I Found Out I Was Intersex At 14 | BORN DIFFERENT

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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."
Follow Joyce:
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Videographer: Inigo Garayo
Producers: Kim Nguyen, Tom Buckman & Georgia Embling
Editor: Renee Wong
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[@truly-channel]

How would you feel if you found out that you were intersex at 14? Let us know in the comments below ⬇ for more Born Different videos, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLUkdT9ljJ1cbFTk10utsTb-RGsujT5bG4

[@teeniequeenie8369]

I just don’t understand how she went through puberty and got huge boobs with no ovaries?! I’ve got all my lady parts in there and was FLAT AS A BORED before a boob job. lol I just don’t know how ppl grow them things lol I sure never did!

[@_joyceee_8549]

@@teeniequeenie8369 You made me laugh haha, I love such honest comments. All the testosterone that I produce, but cannot respond to due to my syndrome, is converted into estrogen. As a result, I simply had "normal" breast development.

[@Brandon-yy5cc]

If you have XY chromosomes your a male if you have XX chromosomes your female. This is weird and disgusting.

[@connorschronicles810]

​@@teeniequeenie8369The ONLY way that trans women can have periods is if they were born intersex. Other than that, it's not possible. I PROMISE I'm a Trans ally, but I'm just stating facts. Intersex trans women can have periods. I was born male, and I still am, and I do experience stomach cramps, but I don't THINK it's a period. I never had blood coming out of me. P.S. I DO identify as male, and I hope I'm not intersex.

[@joyceogwe3272]

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.

[@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 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@teeniequeenie8369]

He’s cute too!

[@_joyceee_8549]

Thank you for your sweet words!

[@khonkhosilelihle7414]

Me too.

[@kymiz_]

@@teeniequeenie8369that’s a girl let’s use our eyes 😊

[@raphlvlogs271]

Intersex is all about biological sex not gender identity

[@joemonroe2249]

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

[@meahdahlgren6537]

It's not a thing

[@michelledawn7446]

@@meahdahlgren6537yes it is.

[@khonkhosilelihle7414]

True.

[@khonkhosilelihle7414]

​@@meahdahlgren6537 You have a problem.

[@meahdahlgren6537]

@@khonkhosilelihle7414 its not a thing

[@chronicallyfabulous88]

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. 💖

[@_joyceee_8549]

Thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot

[@RatingsIntoCash]

​@@_joyceee_8549You take the good burgersong "I'm a dude" to a whole nother level 😂

[@karenpruis501]

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.

[@rachaellin1997]

What a lovely couple and her mom is so supportive! I love this very much! Adoption is a great option and I wish them the best in their lives!

[@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.

[@BCSchmerker]

@dameanvil *Barcroft Media (% @truly-channel) should put the timestamps ye wrote into the Description this vid.*

[@dameanvil]

@@BCSchmerker Why?

[@Betterdayz12]

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

[@CristinaAcosta]

Beautiful and courageous spirit. You are lovely🌺🌺

[@rabbitholegirl1]

Adoption is perfectly fine

[@Ellenslife851]

I agree

[@takehandleandshoveuparse]

We go through so much hell because of our meat suits.

[@anbailey319]

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

[@_joyceee_8549]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@meahdahlgren6537]

Anbailey319 it's not a thing

[@luminescent__]

​@@meahdahlgren6537 Please explain them being physically/biologically Hermaphroditic (Intersexed) while still in the womb then expert.

[@meahdahlgren6537]

@@luminescent__ it's not real

[@Zombie_Nerd]

@@meahdahlgren6537 being intersex is just as common as ginger hair. would you say gingers arent real?

[@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. ❤

[@_joyceee_8549]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it ❤️

[@humanoidy]

Thank you for educating us all. Beautiful woman inside and out. Wishing you a long and happy life!

[@victoriaminjeur7856]

You are a woman through and through! Beautiful 🖤

[@sharathk220]

You are strong women.., and u have my respects ❤

[@iamliber8583]

I thought it was not a woman?????

[@TeaWinx]

@@iamliber8583she is a woman… she’s intersex

[@kimberleygardner3294]

So much more to go through but so strong so far 😊

[@TheTheLeeloo]

Go Joyce queen!!

[@chrisleigh485]

You are going to be a wonderful mother. You are perfect, just as you are! You are YOU. That’s enough. ❤

[@rachelmaurer888]

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.

[@SICRoosterKido]

That's rough, all the best!

[@ninablack2516]

Thankyou for this video...I only became aware of the terminology this year and didnt know that it effects nearly 2% of the worlds population. Your video helped me understand more about the medical side and how it causes one to become intersex 💛💛

[@kellywaller8829]

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.

