"I’m Maria... I Happen To Like Girls. I Happen To Be Intersex."

From a very young age, Maria knew that her body was different than other girls. In her adulthood, however, she had to address this difference head-on - and learn about it in the process.
More first-person LGBTQ stories: imfromdriftwood.com/
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[@MegF142857]

I learned about intersex and how embryos respond to hormones etc. and chimeras etc. when I was taking Biology in college. I was surprised that the society didn't include this information more in discussions of sexuality and what is now termed "gender". It's really fascinating area of Biology. Good that this is more recognized now about the complexity of sexuality, gender and identity. None of us really fit well into a box, so we all really are unique. Glad you found your place in the world.

[@curnon69]

Thank you so very much Maria and "I am from Driftwood" for posting this story. There is so much ignorance about gender in our culture. Some of us had it easier because we identify as the gender assigned at birth. Some people are born transgender or intersex. The rest of the world needs to get over it and embrace them during their journey.

[@coravaldez6873]

Tk u means a lot to me being born intersex.

[@reneebear3641]

Thank you. It means a lot as a trans person.

[@susanr1903]

What does that mean the parents have het pull why

[@susanr1903]

Pills

[@jorgegomezmolina2367]

Me too! Dr. Operated on me when I was seven, not cool, very difficult childhood. Mom told me ten years ago. I am intersex and trans, always was! Welcome to our special club. Much love, Mia.😇

[@ashknoecklein]

Thank you for sharing your story, and thanks to I'm From Driftwood for sharing intersex stories.

[@hannahmich7342]

It is always nice to see other women who are intersex like myself. While I don’t have CAIS I do have a germ cell related form of intersex body development. I have a male looking body but with female bits inside. It is the way we are born and I think it is cool. As an older adult I’m moving toward the female side of who I am as a person. Testicular / ovarian cancer really did a job to my under developed male sex organs. This doesn’t bother me as I always consider them as being redundant and no longer wanted. What has surprised me is the number of intersex conditions, about 40-50 ones. I used to feel as an freak and a outcast. But my wife loves me for who I am. We make or marriage work because we love one another. Someday it is my hope that we can live as two women in love but for now we make my sort of male/female body work for us.

[@Versingetorix1965]

I'm Intersex. Raised as female until my father started being home more and couldn't handle my situation. He forced me on testosterone and for years I thought that was my lot. Recently doc took me off testosterone because it's caused organ damage.

[@FranceneJacques]

I was assigned AMAB and had male external genitals and was raised as male but k as at 6 that I was different .Later worked as a male and lived as female and had phantom period symptoms .Had colon cancer later and during investigation found a partially formed uterus internally and uterine fibroids which helped explain my period symptoms. Now has complete gcs and now present as female .

[@ooksieatelsilver4887]

Hii! I am intersex too. Alot of years i tought that i am the only one like that... thanks for sharing your story! 🤗

[@flyingcat3170]

shes like me. i am intersex and i like girls! haha. I know some intersex that does that too

[@tamilgundargal2229]

hi. I'm also intersex pls guide me how to choose gender

[@pillbobaggins2766]

Dhana dhana nobody can tell you what your gender is or is not, only you will know through your life experiences. you will be expected to "choose" male or female for legal purposes whether those describe you or not

[@azra5101]

@@tamilgundargal2229 just be yourself, its okey, dont listen to society

[@reneebear3641]

Yogi Breeze If she doesn’t want sausage, why should she try it?

[@kippvrz]

Yogi Breeze you should try not being an annoying creep

[@dplant8961]

Hi, Maria. I know it'z been a while since this video was posted but I am impressed by it. I am a very straight heterosexual male with miniscule to zero understanding of what you have been through or of your thought processes and emotions. That said though, I want to thank you for sharing your story in such an open and forthright manner and I wish you well in all your future endeavors. For what they might be worth, I would like to share with you some thoughts that came to mind while watching your video: 1. The ONLY person who has any right or any qualification to judge you is YOU. 2. What others may say or think about you or how they may treat you 'ackshully' says more about them than it does about you. 3. It'z all about "mind over matter". Those who matter won't mind and those who mind don't matter. (Geez, it'za LONG time since I've used that one - need to trot it out more often.) Just my 0.02. You have a wonderful life. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

[@lawrencecarlson2425]

Thank you for posting. The public needs to be educated to ease acceptance.

