Growing Up Intersex: A Thematic Analysis of Intersex Emerging Adults’ Key Socialization Experiences in Childhood and Adolescence

Abstract

Socialization experiences around having an intersex variation have lasting impacts on intersex individuals’ well-being. Understanding commonalities in socialization experiences of intersex children and adolescents can inform influential figures in the lives of intersex individuals on how to provide improved support and positive socialization. Guided by a critical intersex perspective, we interviewed 28 emerging adults (18–29 years old) who identified as intersex and/or had a variation in sex characteristics about their socialization experiences in childhood and adolescence. Consultants from interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth advised throughout all stages of this project. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the coding team identified six themes throughout the interviews of key socialization experiences that contributed to these intersex emerging adults’ meaning-making around having an intersex variation growing up: (a) We Don’t Talk About This, (b) We’re All In The Dark, (c) We Could Use Some Help, (d) I Should Be Less Me, (e) My Body Isn’t Mine, and (f) I Feel Supported and Empowered. These findings highlight commonalities and intersectionality across intersex experiences as well as the need for change at multiple levels to improve the socialization experiences of intersex young people and increase support.