Hermaphrodites, or What We Call in Modern Times, Intersexuals

Hermaphrodites, or what we call in the modern times: intersexuals, are misunderstood throughout the entire world. Often times when we hear the word intersexuals or hermaphrodites we automatically have a negative connotation towards them. However, what most people do not realize is that hermaphroditism is in fact very common for quite a long period of time. Records were dated back to even the time when Plato was alive. However, the idea, or the actual concept of a third gender has only become less and less accepting the last one to two centuries. These individuals biologically have sexual characteristics intermediate of those typically male or female seems to medical progressives as a glitch of nature needing for regulating surgery and†¦show more content†¦While in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dr. Hugh H Young of Johns Hopkins University, the father of the medical studies for hermaphroditism and the author of the book â€Å"Genital Abnormalities, Hermaphroditism and relat ed Adrenal Diseases†, explored numerous people who were intersexuals and discovered that the majority of them were content with their lives, and did not develop any psychological problems or scars. A notable case would be a woman named Emma who had grown up as a female with a vagina and a penis-sized clitoris. As a teenager, Emma would have sexual intercourses with other women but eventually she married a man. Although she had a husband, there had not been too many sexual activities therefore Emma would have other girlfriends on the side to fulfill her pleasures. As an embryo, we are created with both ovaries and testes. As we grow, either the ovaries or testes will begin to develop further while the other will begin to degenerate (Fausto-Sterling, 2000). However, often times the one that degenerates does not diminish the entire way, therefore making them ambiguous genitalia. Our medical community destroys our perception of hermaphrodites by telling us that hermaphroditism is very uncommon and should be treated as soon as birth because the victims would be psychologically damaged from bullying and being different (ISNA, 2001). In reality, there has been noShow MoreRelatedEssay on Intervening Surgical Intervention1537 Words   |  7 PagesBetween the Sexes is a compelling narrative. Through several anecdotes, it illustrates the devastating psychological implications of early surgical intervention on intersexuals. According to the article, the surgery robs individuals of their sexual gratification, their gender identity, and their innocence. I ts argument is noble, yet flawed. Authors Christine Gorman and Wendy Cole spin several sad yarns of intersexed people who are upset with handling of their gender assignment. They tell horrorRead MoreHistory of Transgender9448 Words   |  38 PagesA time-line of transgender identities.  © 1999 Drs. Arianne van der Ven Contents Summery 2 Introduction: The development of gender as we know it How does history relate to us? 3 From a one-gender system to a two-gender system, and on to ‘third sex’ categories. 3 Some specifics of gender transitions. 5 Part I: Sexology begins. Transgender Identities before the 19th century 7 The early 19th century: Enters forensic psychiatry 7 The