[@Beatleslover3]

Strong women!❤ God Bless her.

[@moachangkiri5952]

Joyce, you look beautiful as a gifl and its never a shame to admit what we are. So, whatever the situation maybe, always let your heart speaks for you, so that you will feel more confident when you meet other people 💜💜💜💜

[@katielucas4594]

You are gorgeous inside and out❤ your heart is golden. Youre a beautiful women❤ you guys will do AMAZING with surrogacy or adoption when the time is right❤❤

[@_joyceee_8549]

Thank you

[@katielucas4594]

@@_joyceee_8549 you are so very welcome!💞💗🥰

[@iamliber8583]

thought it was not a woman????? also please spell woman right

[@khonkhosilelihle7414]

So this means that she doesn't experience periods?

[@amberjulia123]

Yes

[@TeeHeeTwinkleToes]

​@@amberjulia123 Lucky!

[@user-iq6cc3df3l]

I don’t know the current state of the medical field but it seems to me when a baby is born a DNA test should be run and at least ultrasounds should be done. It would catch some basic things earlier. I mean, a basic DNA test is around 100 bucks nowadays although I have no idea what a full DNA scan costs if it’s possible. But I think more information is almost always better than less. But think about, say, Celiac. There are genetic markers that say if someone is more prone to it than average and someone’s diet could be altered early enough to make a difference.

[@jmd42jmd46]

It would not have made a difference. She has no androgen recepters.

[@margotfitsch1443]

@@jmd42jmd46 It would have shown her XY karyotype (male).

[@niamarieturek9281]

What a cute couple! Til lykke

[@lyannawinter405]

That's a good friend who told him too date her

[@zebrasavant1188]

Is that the same as swyer syndrome

[@TeaWinx]

No

[@dianalee8967]

Hello I'm glad you're such a happy person and found a nice boyfriend that you will marry in the future so it sounds like that's good the thing I didn't catch or I missed that you don't have the female organs of uterus but I didn't hear if you said you where female outside of the uterus . I've been watching a few of these videos of intersex females and they are all so beautiful and so are you but I'm glad you're living a normal life you look happier than a lot of people that aren't intersex. I'm almost 90 years old Southern California.

[@Ellenslife851]

Your not alone I can’t get pregnant either if I ever become a mother I will probably adopt it gives a orphan a home of there own

[@_PJW_]

Je bent prachtig!! Laat niemand je wat anders vertellen.

[@donnataylor980]

Good luck to you both❤ you can adopt some children❤😊❤

[@fermentedtoejam]

hey same!!

[@Bettinasisrg]

Strange there is a stigma? She is a woman and very beautiful and smart. And as for having kids, well with the overpopulation problem not having kids is ok. Wish her the best life.

[@pikaskillz6625]

There's no over population problem.That's a lie

[@royalcreations3970]

We need to celebrate intersex people. They are wonderful as they are and humanity has so much to learn from them. ♡

[@sarahheld3761]

You are a very pretty woman 😊

[@user-je7ot6ju9r]

How big is the bolt?

[@TeaWinx]

What..?

[@owaisahmad1137]

stay blessed

[@user-ym5hz5wf4v]

So what does she identify as then?

[@telespectre9764]

Bless you for your testimony, bless you for all of us intersex. We shoul never be lied by adults making us think were single in the world, are anomalies, or making us trust we are boys or girls or disease... we are intersex!

[@dianalee8967]

I live in Southern California it got cut off down there I didn't catch where you're from I'll look and see again lot of things it's hard for me to look up and and do it my age as I told you oh I said I'm 90 I'll be 90 next month May 2024.🥰🥰

[@kurtmaryville4941]

Every comment gets deleted so ill just say hi. Will this comment make it through.

[@sproutsrevil6508]

Lovely young lady. Courageous and mature. 🫶🏻

[@sandrajmartinez-sn6nj]

You are a beautiful woman❤

[@yolandapaulinoii5141]

Miracles can still occur ~ Be happy you *all* ¤

[@NatureLover-pj2qe]

She is very pretty 😊

[@alyssaoconnor]

Thank you for telling your story, I’m sure your parents are proud of the wonderful daughter they have raised. The world needs much more education about intersex people 🩷

[@adden2242]

First time I have ever heard of the intersex word..

[@Non-binary.princex]

Where u been under a rock

[@TeeHeeTwinkleToes]

​​@@Non-binary.princex probably not on the internet often

[@growthdevelopment7412]

Man she is fine😍🥰😊

[@ChrisCap732]

She's taken 😂

[@amberjulia123]

100 year ago - she would have just been considered an infertile woman and nothing more. It’s so interesting how much more detail we continue to discover with the advancement of science.

