InterAction for Health and Human Rights

A group of intersex leaders and advocates- Associate Professor Morgan Carpenter, Dr Lih‑Mei Liao, Mira Bouchmouny, Bonnie Hart, Michelle McGrath, Gwen Smith and Dr Aileen Kennedy.

Intersex leaders- Associate Professor Morgan Carpenter, Dr Lih‑Mei Liao, Velissa Aplin and Bonnie Hart.

A vital conversation is taking place today at the Uni of Sydney and online, focusing on the future of healthcare for people with innate variations of sex characteristics (IVSC). The session features Dr Lih‑Mei Liao with responses by Velissa Aplin & Bonnie Hart, with Dr Morgan Carpenter chairing.

Victorian Parliament passes health safeguards bill - InterAction The Victorian Parliament has passed the Health Safeguards Bill, protecting the health and wellbeing of children with innate variations of sex characteristics.

Thank you to Victorian Parliamentarians across the political spectrum for supporting law reform to protect intersex people from harm in medical settings. Thank you to our friends and partners for helping to get this reform across the line.

interaction.org.au/44749/victor...

"Peace is not the absence of tension but the presence of justice." -Martin Luther King Jr

Everyone deserves protection from hatred and the right to gather, speak, & protest peacefully. These are foundations of any society that values freedom & dignity.
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” -Elie Wiesel

A Historic Day for Intersex Rights in Victoria - InterAction Today was an important step in Victoria’s journey toward justice and bodily autonomy for people born with variations in sex characteristics.

Today the Victorian Lower House unanimously passed the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025!

It now moves to the Upper House on 18–19 February.

Read the full story on our website: interaction.org.au/44689/a-hist...

Watching the Vic Parliament livestream on the Health Safeguards for People Born with VSC Bill 2025?

Watching live: Paul Byrne‑Moroney, Commissioner Joe Ball (with excellent intersex socks), Tony Briffa, Dr Alice de Jonge & Sean Mulcahy.

If you’re watching online too, what are your thoughts so far?

Reflection Truth Telling Deep Respect Always was, Always will be.

For many First Nations people, 26th January is not a celebration. It is Invasion Day, Survival Day, a day of mourning.
Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
May today remind us to listen, learn, & walk together toward justice, healing, true reconciliation.

National Day of Mourning 22 January 2026 Photo of two hands in heart formation around candle lit in darkness.

The team at InterAction for Health & Human Rights join Australians across the nation on this National Day of Mourning in honouring the victims of the Bondi Beach tragedy, and we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and the families, friends, and all those affected. Reflect & Remember.

A pale skinned man with brown hair and facial hair looks concerned as he holds a photo of a blonde, pale skinned girl with plaits.

"The Secret of Me" is now streaming for free on ABC iview. This film is a powerful, must‑see documentary uncovering one of the most extraordinary intersex stories of our time.

On a sunset background, text reads: 2025 A Year in Review. InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo shown.

It has been a busy, challenging and productive year for the team at InterAction with so many highlights, happenings and achievements to reflect on!

Click here to read our 2025 A Year in Review here: mailchi.mp/interaction....

“Humiliated and Ashamed, Again and Again”: Regulating Genital Examinations of Children with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics - InterAction Australian researcher and InterAction board director, Dr Aileen Kennedy has published an article titled “Humiliated and Ashamed, Again and Again”: Regulating Genital Examinations of Children with Inna...

Dr Aileen Kennedy has published “Humiliated and Ashamed, Again and Again”: Regulating Genital Examinations of Children with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics in the International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics.

Read more & access article link:
interaction.org.au/resource/reg...

“The Missing Voice Report: a thematic analysis and stories of ongoing medical interventions on intersex children in Australia” - InterAction A new report by Equality Australia in collaboration with InterAction, offering rare insight into the medical interventions currently being performed on intersex children in Australia, and the rational...

The Missing Voice reveals ongoing medical interventions on intersex kids in Australia & the need for laws to protect consent. Read the report 👉 interaction.org.au/resource/the... Sign the petition 👉 equalityaustralia.org.au/take-action/...

Better Together 2025: Intersex Voices Leading the Way - InterAction The Better Together conference was held in Adelaide on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November 2025, bringing together diverse voices.

Better Together 2025 in Adelaide Oct 31 & Nov 1st included intersex voices. From intersex community panels to the Better Lives Project & powerful storytelling by Margie McCumstie, intersex issues were acknowledged and allies now have a pathway to action. Read more: interaction.org.au/44445/better...

Intersex Support Service 'InterLink' Has Received Three-Year Accreditation Status - Star Observer InterLink, a community-controlled support service for intersex people, has been officially accredited for the next three years.

