New study sheds light on the disparities faced by intersex people

The data revealed how much inequality there is when it comes to health, well-being and education

BY NAZ SAKICI

According to a new study, intersex people have a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems, harassment, and a lower level of education. With the help of the socioeconomic and health data of a nationally representative 44,000-person survey of people living in Mexico in the years 2021 and 2022, involving 600 intersex people, researchers, including those from the University of Exeter Business School, were able to conduct research surrounding the topic of intersex individuals.

The data proved that intersex individuals are more likely to have negative experiences when it comes to mental and physical health, along with education. The data suggests that intersex people have a higher chance of not completing post-secondary education.

The survey sadly showed that intersex individuals are more likely to get bullied during their childhood or adolescence. This included being excluded from social groups, being mocked or insulted, blackmailed or threatened and physically assaulted.

When it comes to their adulthood, it is proven that intersex people are more likely to be denied medical attention and medication. Also, twice as likely to be denied access to public toilets. Around 20% of intersex individuals stated that they were harassed and violent acts against them were committed, such as being humiliated, threatened, verbally abused, and sexually assaulted.

A significant number of intersex individuals expressed their dissatisfaction with life. When it comes to mental health, 40% of the individuals reported mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and insomnia. This information also leads to the fact that intersex individuals are more likely to have suicidal intentions compared to endosex people. In workspaces, intersex individuals are more likely to experience rejection or offensive comments, also having a lower chance of promotion and a higher chance of getting harassed. 

Dr. Dario Sansone from the University of Exeter Business School states that this information points out how important it is to collect data when it comes to intersex individuals and how necessary it is for people in charge to recognise these social inequalities. Dr. Sansone also mentions that the study is relevant not only in Mexico but also in the whole world. He states that when it comes to intersex infants, the first medical approach is usually to alter their bodies without consent. This points out that intersex people all around the world undergo harassment, social exclusion, and have lower levels of life quality compared to endosex people.

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