[@nataliepetrucci6081]

Maria, you are such an inspiration! Thank you for educating me and others by telling your story. It is an honor to know you and learn from you. I saw you on Samantha Bee and found this video. Amazing work you are doing! All the best to you!

[@leruetheday377]

I'm also intersex, my parents just didn't know. It's nice to know that I'm not alone.

[@poppykok5]

Hi Lerue..."My parents just didn't know"...What about your Doctors...How's that even possible for them not to know??? : )

[@nathitaxo]

If your parents don't know, what happend with doctors(?

[@kaylaray151]

Not every form of intersex is obvious

[@pillbobaggins2766]

poppykok5 because it may not be noticeable until later in life. maybe you'll find you don't get your period or they find weird testicular tissue in your abdomen during a routine operation.

[@ooksieatelsilver4887]

Hey! Me too. I am Intersex

[@TEKKENKING23]

If I was going out with a girl and I found out she was intersex. It wouldn't change the way that I feel about her.

[@fubytv731]

What if you found out she's trans?

[@maohuerta]

Awesome lady, thank you for sharing your story.

[@tayajaneway4628]

I am so glad that your parents weren't asshats; your story is beautiful and I thank you for sharing it! Also, I am very happy that you were able to meet someone that accepts you for you.... THAT IS sooo important

[@ryanhuntington9852]

I have a friend who is Intersex but she is in another country and I cannot wait until we can visit. I have so many questions so that I can make sure I understand and I am competent about what it means to be Intersex. I am a cis gay man. I do not like that some of the gay community is not accepting of anything outside of LGB... we have a lot of other people and letters out there and need to embrace them all.

[@Fruity_Cutie]

amen.

[@modusvivendi2]

It's particularly weird given that intersex conditions are just that-- conditions. Not accepting an intersex person is like not accepting someone because they have cancer, or lupus, or something. It's not just bigoted (though it is certainly that), it's frankly bizarre.

[@reneebear3641]

modusvivendi2 For real. I’d say it’s closer to something like cleft palates or lip. Something not necessarily harmful, just unique.

[@paranoidrodent]

If you think the LG tend to be accepting of the B, you haven't talked to a lot of bi folks (or only to very young ones). That being said, I totally agree that the community would be a lot healthier if we embraced and supported each other better.

[@soilmanted]

@@reneebear3641 About 2 percent of people are intersex. Because are genitalia are thought of as "private parts" and therefore are frequently not on display, we don't notice it when someone has ambiguous genitalia, therefore there tend to be more such people than we are aware of.

[@rhondaw5285]

I can relate at an early age, I didn't start on hormones until later on in life, thanks for sharing your story.

[@torgervedeler6949]

What an extraordinary story, and told so well. I count myself most fortunate that the intersex community has been so willing to share. Thank you.

[@johnjuneau1282]

People are so often to judge other people right away before thinking things through and discussing things with them everyone in this world is different and no one should be judged that's how I live my life just be happy with what you're given in life

[@hannahmich7342]

I too am intersex. A milder form of intersex but enough that it has caused me many surgeries and even nasty stage three testicular ovarian cancer.

[@gerardburns1165]

This is very enlightening and helpful to those who don't fit the perfect mold in terms of gender. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MFM230]

Wonderful story, Maria. Thanks for sharing.

[@Fruity_Cutie]

thank you for telling your story!!! Not to be superficial, but... I really really like your voice.

[@reneebear3641]

Yeah her voice is really pretty.

[@Flint1545]

Yeah, in my experience, most people don’t care about the intersex stuff. No person I’ve dated has ever had issues with it.

[@typicalliker3658]

love this channel!

[@brucehutton2089]

Hi Maria I'm Ashleigh an Aussie and born intersex I was born 75% female and biological female and 25% male. I had a sort of penis but no vagina. When I was 11 I had a operation in London to create my vagina and join it to my cervix, that was 15 years ago and 3 follow up surgeries. Growing up being intersex was not fun I was taunted by the girls and bullied by the boys. These days I am married to Bruce but still have strong feeling for girls. Your video was great and informative about what's it is like growing up intersex. Well done luv Ashleigh💖💗💕💕

[@judedimatteo471]

Thank you for sharing ur story peace

[@andyiswonderful]

Thanks for the video. very wonderful.