[@8BEC]

I was thinking exactly that

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

Beautiful 😊

[@movieedge7370]

This explained nothing about intersex I hope they’re happy together and the adopted child. But I am more confused now than ever about intersex. Maybe people should not explain what they have, and just live their lives.

[@AsrielAsitgets]

Gender is a spectrum.

[@EsmeraldaWolfsbane7777]

There's only two genders, not 9,453

[@RadioCyber]

XY are male sex chromosomes. She has XY instead of XX. Her body cannot process male hormones so she developed as a woman with no female sex organs (uterus, ect). Hope this helps.

[@Ang417]

Because more people need to be educated on this... I never knew this was a thing

[@davidm4566]

@@AsrielAsitgetsit's not. Even intersex chooses male or female

[@laurenschenck5355]

You are so beautiful inside and out and strong and strength amazing incredible person and so special course and incredible always be you and unbelievable person and great role model ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@nicholashayes8373]

Nice Video ❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@AwkwardAuggie]

I'll never understand the obsession of needing to have biological kids, and why people fret over it when you can help children that don't have a family and adopt

[@kurtmaryville4941]

Because they are selfish and only care about what will make them personally feel good. Parents (who have actively chosen to have biological children) are just self-centered people. They know the world isn't hurting for human beings. But it's about them, not all of us.

[@RatingsIntoCash]

I know people who were adopted. People don't like to adopt understandably don't like to do it because there are too many stigmas that go with it. The first obvious one is that it isn't your kid people will tease and you'll even have doubts yourself it isnt yours. Whatever floats your boat but not everyone has to think like you do

[@RatingsIntoCash]

Not everyone has to think like you do. Some people just don't want to bear the stigmas of taking in someonelses kid which is understandable

[@RatingsIntoCash]

Some people dont like the stigma that goes along with it which is understandable

[@kallusive8986]

It’s a complete different feeling of creating something and watching it grow up. It’s not obsession, it’s literally natural human behavior. Even wild animals aren’t always open to raising someone else’s offspring.

[@mamatee5042]

Very beautiful ❤

[@nethvirusenanayake4161]

Hmm😮

[@TalkSteer]

One of the few people allowed to have pronouns

[@tyreesetjjoyner1995]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@m3r3dith]

Ze is nederlands he? 🥸

[@_joyceee_8549]

Klopt haha

[@m3r3dith]

@@_joyceee_8549 je accent is accenting hoor haha interessante video btw, love it 💪🏼🫶🏼

[@Wheelztotheworld]

❤

[@juliamaurer1323]

Beautiful ❤

[@elineff2791]

my question is if a person is intersex what would the outside parts looks like? Would they still look the same?

[@_joyceee_8549]

Good question, I'll try to explain it for you! In my case, on the outside I fully conform to the standards of a woman. I was born and developed this way. I just don't have a uterus or ovaries

[@ClioMako]

Thank you for taking time to explain this, I wish you the best.

[@GhastlyCretin]

She would appear female externally. Otherwise they would have known she wasn't genetically a girl at birth.

[@khelix23]

@@_joyceee_8549so that means no period or menopause? the only problem is not being able to have kids? in the future you will have any side effects?

[@_joyceee_8549]

@@khelix23 That's right indeed! Intersex has no proven side effects, because no or sufficient research has been done into it. Nevertheless, certain things are common with my syndrome such as osteoporosis and fatigue.

[@lisannebouma6461]

Zo trots❤❤😊

[@khole15]

What in the world is "Intersex"? is this a new thing? is it a new word for something else?

[@ab5722]

The word intersex is from around 1917. It refers to people with sex characteristics of both sexes. There was a term pseudo-hermaphroditism which is now intersex because it’s more accurate.

[@khole15]

@@ab5722 ah, I see, I have always known it as hermaphroditism

[@ZoeDark-ed5ym]

Is it your chromosome that defines. What gender you are?

[@ryanryan3729]

No

[@nayeli5184]

Yes! There r only two genders! Ask ur self why a XY can never be pregnant

[@margotfitsch1443]

Usually. Except for the 2% of us who are intersex.

[@sunshinedube5214]

U r beautiful ❤

[@Littleolmaggle6653]

3:34 fart ?

[@ToriGee88]

Intersex and Trans are two distinct groups.

[@alyssaoconnor]

Actually they can intersect, She is genetically male but she lives as a woman.

