By Jeff Cagandahan
Executive Director
Intersex Philippines, Inc.
Marami pa ring misconceptions tungkol sa mga intersex. At isa sa mga pinaka-karaniwang maling akala ay ang pag-gamit ng term na “hermaphrodite.”
Linawin natin ito/Let’s clear about this: No, a person who is intersex is NOT a hermaphrodite.
Yung term na “hermaphrodite” ay galing sa Greek mythology* at nagsasabi na ang isang tao ay parehong may ari ng lalaki at ari ng babae (i.e. dalawa ang ari). Pero MALI po ‘yan.
Ang mga intersex ay may natural na variations sa kanilang sex characteristics na hindi tumutugma sa typical na definition ng lalaki o babae.
Although some intersex people may reclaim the word “hermaphrodite,” the majority prefer to use the term “intersex”.
At mahalaga na respetuhin natin ang kanilang preference at gamitin ang tamang salita para mas maging komportable sila.
We need to embrace and respect the diversity of human bodies and identities. Let’s stop using outdated labels and focus on understanding, inclusivity, and empathy.
Ang mga katulad kong intersex ay karapat-dapat din ng respeto at pagmamahal tulad ng iba.
*In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus was a child of Aphrodite and Hermes (thus the name, which compounded the names of the parents). Remarkably beautiful, the naiad/nymph Salmacis attempted to rape him, even as she prayed to be united with him forever. Some god answered her prayer, and merged their two forms into one.
