Cripping Intersex

Cripping Intersex explores the connections between intersex and disability, focusing on medical management, sport sex-testing policies, and eugenic implications of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. It proposes a new approach to intersex studies and activism by integrating feminist disability studies with intersex studies to break down the traditional sex dyad and challenge cultural mandates against intersex traits.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Intersex and disability are intertwined, and a nuanced understanding of these connections is essential to strengthen intersex human rights claims and comprehend the experiences of intersex individuals living with the disabling consequences of medical intervention. Cripping Intersex delves into three key themes: the medical management of individuals with intersex characteristics, the mainstream fascination with sport sex-testing policies and procedures, and the eugenic implications of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Celeste E. Orr explores how intersex and interphobia intersect with disability and ableism to propose a new approach to intersex studies and activism. By integrating feminist disability studies with intersex studies, we gain valuable tools to challenge the traditional sex dyad and the cultural mandate against intersex traits. This groundbreaking work offers a radical new understanding of intersex-with-disability, pushing analyses of intersex histories, experiences, and embodiments beyond the limits of feminist or queer theory alone.

The medical management of individuals with intersex characteristics is a critical theme explored in Cripping Intersex. The book highlights the often coercive and discriminatory practices that intersex people face, including surgeries, hormone treatments, and forced sterilizations. These practices not only harm individuals physically but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas about intersexuality. Celeste E. Orr argues that the medical management of intersex people should be approached from a human rights perspective, with a focus on autonomy, consent, and informed decision-making.

Another theme examined in Cripping Intersex is the mainstream fascination with sport sex-testing policies and procedures. The book explores the widespread use of sex-testing in sports, particularly in female-dominated sports such as gymnastics, track and field, and swimming. While sex-testing is intended to ensure fairness and protect athletes from discrimination, it often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces gender binaries. Celeste E. Orr argues that sport sex-testing policies should be critically examined and that alternative methods, such as self-identification, should be considered.

The eugenic implications of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are also explored in Cripping Intersex. PGD is a technology used to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation in the uterus. While PGD can be used to prevent genetic diseases, it can also be used to select embryos based on non-medical characteristics, such as gender or appearance. Celeste E. Orr argues that PGD should be used with caution and that it has the potential to reinforce harmful stereotypes and reinforce gender binaries.

Cripping Intersex also examines how intersex and interphobia intersect with disability and ableism. The book highlights the experiences of intersex individuals who face discrimination and marginalization not only because of their intersex characteristics but also because of their disability. Celeste E. Orr argues that intersex studies and activism should be inclusive of disability perspectives and that intersectionality is essential to understanding the experiences of intersex people.

To propose a new approach to intersex studies and activism, Celeste E. Orr draws on feminist disability studies and intersectionality. She argues that intersex and interphobia intersect with disability and ableism in complex ways and that a holistic approach is necessary to address these issues. She proposes a framework for intersex studies and activism that emphasizes the intersection of gender, sexuality, race, and disability and that centers the experiences and voices of intersex people.

In conclusion, Cripping Intersex is a groundbreaking book that offers a critical analysis of intersex and disability. The book explores three key themes: the medical management of intersex characteristics, the mainstream fascination with sport sex-testing policies and procedures, and the eugenic implications of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. By integrating feminist disability studies with intersex studies, the book provides valuable tools to challenge the traditional sex dyad and the cultural mandate against intersex traits. Cripping Intersex offers a radical new understanding of intersex-with-disability, pushing analyses of intersex histories, experiences, and embodiments beyond the limits of feminist or queer theory alone.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774865548