Today, Intersex Day of Solidarity (also termed Intersex Day of Remembrance) we have big news: the InterLink psychosocial support service is officially accredited under national quality and safety standards for digital mental health services

www.starobserver.com.au/news/interse...

Text: Intersex Awareness Day 2025 Wrap Up Image of a pink and grey galah wearing a purple sparkly top and a yellow sparkly skirt perched on red audience chairs. Black and gold sparkly background and logo for InterAction for Health and Human Rights shown.

It’s been a vibrant and inspiring time of celebration around Intersex Awareness Day 2025.

We hope your Intersex Awareness Day celebrations were meaningful and special.

Read all about how we celebrated here: interaction.org.au/44373/celebr...

Text: Congratulations to winners of The Darling 2025 Photo of The Darling- a pewter cube shaped award with The Darling 2025 engraved into side. Photo of Dr Thomas Drake-Brockman and Dr Jasmine Davis. Dr Drake-Brockman is a young, pale skinned person with a big smile and hair pulled back. They are wearing a white shirt and dark trousers and a blue lanyard. Dr Davis is a young, pale skinned woman with long straight brown hair. She is smiling and wears glasses. She is wearing a black top and blazer and cream trousers. She is also wearing a blue lanyard.

At InterAction's Intersex Awareness Day Online Gala on Sunday 26th Oct, the winners of The Darling were announced- Dr Thomas Drake-Brockman and Dr Jasmine Davis. We value their courage, compassion, integrity & commitment to excellence in medical leadership & allyship. Congrats on The Darling 2025!

On a purple background, the yellow and purple intersex flag is shown. There are two yellow strips with the words “Raising intersex awareness 2025” repeated. Photo of a pale skinned woman in her 30s with long curly brown hair. She is smiling broadly and wearing a terracotta coloured jumper. Logo for InterAction for Health and Human Rights shown. Text reads: “Born this way. Proud every day. Intersex Pride begins with truth.”

Today is Intersex Awareness Day- a day to honour truth, visibility, and pride. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. These innate variations of sex characteristics are natural, diverse, and part of the human spectrum.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Intersex Awareness Day! 2025 Image of heart filled with Australian native flora.

To our intersex community, allies, family and friends, we wish you all a happy and healthy Intersex Awareness Day 2025!

Intersex Rights Advance Based on Evidence, Principle Intersex Awareness Week is marked annually to recall a small group of protesters who picketed the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1996 for ignoring the rights of children born with sex variations.

A great article released today by Human Rights Watch- read it here: www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...

Kyle Knight's article "Intersex Rights Advance Based on Evidence, Principle:
Global Momentum to Regulate Nonconsensual Surgeries" talks about Global developments and Australia's progress is referred to!

{{current.profile.name}} - GiveOUT Day 2025 GiveOUT Day 2025: Swipe Right on Impact

We really need your help this year, at a time of increasing challenges in securing funding for basic foundational work, as well as policy work and our delivery of psychosocial and peer support services

Every little bit helps, and donations are doubled today 16 Oct

giveoutday.org.au/o/inter-acti...

Congratulations Europe on the Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons! - InterAction InterAction congratulates OII Europe, ILGA Europe and the Council of Europe on their Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons.

InterAction congratulates OII Europe, ILGA Europe & the Council of Europe on their Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons. The Recommendation sets out steps that are equally applicable within Australia.

Learn more: interaction.org.au/resource/con...

Today on October 7th, in a watershed moment, the Council of Europe’s 46 Member States have unanimously adopted the Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on Equal Rights for #Intersex Persons, setting a new gold standard in Europe. Read the full PR here: bit.ly/4gWrr9X

Donate to Support Global Intersex Voices in First-Ever Book Anthology!, organized by Kimberly Zieselman Hi! I am Kimberly Zieselman, an internationally renowned inte… Kimberly Zieselman needs your support for Support Global Intersex Voices in First-Ever Book Anthology!

We are excited to promote a GoFundMe for an incredible new book project, Defending Bodies.

Every contribution helps bring this important book to life and strengthens a growing global movement for intersex justice.

www.gofundme.com/f/4h3bv4?att...

On a background collage of images of Victorian nature and countryside, the following text appears: InterSpace: A soft place to land More than a retreat, InterSpace is a collective exhale. Come rest, heal, reconnect, and rise with community. InterSpace invites you to expand. To be seen, celebrated, and supported- just as you are. In a world full of noise, come find your InterSpace! Retreat 14- 16 November 2025 Pennyroyal, Victoria IPSA Intersex Peer Support Australia

The 2025 IPSA Retreat is set for 14-16 November 2025 in Pennyroyal, regional Victoria.
Registrations are now OPEN 💜💛

Click here- forms.gle/ZGHJLvMiY6Di... to register & book your tickets to attend. Remember to join IPSA for a discount!

