In a move eyeing to spread awareness about the intersex community, Intersex Philippines, Inc. (IXPI), the pioneering intersex organization in the Philippines, released “Ang Aking Espesyal na Regalo (My Special Gift)”, an illustrated children’s book.
Authored by Jeff Cagandahan and featuring illustrations by Adrian J. and Gumi F., the book tells the story of an intersex child, thereby “embracing and celebrating the main character’s unique identity.” It is published by IXPI with support from Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice Intersex Human Rights Fund.
“The book was written to bring awareness particularly among children,” Cagandahan, who is also the president of IXPI, said to Outrage Magazine. “We want them to learn that there are intersex people and that there’s nothing wrong with being intersex.”
The book specifically tells the story of a child who felt “different”, but can’t explain to his peers what intersex is; a teacher steps in to help with explaining.
“I want to share that God did not make mistakes in creating intersex people. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in being intersex,” added Cagandahan, adding that focusing on children was also a necessity because “we want them to understand as early as five years old that there are more than just male and female.”
A digital copy is available for download from the Facebook page of IXPI.
For more information on IXPI, call +639276965561, email intersex.philippines@gmail.com, or visit IXPI’s Facebook page.
