InterAction for Health and Human Rights

@interaction

We’re a charity promoting the health and human rights of people with innate variations of sex characteristics (intersex variations/differences of sex development) and our families main: support: ilink.net.au and isupport.org.au

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InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· 2d

Lifelong hormone replacement therapy. That's one consequence of sports testing for many intersex athletes. These aren't choices- they're requirements imposed by sporting bodies. This isn't healthcare… it's control. Read about female intersex athlete impacts: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: IOC Eligibility Framework: Harm arising from testing
“Under previous and current testing regimes, women athletes may only discover that they have an innate variation of sex characteristics in the course of eligibility testing for competitive sport. Reported medical interventions consequential to sex testing in sport include interventions requiring lifelong access to hormone replacement.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.
Image: Clock, and lightbox with sign reading "HRT HORMONE THERAPY"

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· 8d

Sports testing leads to irreversible medical interventions: clitorectomies, genital surgeries, all without athletic justification. These are not treatments- they're punishments for having natural variations. Read about how female intersex athletes are impacted: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· 16d

The human cost of mandatory testing: lives shattered by discovery through sports eligibility processes. Lost jobs, broken relationships, mental health crises. Is this really what we want from sport? Read more about how female intersex athletes are impacted: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· 22d

The facts: women with these traits don't have male-typical development. There's no proof they have performance advantages. Yet the IOC framework treats them as outsiders. This isn't about science- it's about exclusion. Read about female intersex athlete impacts: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: IOC Eligibility Framework: “Involuntary reclassification out of birth registered sex. Women with traits problematised by World Athletics and similar regulations have innate developmental traits that mean they do not undergo a puberty or sex development comparable to male typical puberty or development. Evidence regarding performance in sport by women with these innate traits is scarce and provides no conclusive evidence of any decisive performance advantage. Even if such evidence becomes available, it need not presuppose that women with these traits are no longer women, nor eligible to compete in sport.”
Image: Athletics track

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jul 23

Imagine being told you're not really the sex you've always known. That's what happens when women are involuntarily reclassified in sport. This practice violates human rights and is opposed by experts worldwide. Read about female intersex athlete impacts: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: IOC Eligibility Framework: “Involuntary reclassification out of birth registered sex
The application of any method of sex classification that differs from the actual processes of sex determination and classification that applied to individuals at their birth can result in some women registered female at birth finding themselves reclassified in sport. This involuntary reclassification is opposed by community and human rights organisations, clinical and genetics organisations, and the scientist whose team discovered the SRY gene.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.
Image: Female athlete breathing.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jul 17

The IOC can't even define sex scientifically. They try to use single characteristics like chromosomes or hormones, but sex is far more complex. This scientific ignorance drives discriminatory policies that hurt athletes. Read more: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

10. IOC Eligibility Framework: Lack of a clear scientific basis “World Athletics and similar regulations presuppose that sex can be determined by reference to a single sex characteristic. Historically, attempts have been made to determine eligibility in sport by reference to phenotype (physical appearance, in particular appearance of genitals) or chromosomes. Current World Athletics regulations require mandatory testing for the SRY gene. These sex characteristics are rarely tested at birth and, even if tested for, are only one factor among many that influence sex registration.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.
Image of genes

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jul 9

Would you undergo genetic testing if your job depended on it? That's the reality for female athletes under IOC regulations. This isn't medical practice- it's coercion masquerading as policy. Read more about how female intersex athletes are impacted: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: IOC Eligibility Framework: Discrimination in Sport
“Mandatory genetic testing contravenes standards for genetic testing in Australia, which require that tests have a medical indication, and are not coercive. Women athletes who are required to consent to testing in order to compete are not able to freely consent to testing.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.
Image: Scientist in white coat doing testing.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jul 3

The Darlington Statement is clear: all intersex people deserve access to sport at all levels. No restrictions, no discriminatory investigations. Sport should be for everyone, regardless of their biology. Read more about the impact: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: Intersex Participation in Sport: What does the Darlington Statement say?

Image: Bottle of water, glasses, phone and joggers on an athletics track.

“35. We call for access to sport at all levels of competition by all intersex persons, including for all intersex women to be permitted to compete as women, without restrictions or discriminatory medical investigations.”
Source: Darlington Statement, https://darlington.org.au/statement/

Image: Two female athletes in starting position, preparing to race.

Text: Read more about how female athletes with innate variations of sex characteristics are impacted on the InterAction website.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jul 1

Understanding who's affected by IOC regulations reveals the framework's unfairness. From women with Y chromosome traits to transgender athletes, these policies create winners and losers based on biology. It's time for change. Read more: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: IOC Eligibility Framework: Intersex Athletes: Who is Impacted?

Image: Two female athletes pass a baton in the relay.

