Intersex Identities Deserve Better Definitions: Can You Help Me with My Master’s Thesis?

https://www.reddit.com/r/QueerTheory/comments/1hw5wro/intersex_identities_deserve_better_definitions/

created by aqueerlinguist on 07/01/2025 at 23:54 UTC

16 upvotes, 0 top-level comments (showing 0)

Hey /QueerTheory-members,

I’m Michelle (any pronouns), a 30-year-old non-binary philosophy and anglophone studies student, teacher trainee, and currently a working student (Werkstudent) helping coordinate materials and speakers for a Queer Linguistics seminar at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

Outside of academics, I’m a huge fan of video games (Stardew Valley will always have my heart, even as I lose time to Marvel Rivals), creating art, and going to music festivals (metalcore, post-hardcore, pop punk, drum and bass—basically all the vibes).

I’m here because I’m working on my linguistic Master’s thesis titled:

• *“From Other to Self-Labeling: Intersex Identities in German and American Language Communities.”**

• *What I’m Exploring**

My research focuses on how self-designations of intersex individuals compare to medical, legal, and official terms. Some of the questions I aim to answer include:

• How do self-definitions differ from medical/legal terms?
• What effects do official terms have on intersex identity and self-image?
• Do official terms promote or hinder social acceptance and visibility in Germany and the U.S.?

To do this, I’m analyzing medical/legal definitions, books written by intersex people, and media they’ve created. I’ll also create a questionnaire to better understand how intersex individuals self-identify, how they feel about official definitions, and where they see gaps or issues. My goal is to amplify authentic intersex experiences and critically evaluate how official definitions could be improved.

• *How You Can Help**

I’m looking for German and American intersex individuals willing to:

• Join me for a ~30-40 minute Zoom interview.
• Answer questions about self-labeling and official definitions of intersex identities.

• *Important Notes:**

• No need to use your real name, camera, or voice. You can stay as anonymous as you want, even using a voice changer.
• The interviews will be recorded and transcribed for my thesis, but you can opt out at any time.
• Compensation can be discussed privately if needed.

The questionnaire is still in the works, but I’d like to connect with anyone interested in participating or learning more. If you’d like to warm up, I’m happy to chat via email or have a call beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable.

• *TL;DR:**

• Are you part of the intersex community?
• Are you from Germany or the U.S.?
• Would you be open to answering questions about self-labeling and official terms during a recorded Zoom interview?

If yes, please DM me here on Reddit or email me at **queerlinguist@gmx.de**.

Your perspective would mean the world to me and help make this research as inclusive and impactful as possible.

Thank you so much for reading! 💜

Michelle

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