I Found Out I Was Intersex At 14 | BORN DIFFERENT

JOYCE grew up thinking she was just like any other girl - but at the age of 14 doctors discovered she was actually an intersex person. After years of wondering why she was so tall, Joyce's mum, Karin, had taken her for tests when it was discovered that she had XY chromosomes - making her genetically male - and an ultrasound confirmed that Joyce had no female reproductive organs. Because her body was insensitive to testosterone, she had developed outwardly female characteristics - a condition known as androgen insensitivity syndrome. At the time, Joyce admits the news was "a shock" to her and her family, as they had "never heard of intersex before." She remembers how she "immediately started crying" and it took a long time to come to terms with the idea that she would never be able to have children that would be biologically hers. And as Joyce's friends explored dating and relationships, she avoided boys - finding it "really scary to tell them I was an intersex person." Now 21 years old, Joyce has accepted her identity and in recent years she decided to be much more open about her story on social media. When she met her current boyfriend, Angus, on a dating app a year ago, he was aware that Joyce was intersex. And whilst Angus' family were "cautious" about Joyce's inability to have biological children with him in the future, that did not deter him: "The most important thing is that you become a parent with someone who you truly love and share a special bond with - that's Joyce for me." And with so much loving support around her, Joyce hopes that by sharing her story, she will reach other young intersex people who find themselves at an earlier stage of their own acceptance journey: "Intersex has always been a really big taboo. There are a lot of intersex people who don't want to tell their story, so I hope my story reaches them and they can see... It's fine to just be who you are."

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Videographer: Inigo Garayo
Producers: Kim Nguyen, Tom Buckman & Georgia Embling
Editor: Renee Wong

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[piginpink]

She’s absolutely gorgeous and seems to be an amazing girl! I am glad she found someone who accepts and loves her as she is 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[joyceogwe]

I just learned today here that there are intersex strains that don't present externally. I always imagined that if you are intersex, you must present both sexes' genitals externally. Apparently it can present internally, like in her case. Mutations are crazy.

We learn everyday.

[WatrfrontTampa]

As a medical student years ago - we knew there were up to 6 different DNA types of human sexual variations - and 2 genders. This has always been in medicine. It is sad when some physicians are not educated enough to realize that nothing should be done until after the child goes through puberty - and let the child determine their sexual destiny and indentity without any surgery. Surgery should be determined by the young adult, while this child is being medically followed until 18. This also lets the child feel they have total control over their destiny - and provides mental stability and happiness. Please keep talking and reaching other people with this human story - this is the greatest contribution you can give the world - your wisdom about your life !!

[AABLAY]

She looks like a model. Really cute and beautiful.

[DoloresJRush]

I just learned at the age of 65 that I have Triple X Syndrome. Like you said, females are usually born with two XX. Well, I have an xtra X. I'm slowly learning what that means.

[karenpruis]

What a lovely couple. I wish you both all the best and become parents one day. There is more than one way to have children. You go for it. Bless you both.

[chronicallyfabulous]

I love her vibe so much -- like she has such kindness and gentleness about her 🥰 And she and her boyfriend are such a cute couple!

It's so wonderful that so many intersex people are using social media to encourage acceptance and to normalise sexual diversity across our societies. Because really, intersex people have existed for as long as people have.

I wish Joyce and Angus a lifetime of happiness together, and I hope they have as many kids as they want, whether adopted, through surrogacy, etc. 💖

[rachelmaurer]

I have a aunt who is intersex and was sind Male at birth. Was born with both genels and female ovaries. She didn't find out later in life, She is now is happy being the woman she is.

[tiffanincarter]

I learned a long time ago about intersex, when making fun of "hermaphrodites" was common place. I was curious and came across so many beautiful stories of families navigating different intersex children and partners, and what that meant for them individually.

It takes just as much time to spew ignorant garbage as it does to come to understanding and acceptance of something you once didnt know.

[TheKatdawg]

People also need to understand that there are different forms of being intersex. Different chromosome combinations, different genital formations, different sexual organs....

[dameanvil]

[01:00] 🧬 Explanation of endogenous insensitivity syndrome leading to identification as female despite XY chromosomes.
[02:00] 🏥 Early signs of intersex condition with high hormone levels and reproductive organ concerns.
[03:20] 🤔 Initial confusion and negativity upon diagnosis, followed by family support.
[04:32] 🤝 Acceptance and challenges in relationships as an intersex person.
[05:46] 🤐 Breaking the taboo around intersexuality by sharing personal experiences.
[06:55] 🤝 Normalizing relationships with intersex individuals through open communication and understanding.
[07:40] 🎤 Encouragement for other intersex individuals to share their stories and embrace their identity.

[kellywaller]

There are children all over the world who need loving families. The biological relationship is fascinating, but it isn't what makes an adult a mommy or a daddy. All you need for that bond is love.

[joemonroe]

many people don't even know intersex is a thing there needs to be more awareness and education about it

[raphlvlogs]

Intersex is all about biological sex not gender identity

[Godhelpus]

Thank you for making this video and educating people! It takes a strong person to do that. Why be ashamed? Are the 1-2% of people who are redheads or the 2% who have green eyes ashamed for how they were born? My son was born with a bone condition. Nobody knows what causes it and nobody should be ashamed. Each thing carries with it something that might make life more difficult, such as not being able to have children. This is sad, but lots of people have to find alternative ways of becoming parents. So just be you and be proud of your strength and courage. Many blessings! 🙏🏻💗

[anbailey]

i am definitely impressed by ur courage and wanna say its a great initiative to tell people more about intersex as through this u will definitely change many people perspective towards intersex and create awareness that being intersex is as normal as being a normal human being

[victoriaminjeur]

You are a woman through and through! Beautiful 🖤

[blair]

i have this condition too! i can relate about being tall - i'm 6 feet at 16 :)

[Betterdayz]

It was so sweet how happy she was to see him. She's a keeper!

[cybercassie]

Thank you for sharing your story. I hope people learn to have more empathy and stop reducing women to wombs. I am not intersex but have another condition that prevents me from having children, many women do and it makes us no less women. ❤