Text: “The women with innate variations of sex characteristics impacted by World Athletics regulations, and similar regulations, are specifically women registered female at birth, with any of a set of traits associated with both a Y chromosome and variable (and subjectively determined) degrees of responsiveness to testosterone.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.
Image: Three runners on track.

Text: “Women with innate variations of sex characteristics registered male at birth are impacted by regulations affecting transgender athletes.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.

Image: Female athlete launches from starting blocks to sprint.

Text: “Women with other innate variations of sex characteristics registered female at birth, and men with innate variations of sex characteristics are not impacted by proposals for sex testing.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.

Image: Female athletes prepare to race on track.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jun 25

Today in partnership with Equality Australia we launched the Missing Voice Report in NSW Parliament. With special thanks to the The Hon. Ryan Park, MP Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health and NSW Parliamentary Friendship Group for LGBTIQ People for your support and attendance.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jun 22

Dr. Morgan Carpenter highlights that “policy and public incomprehension and incoherence mean that the goals and work of the intersex movement are often poorly recognised or understood”. Read more at interaction.org.au/resource/con...

Text: Understanding the Context and Goals of the Intersex Movement in Australia: An Introduction (Image of Australia and Morgan) Source: “From Harmful Practices and Instrumentalisation, towards Legislative Protections and Community-Owned Healthcare Services: The Context and Goals of the Intersex Movement in Australia”, Dr Morgan Carpenter
Image: Dr Morgan Carpenter, map of Australia with yellow and purple intersex flag within.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jun 19

The IOC framework goes against Australian law and community expectations. Australians want fair, inclusive sport- not discriminatory policies that penalise women for natural biological variations. Time for alignment with our values! Read more: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

Text: “The IOC eligibility framework is inappropriate, disproportional, and likely in breach of Australian state and federal anti-discrimination laws. It would be contrary to community expectations and Australian law and standards.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.

Image: Female athletes with numbers on, stand with hands on hips to the side of a track.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jun 11

Gender stereotypes in sport? The IOC framework not only allows them- it entrenches them. True fairness comes from evidence, not outdated ideas about what women's bodies should look like. Let's demand better. Read more: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jun 5

Mandatory sex testing doesn't just discriminate- it devastates. Women face stigma, lose career opportunities, and face pressure for unnecessary surgeries. Is this really what sport should stand for? Read more: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jun 1

Today is Global Day of Parents! The InterLink website has a Resource Hub with many resources for Parents. Did you know that InterLink also runs online psychosocial support group sessions for parents of intersex children too? Visit ilink.net.au to gain support... and Happy Global Day of Parents!

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· May 28

The IOC admits there's no conclusive evidence of performance advantage, yet their framework remains. This isn't about science- it's about finding ways to exclude certain women from competing. Let's call it what it is: discrimination. Read more: interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· May 27

Reconciliation Week commences today & celebrates Australian Indigenous culture & promotes cultural exchange and understanding. Learn more about the great work of our friends at Gayawur Rainbow at www.qc.org.au/gayawur and of the amazing work at 2 Spirits by visiting www.2spirits.org.au #NRW2026

Text: ALL IN FOR RECONCILIATION
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026 27 MAY- 3 JUNE
#NRW2026
RECONCILIATION.ORG.AU

Logos for Gayawur Rainbow and 2 Spirits also shown

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· May 22

Sex is complex. Human development is diverse. Yet the IOC framework treats sex as a simple checkbox. This oversimplification ignores the reality of how sex characteristics actually develop in humans. Time for evidence-based policies! Read more : interaction.org.au/resource/pos...

“The IOC eligibility framework is inappropriate, disproportional, and likely in breach of Australian state and federal anti-discrimination laws. It would rely on an oversimplified understanding of sex and sex characteristics, and disregard the complexity and diversity of human sex development.”
Source: Position statement: Participation in sport by women with innate variations of sex characteristics: drafted by A/Prof Morgan Carpenter, InterAction for Health and Human Rights; Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia; and Hayley Conway, Pride Cup.
Picture of female athlete on track.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Apr 14

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE! 'Unspoken' is a groundbreaking collection of intersex memories that gives voice to experiences long kept silent. Download your free copy now: interaction.org.au/resource/uns...

Text: Free PDF Download Now Available!
Image of cover of book "Unspoken: A collection of untold intersex stories"
Image of a black and tan puppy with its front paws on top of a laptop. The laptop screen shows the cover of Unspoken as well.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Feb 26

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.

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.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Feb 10

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

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

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Feb 5

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?

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jan 26

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.

Reflection
Truth Telling
Deep Respect

Always was,
Always will be.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jan 22

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.

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

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Jan 19

"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.

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.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Dec 18

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....

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Oct 27

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...

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Oct 27

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!

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.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Oct 26

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.

InterAction for Health and Human Rights@interaction· Oct 25

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