Registrations close 11th October.

Your Guide to What’s Happening for Intersex Awareness in October 2025 - InterAction Here's your guide to what's happening for Intersex Awareness in October 2025. Hope you find some events you would like to attend and enjoy the celebrations!

Here's our Guide to What’s Happening for Intersex Awareness in October 2025.
Open your diary, mark your calendar, there's lots to do to be involved... including the InterAction Intersex Awareness Day Online Gala on Sunday, Oct 26th.

Access the full guide here:
interaction.org.au/44164/your-g...

The Carswell Forum 2025 provides a platform for intersex rights - InterAction The inaugural Carswell Forum 2025 was held September 19 in Brisbane to foster collaboration among community, activists, and government representatives.

The inaugural Carswell Forum 2025 fostered collaboration among community members, activists, & government reps.

The Health and Wellbeing Panel explored the importance of intersex rights.

Read more about the Carswell Forum & the discussions on the day at interaction.org.au/44150/the-ca...

Common Ground: Building Belonging, Justice, and Community Capacity in Queensland - InterAction From 15–18 September, QC hosted Common Ground. InterLink and InterAction representatives attended exploring themes of belonging and justice.

From 15–18 September, InterAction & InterLink attended Common Ground. Hosted by Qld Council for LGBTI Health, this conference brought together passionate advocates, community leaders, & health professionals to explore themes of belonging & justice.

Read more at interaction.org.au/44142/common...

Nominations for the 2025 Darling Award are now open. Each year on Intersex Awareness Day, we award "the Darling" in recognition of outstanding intersex allyship. The Darling will be presented to an organisation, institution or individual that demonstrates a commitment to action on intersex human rights beyond merely affirming the Darlington Statement. Who will you nominate to win in 2025? Nominations close 5pm Sunday 12th October. Winner announced IAD. Images shown of purple and yellow circle and InterAction for Health and Human Rights logo.

To nominate an ally organisation, institution or individual, visit forms.gle/7FvPeAnzFwuo...

Nominations close 5pm Sunday 12th October 2025. Winner will be decided by a judging panel. Winner announced on Intersex Awareness Day.

United Nations logo in turquoise- flames within a wreath. Text reads United Nations Human Rights Council 60th Session Monday 15 September 2025, 10:00- 12:00 Panel Discussion Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons There is a Live Stream logo at the bottom. Image of intersex flag with yellow background and a purple circle on it

United Nations logo in turquoise- flames within a wreath. Text reads United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner Report: Discriminatory Laws and Policies, Acts of Violence and Harmful Practices against Intersex Persons Image of intersex flag- yellow background with a purple circle. Inside the circle is the globe with Australia positioned at front. Accompanying text reads: Were you watching as history happened? You can still watch- and here is how!

Historic milestone: On 15 Sept, the UN Human Rights Council hosted first-ever panel on ending discrimination & harmful practices against intersex people.

Read all about it & explore the powerful statements: interaction.org.au/43979/watch-...
Watch the recording at webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w...

United Nations logo in turquoise- flames within a wreath. Text reads United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner Report: Discriminatory Laws and Policies, Acts of Violence and Harmful Practices against Intersex Persons Image of pale skinned hand holding a yellow circular disc with a purple circle on it, denoting the intersex flag. Accompanying text reads: Watch History Happen LIVE 6pm Monday 15th September

Report detailing the lived experiences, challenges, and rights violations faced by intersex people worldwide will be presented at the UN on Monday 15th September 2025, commencing at 6pm AEST, 4pm AWST. The event will be live-streamed at webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w...

Join us to watch history happen!

Yellow and black background with text: Ask R U OK? ANY DAY Learn what to say at ruok.org.au A conversation could change a life t is OK not to feel OK. Maybe you are feeling... disappointed about not being understood frustrated about discrimination in your workplace angry at the lack of understanding about what it means to be intersex sad and lonely because you are grappling with your variation Please remember- It is normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, angry or sad at times You are not alone- you are part of an understanding, caring community You can access psychosocial support through Interlink You can connect with community through IPSA But most of all, YOU are unique and worthy... just as you are.

Today- and every day, we’re reminded of the power of a simple question: Are you OK?

Visit InterLink to reach out for psychosocial support and peer navigation: ilink.net.au
Visit IPSA to reach out for peer support and good vibes: isupport.org.au

R U OK? You are seen, heard, and supported.