IDAHOBIT has been around since 2005, starting as the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). It wasn’t until 2022 that the intersex community was formally included, adding the “I” to IDAHOBIT. This recent addition shows just how young the organized intersex movement is, even though intersex people have always been part of human history, in every culture and region. Yet, despite these challenges, intersex communities have persisted, organized, and are increasingly making their presence felt.
Celebrating Through Collective Memory
To mark IDAHOBIT 2025, Intersex Asia is excited to present a special campaign highlighting the many important moments for our community. This “collective memory mosaic” brought together photos, personal accounts, and stories from intersex individuals, our communities, allies, friends, and family members across Asia.
Photo mosaic by: iasia @ Mosaically
Each image and story shows that we are not alone, that our experiences are valid, and that together we can build a world where intersex people are celebrated, not erased. This collective memory reinforces the strength of our collaborations over the years and provides a foundation for our continued advocacy.
A Journey of Inclusion and Recognition
Intersex Asia officially began in 2018 as a network for the region, dedicated to improving the rights, dignity, and well-being of intersex people across the continent. However, our community’s roots go much deeper and way earlier, with intersex individuals, activists, and communities connecting informally for decades before we became a formal organization.
Each intersex person has their own unique story – stories of strength, of navigating medical interventions, of finding community, and of taking back control over their own bodies. These personal stories together inspire the work of Intersex Asia and our member organizations to constantly advocate for intersex voices, health rights, and basic human dignity throughout the region.
We, as a community, don’t exist alone. Your stories, challenges, hope, and dreams all illuminate our work. They all weaved together and formed Intersex Asia as we know it today. Yet, despite good progress in recent years, there’s still much more to do.
Breaking the Silence: Visibility Matters
Many in our community remain unseen and underrepresented in mainstream society, in policy discussions, and even within broader LGBTQ+ movements. Many intersex people go through life without knowing others like them, often carrying a burden of secrecy and shame imposed by medical systems and societal prejudice.
This IDAHOBIT, we want to make intersex voices louder, to clearly state that we exist and to demand recognition, respect, and equal rights. Being visible isn’t just about being seen – it’s about changing the narrative, affirming our existence, challenging harmful practices, and sending a supporting message for all the intersex individuals out there who are still afraid. You are not alone. We’re here, and we all are family..
IDAHOBIT reminds us that our fight is connected to larger movements for bodily autonomy, gender justice, and human rights. This day celebrates not only our community but also the power of working together across different movements – from our LGBTQ+ allies to feminist organizations, disability rights advocates, and the many families and friends who have supported us along the way.
These alliances have been vital in advancing intersex rights. When different movements come together around shared values of bodily autonomy and human dignity, we become a powerful force for change. Our combined strength has already led to important policy changes in several Asian countries, although much more work lies ahead.
Looking Forward Together
As we celebrate IDAHOBIT 2025, we invite everyone – whether you’re intersex, an ally, or simply curious to learn more – to join us in building a future where bodily diversity is respected and celebrated. The power of communities lies in our ability to support each other, to amplify voices that are often marginalized, and to work together for justice.
The path ahead might have its challenges, particularly in the current complex political situation, but we gain strength from each other and from knowing that our movement grows stronger with each passing year. Together, we will keep pushing for a world where no intersex person faces discrimination, unwanted medical interventions, or isolation.
This IDAHOBIT, let’s celebrate the power of communities and recommit to the ongoing work of creating a more just and inclusive world for everyone.