[@Ana-vz3uj]

nice to learn about someone's journey like this

[@crabstick250]

Love you Maria! A shame you didnt get an explanation earlier but at least they did try...you had to do your own investigation! Awesome.

[@gromheat]

Thank you for sharing. I'm sure it wasn't easy to. Thank you.

[@curanderotango]

You are very beautiful!!... Congratulations ad thank you for sharing!!...

[@shelbylawton4338]

I'm a xx male its nothing to be a shamed of

[@shelbylawton4338]

@A Person it means you are genectily female but have a penis

[@jedithekitten8891]

Cool :)

[@stefan0ni]

Maria is wonderfully articulate. 😊

[@joelpalmer]

you are a good and courageous person

[@ooksieatelsilver4887]

If you want you can follow me on instagram @iamintersex 💜💛

[@chelseakaban6187]

I am also intersex and like girls :) small community but we are cool . I have CAIS too!

[@hippygypsy777]

Bless your heart ❤

[@frogmouth]

very clear

[@e_paige]

I also happen to eat pizza.

[@paigejohnson9342]

E - Paige lmfao

[@meginleueberger287]

I was born in the mid 60's.... I was born in a private hospital run by the church...soon the doctors knee that something was not right...please remember at this time of medical treatment in our country there were no "" consent "" laws for my mother ...when she found out that I was born with ambiguous genitlya ... Doctors noting the need for a gender, I was assigned male...the battle began the State got involved I was place in a home for 18 months my mother lost custody of me, the State placed me with my father... because they ruled he could and would reaffirm the male gender rule.... The lasting impact this had on me was overwhelmingly cruel...I was talked about behind my back...as I was the dirty little secret of the family...my parents separated.... Over my life I was wondering why I felt as those there something wrong! ... without my father's knowing I was drawn to female clothes...as I began to crossdress ...I had to hide my feeling of wanting to be female.... Moving forward into adult life, I was sick with lower bowl problems...my family Doctors noting that there's a problem...and we have to talk to you about it!...M.R.I. had showed a great deal of scar tissues in the images... What I was about to find out rocked me to my core....the findings were ...Your Inter-sexed...I broke down in tears......for the first time in my life I was told the truth.... Many years have past now at the age of 46 I came out... In the end I found my true self...I got involved....I educated my self....and have enjoyed the freedom of making a difference, helping other's understand...I learned to use my voice ... This is only a little bit of my journey in life as I am happy now! Thank you for letting me share here.

[@meginleueberger287]

@MS LRJ hello it's Meg.. yes in the U.S.A my MRI was done in Michigan..

[@meginleueberger287]

@MS LRJ please feel free to ask any questions you would like! Thank you

[@meginleueberger287]

@MS LRJ my doctor is retired...I was involved with University of Michigan gender services Ann arbor Michigan there are several doctors who would be pleased to speak with you about this matter as I at this point in my transition I've been on my own for 10 years now I hope this may help you thank you Meg Two-Feather's

[@meginleueberger287]

@MS LRJ Transgender Services transgender-youth.jpg  The Comprehensive Gender Services Program (CGSP) at Michigan Medicine helps transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary adults access and obtain the highest quality gender affirming medical care. Our team of medical providers includes physicians from OB/GYN, Family Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Endocrinology, and Urology. Our team of mental health clinicians includes clinical social workers who have many years of experience working with people of diverse gender identities. Our team believes that identifying with a gender that is different from one’s sex is a normal part of the human experience, and that people with all gender identities, including non-binary and gender queer identities, deserve equal access to the highest quality care. CGSP providers at Michigan Medicine are members of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and medical and mental health services are provided consistent with the WPATH Standards of Care. Follow this link for Child & Adolescent Gender Services(link is external) Insurance Information CGSP is not able to recommend particular insurers or plans, as there is much variation from insurer to insurer and plan to plan. If you have questions about your insurance coverage for gender affirming medical care, please contact your insurance company directly. While we can inform people about the insurance plans that are accepted for payment at Michigan Medicine (and most plans are accepted) the fact that a plan is accepted at Michigan Medicine does not provide any information about what services the insurance plan will cover. In order to know what one’s insurance plan will cover, it is necessary to call the insurer and ask them directly. In order to ensure accurate information from the insurer, it is sometimes advisable to obtain a copy of one’s actual insurance plan.

