humanitix.com/rainbow-vote...

Text reads: International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. Image is of blue fabric separated by a zip. There are words written on the blue in white. Examples of some of the words are "Freedom", "Discrimination", "Democracy", "Migrant", "Treatment", "Citizen" and "Peace".

This day was set by the U.N. to honour the legacy of Saint Óscar Romero. Romero was a champion of justice, a voice for the poor & marginalised, until his assassination on March 24, 1980.
Today, from grassroots advocacy, activism or election ballots, people are still fighting for truth & dignity.

Text is a quote by Timara Lawless, Irish Intersex Activist- "Nobody should have to endure a life of unwarranted, non-consensual medical interventions, and a life of secrecy and rejection through the ignorance of others." Images include a light green background, three glittery green shamrocks and a photo of Timara. Timara is a pale skinned person with short bobbed brown hair. Timara wears a white tee and a pastel coloured striped top with a fine gold chain and crucifix. Timara is smiling and has blue eyes.

Today, on St Patrick's Day, we celebrate & acknowledge the work done by our friends at Intersex Ireland. Read about their work as they push for similar reforms in Ireland as we do here in Australia in this article:
gcn.ie/no-longer-in...

Visit Intersex Ireland online at www.facebook.com/Intersex.ie

Text reads "InterAction for Health and Human Rights Submission to World Athletics on proposals impacting some world athletes with intersex variations". Picture is of a young female athlete doing stretches. She is a dark skinned woman with dark hair which is in two braids. She is leaning forward and holding her right foot. She is wearing black fingerless gloves and mauve and white activewear. She has a determined look on her face.

Dr Morgan Carpenter lodged a submission on behalf of InterAction with World Athletics about women with innate variations of sex characteristics in sport.

Read our submission:
interaction.org.au/wp-content/u...

Text reads: InterAction Traction 1st January- 5th March 2025 Image is a collage including the artwork for the Rainbow Resource for CAMHS, a photo of a radio microphone, Morgan Carpenter at a microphone, the InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo, red love hearts, the yellow cover of Issue 4 of YOUth&I. A promotion image for Safer Internet Day, logos for a range of social justice organisations, the promo image for PwDA's Free to Be Proud event and a photo of Lisa Thorpy, Margie McCumstie and AL Jensen is also shown.

Have you signed up to receive our "InterAction Traction" newsletter yet? Don't miss out on any news and views!

Our latest edition of called "Global Upheaval, Digital Safety, Intersex Pride".

If you didn't get it, sign up to receive it next time.

ihra.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

Celebrating World Day of Social Justice – InterAction Today is World Day of Social Justice and we are celebrating by highlighting the important work done by our friends and allies in the social justice space. We acknowledge the work of these fine organis...

Today is World Day of Social Justice & we are celebrating by highlighting the important work done by our friends and allies in social justice. We acknowledge them & and are proud to take a moment to shine a light on the awesome work they do! interaction.org.au/41679/celebr...

thehill.com/opinion/heal...

LGBTQIA+ People with Disability, Free to Be Proud Online event - People with Disability Australia LGBTQIA+ People with Disability, Free to Be Proud This event will connect LGBTQIA+ people with disability with the broader LGBTQIA+ community, promote intersectionality, and foster greater understandi...

Are you looking for something to do this afternoon? Come to this online free event! Margie McCumstie from InterAction for Health and Human Rights is joining the panel discussion.

pwd.org.au/event/lgbtqi...

Wondering how the decisions in Qld are affecting intersex youth? www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4e...

Text reads: "Time to explore your options!" Image is of a man in a suit running on a clock face. The background includes facebook icons including the thumbs up icon.

Social media platforms can try to erase us or silence us, but all they do is strengthen our resolve to continue.

Remember MySpace? Once the most popular, but no longer- because people chose a different option.
Connect and engage with us on LinkedIn too!
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/interactionorgau

Image is of a woman with dark hair in a straight bob. She looks directly at you. She has dark eyes and is wearing a red cloth gag over her mouth. The head and crown of the statue of liberty is poking in from the side.

In this changing world, social media giants like Meta are making decisions about their commitment to free speech & truth. Sadly, Meta has tried silencing intersex activist Kimberly Zieselman by erasing Facebook accounts today. Kimberly won’t be silenced- you’ll find her on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

Text in red with love heart reads: Happy Valentine's Day Image is of an open envelope with a yellow and purple intersex flag themed love heart seal and a pink letter and sprigs of lavender coming out of the envelope. There are a number of small purple hearts as well.

On this day of love so true,
We celebrate the wonders of you!
Diverse chromosomes and differing genes
Self love and confidence intervenes.

So, Happy Valentine's, one and all
Take pride in you... and stand tall.
Being intersex is just a part...
Like your wild and wonderful heart!

Text reads : Thursday thoughts, because human rights matter" Quote by Martin Luther King: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Image of InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo including purple circle

Today's Thursday thought seems particularly apt!

Text reads: World Athletics brings in stricter testing of female athletes. An informative interview with Dr Morgan Carpenter. Images include a photo of Dr Carpenter. He has short brown hair and facial hair, He wears glasses and a cream shirt and brown tweed jacket. A yellow and purple intersex badge is on his lapel. He is standing at a podium, speaking. Other images include a radio microphone and the logos for Radio National Breakfast- white, black and red, and the logo for InterAction for Health and Human Rights with a purple circle.

Dr Morgan Carpenter spoke with Radio National this morning about the announcement by World Athletics introducing a test for all elite female athletes. This new procedure continues to discriminate against intersex athletes assigned female at birth.

Listen here: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...