Biological diversity is an undeniable fact, but for intersex persons in the European Union, this reality translates into a constant fight against violence, discrimination and invasive medical practices without consent. A recent report from the Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union (FRA), based on its 2023 LGTBIQ+ survey, sheds light on an alarming situation: the intersex community is one of the most vulnerable within the LGTBIQ+ community, and the data reveals a worrying worsening in recent years. Are we, as a society, up to the challenge of guaranteeing their fundamental rights?
Violence and harassment: a worrying escalation
The FRA study highlights a significant increase in violence against intersex people since 2019. The figures are compelling and invite us to reflect:
- Physical or sexual assaults: One in six intersex people (15%) suffered an assault in the last year. If we broaden our view to the previous five years, the percentage rises to 34%, which represents an increase of more than ten points compared to 2019 and triples the rate reported by the entire LGTBIQ+ community.
- Hate harassment: Three out of four intersex people (74%) suffered from it in the last year, a figure that drastically contrasts with the 42% registered in 2019.
Not even school, a space that should be safe, is safe for intersex young people. 76% of intersex young people suffered ridicule, insults or threats in educational centers, a significant jump from 54% in 2019. What are we doing to protect the most vulnerable in our educational environments?
Discrimination: an unacceptable stagnation
Unlike other groups within the LGTBIQ+ community, intersex people have not experienced improvements in terms of discrimination. Two out of three (61%) declare having been discriminated against in the last year, especially in the workplace (38%). This persistence of discrimination shows that current policies are insufficient, exposing a legal and social vacuum that cries out for attention.
Medical interventions without consent: an open wound
One of the most disturbing aspects of the report is the continuity of medical interventions carried out without the free and informed consent of the affected people. More than half (57%) of those surveyed stated that they had undergone surgeries or invasive treatments to modify their sexual characteristics. In addition, around 39% were subjected to “conversion” practices, a much higher percentage than the rest of the LGTBIQ+ group (25%). Until when will these practices, considered by many specialists as forms of institutional violence, be allowed to continue existing within the European Union? The dignity and bodily autonomy of each person must be non-negotiable.
Impact on mental health and risk of exclusion: a call for help
The report also highlights a profound impact on the emotional health of intersex people. More than half (53%) thought about suicide during the last year, a figure that far exceeds the average for the rest of the LGTBIQ+ community (37%). Social exclusion is another alarming factor: 6% of intersex people surveyed had to sleep on the street at least once, compared to only 1% of the rest of LGTBIQ+ people and 0.2% of the general EU population. These figures force us to question what kind of society we are building and how we can guarantee that no one is left behind.
An urgent call to action: measures for an inclusive future
The FRA proposes a series of measures that Member States should adopt immediately to reverse this situation:
- Fight discrimination: Include sexual characteristics as a protected reason in anti-discrimination laws and guarantee sufficient resources to equality bodies.
- Fight hate crimes: Explicitly recognize sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, as well as sexual characteristics as aggravating circumstances in criminal legislation.
- Prohibit non-vital medical interventions: End intersex genital mutilation and train health professionals in a human rights-based approach.
- Eradicate “conversion” practices: Establish clear and effective prohibitions that protect victims of this type of violence.
- Inclusive education: Implement comprehensive sexual education programs adapted to each age that promote respect and diversity.
As Sirpa Rautio, director of the FRA, points out: “Intersex people in the EU experience alarming levels of exclusion, discrimination and violence. Their situation requires an urgent response and specific support that guarantees their dignity and fundamental rights.”.
An open question for Europe
The evidence is on the table. The figures leave no room for doubt. The question is inevitable: is Europe willing to take a real step towards the protection of intersex people, or will it continue to look the other way, perpetuating a cycle of violence and exclusion? The answer is in our hands, as citizens and as a society.