[@margotfitsch1443]

True. Trans is when you go through a whole lotta trouble to change from the sex you were born with to the opposite sex.

[@bezbezzebbyson788]

No testosterone that's not very male-ish biologically​@@alyssaoconnor

[@alyssaoconnor]

@@bezbezzebbyson788 Intersex people still produce testosterone their bodies just can’t use it. Those born with XX chromosomes also produce testosterone by the way 🤦‍♀️. A small percentage of humans are born not producing sex hormones at all and that has nothing to do with being intersex.

[@2011sliverdude]

She is a beautiful Dutch woman

[@davieskabwe5729]

Hi, Kindly share with us on the analysis results with regards to your Pelvis.......??????????? Your pelvis is the part of your body that contains your uterus and bladder.

[@gundam0039]

How does this person pee?

[@Tentoir]

Out of the urethra, like nearly everyone else

[@TheNecessaryEvil]

Out of a massive schlong

[@thelordcommander5]

Really? If you can type this from your phone, then websearch the topic or read a book.

[@pumpkinslice1811]

Omg! She has all her external sex organs, genius! Outwardly she’s a normal female! It’s her internal sex organs that are missing!

[@wrghty]

Go back to school mate

[@willisbcteoh9840]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@hollydavid69]

I don't get it.

[@michelledawn7446]

What do you not get?

[@Detalixip]

Prey to Jesus for forgiveness 😯🥰

[@jaimereynolds258]

For what? You can't help what chromosomes you are born with. 🙄

[@OdinSonne]

@@user-dw8zd1zg1pThank Satan for people with Reason!

[@ankra12]

Forgivness for what?

[@jadalynnramirez5319]

Period 💯 lol 😆 🤣 😭 😂​@@user-dw8zd1zg1p

[@MT-mv2ge]

😂 yes Jesus apologize

[@RatingsIntoCash]

She/He takes the good burgersong. "I'm a dude" to a whole nother level 😂

[@pumpkinslice1811]

No she’s a girl. She developed completely female in the womb due to her androgen insensitivity syndrome. Don’t be a douche.

[@pikaskillz6625]

It's not a female it's a genetic male she Isn't really a she its a he And that's a fact regardless of how you feel

[@_joyceee_8549]

@@pikaskillz6625 I think it's clear that I identify as a woman. It’s verry disrespectfull to call me “it” or “he”. I grew up thinking I am a woman because my body is natrually fully developed like a woman except for the uterus and ovaries. Most intersex people identify themselves as male or female (depending on their syndrome). No one has to tell me that I'm not a woman and neither do you. Thanks

[@pikaskillz6625]

@@_joyceee_8549 I responded with the truth you just cant handle it.

[@_joyceee_8549]

@@pikaskillz6625you responded with disrespect not the truth hunny

[@TheNecessaryEvil]

🚂wreck

[@user-du8ho9yp6p]

If you were born that way, you would have known from birth. Stop making stuff up to fit your narrative.

[@_joyceee_8549]

If you have watched the entire video, it is made clear that I only found out that I was intersex when I was 14. I was born with all the externally characteristics of a girl, therefore there were no indications that I was intersex at birth. I only found out because I didn't get my period during puberty. So nothing is made up, just telling pure facts

[@fabianatrindade56]

It's kinda sad when someone has absolutely zero clue what they're saying, but yet they need to show off their "investigative skills"

[@lianavibes]

Truly you live in a reality of ignorance. Intersex happens as often as red heads are born. And includes common conditions like PCOS, hypospadias, MRKH, AIS etc. Pediatricians see the external forms of intersex. Some find their intersex status during puberty or until a health condition occurs, and it is revealed from tests. Please use what your brain is meant to do-LEARN

[@user-du8ho9yp6p]

@@_joyceee_8549 You're either a boy or a girl...that's it!!!

[@jmd42jmd46]

You don't know what you are talking about. Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome causes female outside anatomy. Go back to school or watch some videos on how the anatomy grows in the womb and how the hormones cause the baby to develop the same tissue into either male or female and how there are conditions that can change this.

[@TheNecessaryEvil]

Aberration

[@DannyL87]

Boring

[@PrztDre]

you can tell from its look it got brain damage 😢

[@robbinvangroenigen5761]

your comment makes no sense as being intersex does not come with brain damage whatsoever

[@_joyceee_8549]

@@robbinvangroenigen5761❤️

[@michelledawn7446]

It? What are you talking about?

[@CrunchyGreenWater]

​@@michelledawn7446 They were looking into a mirror when they made that comment, perhaps. 🤔

[@jmd42jmd46]

Coward.