What is in a name?

We have heard from several sources that the use of 'disorder' has come down from those with power

Those with power represent the medical establishment

We have heard that that those without power have no say in the selection of 'DSD' as a description

Those without power represent intersex people

In a matter of some importance, those without power appear to have little say in the dialog with those with power

What does this tell us about the relationship between those without power and those with power?

It suggests that those with power will do as they wish, regardless of the wishes of those without power

There is an expression: 'speaking truth to power'

Many intersex people have spoken about the truths of their lives but the ears of those with power appear deaf to the pleas of those without power

How can we believe that those with power will treat intersex people any differently in the future?

How can we trust what is suggested in consensus statements or hoped for in consortium guides, when in something as important as how intersex variations are described, people are simply ignored?

DSD symbolises how the future will be for intersex people

DSD is the sign of the relationship of power

Commentary by Michelle O'Brien, OII Board Member from the UK.  Michelle O'Brien is a researcher specialising in the socio-cultural aspects of the medicalisation of gender.