I will vote for any candidate who says 'hermaphrodite' in a nationally televised debate

[Ellen Forradalom]

In 1796 Jefferson ran against John Adams. Jefferson referred to Adams as "a hideous hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman. In response Adams asked "Are you prepared (if Jefferson is elected) to see your dwellings in flames...female chastity violated...children writhing on the pike?"

Mudslinging just ain't what it used to be.

(no source for quote)

[Gonzo Gardener]

1. This quote could possibly be attributed to James Callender

:shrug:

:hi:

[Critters2]

2. The appropriate term is "intersex".

I have friends who are raising an intersex baby. What a challenge that is!! And they adopted, which earns them extra "truly good person points" in my book!

[elshiva]

3. That's great. Intersex children need a parent's love.

:toast: :) :hug:

buffy/

[Critters2]

4. It is. They're great people. They received the child as an infant--first as a foster child.

They got to choose the name, because the birth mother was NOT AT ALL interested in claiming a "damaged" baby. So, they made a point of choosing a gender-neutral name, as the first step toward letting the child grow to the point of making a personal choice about gender identity. They try to avoid use of pronouns, using the baby's name most of the time instead. Of course, things will get more difficult with school and more social settings, but overall, I'd say this is one fortunate child.

[elshiva]

5. Yes, and I hope everyone will see this child as

a blessing, like all other children. I am thankful that you and the child's parents see the child as a person and NOT a freak or damaged. Does this family go to your church? This family needs a supportive, understanding community.

Again, it's wonderful to hear of a clergyperson who respects the child. You know that I am an atheist, but I hope religious people see the child as "a gift from God." As for myself, I think it's perfectly natural to be born intersex, a lot of species are intersex in nature.


buffy/

[Critters2]

6. They're not members of my church. The father is a pastor--a seminary class mate of mine. nt