[@cynthiawilson4500]

Gods got a lot of slpaining to do. That being said.. You are a child of the universe no less than the moon and the stars..you are loved

[@Z3R0RESISTANCE]

Yeah

[@barbaramorton-winters9462]

You are so beautiful. .

[@tobylangdale95]

I am intersex, and I mostly/ only like girls

[@rockydennis4497]

And we happen to care less!!!If you are a decent person then you can keep your labels!!!Who you are isn't as important as how you are!!!

[@PickledPixiePie]

I once had an OB-GYN tell me that my sibling couldn't have been born intersex, because "that doesn't happen". 🤦‍♀ Talking about intersex people existing in and of itself is legit a public service.

[@frankcapozzi6981]

I love intersex women.. I am trying to find one for long term relationship and love everyday

[@andromedeawilson4172]

That's good! And I thought I was the only one who was intersex, I was born with both male and female reproductive organs. 70% female and 30%male. I can get pregnant but will not stay more than 2 months

[@KyaraExMachina]

If you are wanting to be a parent, Andromeda...it is my hope and wish for you to find a solution that will bring you great joy!

[@KyaraExMachina]

Oh and you have my support either way you choose!❤

[@andromedeawilson4172]

@@KyaraExMachina thank you sweetie! I appreciate your support ❤️ my ovulation last 12 days,and peaks for 5 days. Which drives me crazy. No I don't see patients in office on those days. But I would love to earn your friendship 😊

[@fredbloggs3358]

OK then 👍

[@nanlev613]

Ummm I’m not sure she gave a clear definition of what intersex is…. She said x and Y chromosomes, she said she doesn’t menstruate, but that’s it…. I mean I understand that the video isn’t about providing a definition it’s about her journey but for those that don’t know what it is a clear definition would be helpful.

[@mysticalrosemary4661]

Sounds like possibly complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

[@kevinnosx9]

I like girls too

[@oliviamonkey]

Hello Maria, Liking girls is the best and ideal, good luck, you did everything I would have done ,

[@SmittinKitten]

Thank you for sharing. This is something that people should really know about. Gender and sexuality is naturally on a spectrum. We just need to be more informed and more open to differences.

[@soilmanted]

Good, informative video. What I am thinking is that because you are XY you are essentially a male, except doctors may have removed your testes and dosed you with estrogen, causing development of female secondary characteristics. In the past, and to some extent still today, doctors seemed to think this was a good idea, and easier to make someone into a cosmetically normal-looking female, than into a cosmetically normal-looking male. However the fact that you happen to "like girls" doesn't tell me that you are a lesbian, rather, it tells me that you are a normal male, despite the estrogen, and despite (possibly) having your testes removed. That is what I am thinking. Am I mistaken? Whatever it is you are, "god loves you," and you have a right to be here. However I wish you had had better education around 6th or 7th grade, regarding things like andorgen insensitivity syndrome. It is far from "rare." Maybe about 1 out of 100 people have it. I remember learning about it in 7th grade science class but I think it should be taught earlier.

[@andrewmooney4057]

I am also intersexed, I have XXY chromosomes. I am more masculine in the day and more feminine at night. I have no hair on my body and small breasts. I’m not gay but I have always been drawn to feminine things.

[@darkanser]

I wonder what would have happened with all of the medical intervention. Would it have been so critical to her health?

[@frankcapozzi6981]

You are so perfect in my eyes .. I would love to marry you

[@tobygathergood4990]

The explanation and definition of Intersex people; are individuals born with any of several variations in sex characteristics including chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, "do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies". This is a most unfortunate and difficult position to be in as it is a genetic sport deviating from the norm and only some can be corrected (to a point) with either drug therapy, or sometimes surgery. For persons with an actual genetic damage from birth that result in an intersex person, My heart goes out to them, their road is a hard one. Maria has a great deal of courage. The rest, in my opinion, are simply deviant by choice.

