“I Was Born With Male and Female Parts” | Listen Up | ABC Science

[@ABCScience]

Big thanks to Stephanie for sharing her story ❤Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH, is a group of conditions that affects the adrenal glands. These glands, which sit above the kidneys, make hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone and androgens (male sex hormones). The effects of CAH vary significantly from person to person, depending on the type of CAH. Read more: www.healthdirect.gov.au/congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia Intersex is an umbrella term for over 30 different conditions with varying degrees of impact. For some, intersex features are noticeable from birth, while others don’t realise until they try for children. For more information, read: www.healthdirect.gov.au/intersex-variation Or for support in Australia, InterLink provides confidential fee-free, short-term counselling: www.ilink.net.au/ Secret Science - Stream now on ABC iview: ab.co/StreamABCiview

[@hsugraduation2103]

No one should ever be humiliated over a birth defect.

[@almariekuit56]

Awww. It breaks my heart that anyone could be that mean. You're beautiful and brave. Thank you. ❤

[@g.strobl4458]

And you have a gorgeous smile, Stephany. Hope you get to feel like smiling a lot. 😊

[@alanb2325]

Thank you sister, for sharing. I was a DES baby and had a surgery on my testes when I entered puberty which resulted in the doctors finding that I had non functioning but fully developed female reproductive organs, which they removed after a fight broke out between my pediatrician and the urologist as to whether I should be assigned female or male gender. I spent years on hormones to " keep him from developing genital cancer". It didn't work. I also developed gynacomastia and have to have regular mamograms. I learned to live with being myself after years of rejection, physical pain and humiliation and the horrors of well meaning but knife happy urologists and endocrinologists. Be strong, stay strong. You inspired me to write about my condition for the first time ever. Thank you.

[@morwaengmotswasele5204]

"it is normal to be different" is such a powerful statement and opens a new reality of human interaction. Thank you for this reality check❤

[@heisdeadjim]

It has been my honour to have known Steph for several years now. She is my inspiration

[@MrRuralJuror]

She’s remarkable - her strength and resilience shine through!

[@BenSussmanpro]

I don’t know how this story ended up in my feed, but I watched it and am really impressed by how she dealt with her situation with apparent grace, maturity & humor, though I’m sure it’s been difficult. I think any friend or suitor would be lucky to have her.

[@timpsonsampson5042]

Nothing wrong in being born intersex, but what is wrong is doctors choosing what sex you should be by performing surgery on a child that is under the age of consent

[@jodiemartine]

Hi. My name is Jodie. I am intersex too, although internally I am fully functional female and my appearance is female but externally my genitalia is mostly male. So I know what you're going through. You are NOT alone and you are loved, be strong

[@will_Iam61]

I cannot believe how ugly some people can be. I experienced incessant bullying in middle school and high school and know just how painful it can be. I really wish people would just teach their kids how to be better human beings. I'm still working out that and other psychological damage some 45 years later. My heart goes out to you.

[@sarahmacintosh6449]

Thank you, Stephanie. Education and exposure is how we reduce stigma, so I really appreciate you sharing your story 😊

[@wdwerker]

I think schools should be required to address bullying and not sweep it under the rug. Bullies should be made to understand the repercussions of their actions and their parents too! If the parents had to pay therapy bills might be a good start, for their kids as well as their victims. Intersex people should have advocates and protections from birth. Parents should be advised of the consequences by intersex people who have grown up with the aftermath of doctor’s recommendations. These children should be protected from religious pressures too.

[@BillAngler]

The kids need better supervision on the playground. But teachers don't want to surpervise, but the government wont force the teachers to do it and wont pay for other supervisors. Even if they do, most supervisors arent meant for the job. In class, the kids bully through whispering and the teacher either cant hear or does not care.

[@mymatemartin]

"I Pick Me" is such a powerful affirmation and speaks volumes about the incredible person you are and journey you're on. Thankyou for sharing your story. I'm sure you've brought such relief to others by doing so and of course through your work in helping to set improved social policy. You're a wonderful person.

[@Tiagotaf]

She's so stunning it's unreal. People who insulted her were just jealous.

[@anuad07]

Primary schoolers and teenagers can be very toxic. It's so sad 😢 for many people school brings horrific memories 😢

[@azajek]

"its normal to be different". Thats the best quote I have heard for a long time now ! ❤ Stephanie, you are pretty human being inside and outside!

[@lazzstreets3072]

She’s so brave for telling this to the world. I’m so glad you were able to find happiness. You’re incredible beautiful and sweet.

[@sparkyswearsalot]

I really wish doctors would stop doing those surgeries on intersex babies. I know they think they're "fixing" them, but it seems to be becoming clear that it's unnecessary and the child should get to just grow up.

