Ageing in obscurity: a critical literature review regarding older intersex people

Abstract

Intersex people experience a range of human rights abuses, including non-consensual, irreversible medical interventions on minors. These abuses have lifelong effects, yet little is known about older intersex people. People in this diverse group face multiple marginalisations and erasures across different policy and practice arenas. This article reviews literature about intersex issues, drawing out materials relevant to older intersex people using an historically grounded approach. It focuses on the key issues affecting older intersex people living in a range of countries in the global North, as harmful medical practices originated in this region. Based on existing evidence, we found a pressing need for medical reform including a cessation of harmful medical practices and the development of appropriate healthcare that centres the needs and wishes of each intersex person. As intersex issues are currently heavily erased in most countries, research, cross-sectoral policy and practice work, and awareness-raising are all needed.