(Community Recognition Statement, 13 November 2019, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney Electorate I commend the work of Intersex Human Rights Australia and Intersex Peer Support Australia to raise awareness and promote human rights and bodily autonomy of people born with variations of sex characteristics, and to provide vital peer support. Intersex Human Rights Australia and Intersex Peer Support Australia are run by and for people with intersex variations. Their work includes advocacy, policy and community development, law reform, advice and education. Coinciding with Intersex Awareness Day on October 26, Intersex Human Rights Australia launched the first issue of YOUth&I, a magazine of personal stories, poems and art by young people with intersex variations. Supported by the ACT Capital of Equality grants program, it is an inspiring publication where young people safely share their individual journeys. I support these groups’ vision of a society where intersex bodies are not stigmatised and people are not excluded or made to feel ashamed for being different. I thank the committed people in these groups who work for inclusion and against discrimination and violence and build on the strength and resilience of the community of people with intersex variations and their allies.