23 Lianne Simon on the Challenges of Being Intersex & Christian

“Intersex is a broad label for people with differences of sex development (DSDs)—people whose bodies show physical characteristics of both male and female.” - Intersex and FaithIn this latest Betwixt Podcast episode, Deb Gregory talks with Lianne Simon about her experience as a Christian intersex woman. Lianne shares her remarkable journey of faith despite experiences of abuse, shame and invisibility.Liane Simon was born with a genetic condition that caused sexual ambiguity. Because her body features a mosaic of both male and female chromosomes, much of Lianne’s life was spent coming to terms with a body that was born different. "Will I be male or female in heaven? I don’t know. But I know my redeemer loves me." In a culture conflicted by questions of gender, sex and faith, Lianne’s story helps us to lay aside ideology in order to compassionately listen to the reality of those who live on the threshold between male and female. Perhaps this story can help foster a space for healing conversations within your community.“Intersex people need bodily autonomy and integrity. We are the ones who need to figure out whether we can fit into this world in a mostly binary way (and which one) or whether we need to embrace the body God gave us.” Lianne SimonLianne is the author of the books Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite and A Proper Young Lady which tell fictional accounts of intersex stories. She is also an advocate for families and children with intersex conditions.Lianne and Theologian Megan DeFranza are the producers of the new documentary film Stories of Intersex and Faith. The film tells the stories of five intersexed people who find healing and hope in their faith. The film also advocates for greater understanding and ethical standards around unnecessary cosmetic genital surgeries on children. “It’s society that needs to be healed, not us.” @IntersexfaithLinks:Visit Lianne Simon’s Website www.liannesimon.comCheck out the Documentary Stories of Intersex and Faith http://storiesofintersexandfaith.com/Follow the Doc Stories of Intersex & Faith on Facebook or Twitter https://www.facebook.com/intersexfaithdoc/ https://twitter.com/intersexfaithIntersex & Faith Cirriculum for Churches and community groups https://www.megandefranza.com/curriculumTo Learn More about Intersex Conditions: https://www.intersexandfaith.org/resourcesVisit Megan DeFranza’s website https://www.megandefranza.com/