interConnect

On September 7, 1996, the Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Support Group of North America held its first meeting in New York City. The group, made up of mostly females with AIS, sought to forge a collaborative relationship with the medical community, so that intersex individuals would be seen as more than patients to be fixed and forgotten. Eventually, the group adopted a new name: AIS-DSD Support Group for Women. Opportunities for connection outside of the annual meetings grew with the presence of the Internet. Starting with a ‘listserv’ in the early 2000s, the group communicated via an email forum, and eventually transitioned to a collection of Facebook groups. As the annual meetings continued, the group began to welcome anyone with an intersex diagnosis, regardless of gender.

On its 25th anniversary, the group adopted a new, more inclusive name: InterConnect. While the names and faces of those leading the group have changed over the decades, our goal remains the same — to promote community and connection for intersex children and adults, as well as their family members and allies. As part of our work, we continue to foster thoughtful relationships with medical professionals and promote a patient’s personal informed consent for any medical interventions.