Fixing Sex

Fixing Sex: Intersex, Medical Authority, and Lived Experience is a seminal work in the field of gender studies, medical sociology, and intersex rights. Authored by Katrina Karkazis, a senior research scholar at the Center for Biomedical Ethics at Stanford University, the book delves into the complex world of intersex medical treatment and the lived experiences of intersex individuals. It critically examines the medical practices and ideologies surrounding the treatment of intersex conditions and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of gender beyond the binary framework.

Overview

The book provides an in-depth analysis of the medical management of intersexuality and its implications for individuals born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Karkazis challenges the prevailing medical approach that often prioritizes surgical and hormonal interventions to "normalize" intersex bodies according to binary gender norms. Through extensive interviews with intersex adults, parents of intersex children, and medical professionals, Fixing Sex explores the consequences of these medical practices on the identities, health, and well-being of intersex individuals.

Key Themes

• Medical Authority and Ethics: The book critiques the ethical considerations and authority of medical professionals in deciding the gender and bodily integrity of intersex individuals. It questions the lack of informed consent in surgeries performed on intersex infants and children.
• Lived Experience of Intersex Individuals: Fixing Sex highlights the personal stories and struggles of intersex people, emphasizing the diversity of their experiences and the impact of medical interventions on their lives.
• Gender Binary and Social Norms: Karkazis argues against the rigid adherence to the gender binary in medical and social contexts, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of gender that accommodates intersex variations as naturally occurring forms of human diversity.
• Advocacy and Change: The book also discusses the role of intersex advocacy groups in challenging medical practices and pushing for social and legal recognition of intersex rights.

Reception

Fixing Sex has been widely praised for its comprehensive research, empathetic portrayal of intersex experiences, and critical analysis of medical practices. It has contributed significantly to debates on gender, medical ethics, and the rights of intersex individuals, making it a key text in the fields of gender studies and medical humanities.

See Also

• Intersex
• Gender Studies
• Medical Ethics
• Human Rights in Healthcare