[@cathykrueger4899]

Deviant by choice? That’s pretty ignorant.

[@bleepbloop101010101]

So you believe you can have changes in your body due to hormone abnormalities, but not similar changes to your brain... k.

[@ChronicallyCassidy]

So is she saying that she should have grown up as a male since she wasn’t “girly” or have a period and stuff … if she wasn’t on the hormones she wouldn’t look feminine of course… and then liking women would just make her straight… (if brought up “as a male”). Right?

[@lannguyen-pu1db]

However probably a male with invisible, micro and non-functional organs? How "better" would that be?

[@j.r.arnolli9734]

Her cells wouldn't react to 'male' hormons, only to 'female' hormons, so her body 'seems'to be 'female'. That's what You see, from the outside......

[@mysticalrosemary4661]

No. When she was an embryo in her mother's uterus she was supposed to develop as a male, but her body couldn't respond to male hormones so on the surface she developed almost as a female, with a vulva, (maybe as an adult has a masculine shaped pelvis and teeth - but no uterus, or ovaries) . But she didn't have the inner feminine stuff as they're caused by genes, not hormones. So she's an xy female with Cais. Google it, it's interesting.

[@dianabenobo]

IMIRU?

[@taylorherweheherwehe2986]

you

[@gregraymond428]

Hi Maria. I’m into sex too. But only if my girlfriend doesn’t have a headache. Stay happy. Stay healthy.👍🇦🇺😁🤪☮️

[@robertphelps573]

Coocoocachoo!

[@Revelation21-4-]

Nice person but I wonder if she is intersex but likes girls does that necesarrily make her a lesbian because shes kind of half male too ? im not sure

[@tom-ss2mn]

I was wondering the same thing. I dont think it would be considered lesbian or gay . but theres not another name for it in our vocabulary

[@MB-zl6qc]

She is definitely a lesbian, she is intersex but her gender is female and she was raised and socially constructed as any other woman

[@sharonfieber8716]

Deal with people you! Busy policing who women or not? Those who really love themselves do not worry about intersex and chromosome markers!

[@neolordie]

she's intersex, but she identifies as a woman, so she's lesbian, some non binary peeps also use lesbian or gay or straight to refer to liking women/men even if it's not accurate, it depend of what they feel is the most fitting since there's a lack for a better word

[@lannguyen-pu1db]

Some people seem to have issues with lesbians.

[@WLewis1987]

I wonder if this is just a guy

[@j.r.arnolli9734]

If someone has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, represented by 46,XY, he is usually male. Although this person has XY chromosome, 'her' cells wouldn't react to 'male' hormons, only to 'female' hormons, so her body 'seems'to be 'female'. That's what You see, from the outside...... So, no 'guy', but a person who, in puberty, got 'female' bodystructure, but no body hair. Maybe, a, rudimentary, vagina, no uterus, no ovaries. Just a human being, differnt from others, but, aren't we all in some way?!??

[@heatherluna5075]

College brainwashing

[@timothybryan8260]

So sad that these people are screwed in the head. You need Jesus.

[@laurablalock8850]

Which people?

[@cukka99]

@@laurablalock8850 Timothy Bryan, for one

[@optitom9033]

This country has gone nuts, just keep this stuff to yourself we're not interested, this over share is nothing but I need a lot of attention

[@jedithekitten8891]

Don’t watch if you don’t care. I’m very interesting in this topic, and this topic is important to me

[@cukka99]

We are interested. Your lack of interest in other human beings tells something of you, not of them.

[@optitom9033]

@cukka99 oh really, as a conservative gay man no one is going to convince me there is anything but a man and woman but when your interested in the same sex keep it to yourself and show some class.

[@s66458---]

@@optitom9033 Then you must have failed at school. This is someone born like this. Look up intersex... but we know reading is not a string thing when comes to hateful people.

[@optitom9033]

@sK-kr3px there's always a know it all below curb level liberal no nothing lurking around the corner referring to made up words.

[@dorelmutica2360]

Trăiască yntersexual xy46 yntersexy?

[@taylorherweheherwehe2986]

you