[@BigAl53750]

The people who bullied you are not worth anything. They are the kind of people most of us would not want to know, far less have as friends. You are as normal as anyone I know and don’t ever let anyone tell you different.

[@georgeofthejungle6095]

Brave people like you teach others to be more accepting. Good for you.

[@kerrycusack9262]

I am so sorry that you had to endure mean people. You are a beautiful young woman and thank you for having the courage to share your story.

[@quattron-1126]

Stephanie. I only see a very beautiful woman who has nothing to be ashamed of with a caring heart enough to love the world ❤

[@ChoompaLoompa1985-uw8lw]

You are a wonderful, beautiful person Stephanie. It's heartwarming that you found your voice and are able to share it. Thank you.

[@MrPnew1]

People can be so cruel, it brings a tear to your eye. Take care Stephanie, you are a beautiful young lady

[@bradthurkle7217]

Kids can be so cruel. Amazing story. Up lifting. Amazing young lady.

[@mixey01]

Beautiful on the outside and she has a beautiful heart on the inside. Keep being that strong person that you are Stephanie

[@kelliford2910]

"Normal to be different "..brave girl,you DO need to pick you.👏

[@rescuegirl]

I was born intersex, and was assigned female at birth, but the doctors withheld this information from me until I turned age 16.

[@AutismoGamer]

Your Parents*. Doctors have no control over the information your fed. Your parents control that 😂

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

It is a shame your peers treated so bad when you were young. You seem to be over all of that and lead a normal life now. Good for you !

[@StuartRoss-vd7co]

Stephanie… I’ve been in medicine from being 17 yrs old… I apologize for the ignorance of my colleagues… but hear me… YOU ROCK! You are a beautiful, smart and interesting person! Please remember one cliche that makes soooo much sense… God Don’t Make No Junk! I wish I could be there to just listen and when needed, give you a major hug! Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and know there are people out there that understand and think you’re Awesome!

[@tinalarkin2642]

Soo happy t hear you found your tribe of people, your not ashamed of your body, and are talking openly about your story. 💜

[@haydenwalton2766]

this is by far the most amazing, the most astonishing thing ive seen this year - the abc hasn't turned off the comments.

[@g.strobl4458]

Thanks, it really looked like they had. :-) I, too, thought this was very interesting. :-)

[@BradGryphonn]

Thanks for sharing your life with us, Stephanie.

[@esousa486]

God Bless Stephanie, ..... She is a brave person for being so open, and explaining her story to us ....... HIGHEST RESPECT to her !!!

[@itsame1277]

So good to hear you triumphed over ignorant people and are now at ease with yourself. All the best Stephanie.

[@annasutton8078]

So brave of you to share this about your life. To your credit, you seem a really together young woman.

[@gnuir]

This is one of the best narrated short videos I have ever seen. Amazingly well paced and articulated! Thank you ❤️

[@scottlawson9206]

Stephanie, what an amazing story and journey! Kids can be agonizingly cruel- honestly, more so than adults. I'm sorry that you endured that awful quality of kids. But I'm SO glad that you have come into your own, and that you're now such a strong person that you can speak aloud about it. Kudos to you, and if I had ten thumbs, I'd be giving you ten thumbs up right now! It's such positive people like you with whom I would love to enjoy a beer or cup of tea. You are an inspiration for all! 💘

[@manofthehour6856]

Stephanie is such a beautiful woman in every way, and I laud her for her courage and determination. It's the mark of a survivor who can take what life throws at us, even at times it feels grossly unfair. To publicly discuss such an intensely personal matter also takes courage many other people would not have. It's amazing how nasty people can be, and I suspect it is a very negative human trait of the insecure to create an "enemy" of someone somehow different in order to build community of people who are the same....basically tribalism. That "outing" for lack of a better term is disgraceful. Fortunately, Stephanie is exceptionally intelligent, and obviously has loving parents who nurtured her, especially through the difficult times. Many things in our lives are out of our control, but people with a strong sense of right and wrong and who know to follow the path of righteousness are the winners for themselves, and for society. I hope that all those children have grown up and feel remorseful for their cruel and damaging behavior selfishly done to boost their own ego. But if they have not, I hope they see this, and understand the story from the perspective of Stephanie, who is an unwilling lightning rod who bear the brunt of their entirely unwarranted cruelty. May they have empathy, and that their poor decisions be a reminder in future situations. Be well, Stephanie. You are a hero.

[@zoeolsson5683]

Can't stand the sorting of humans into rigid blue and pink boxes. Sometimes people happen to be another wonderful colour. A mix of blue and pink is still an amazing human being.

[@palestar828]

The way you put that is really beautiful

[@Stamatis_Misirlis]

People like this in the video deserve full respect from the society. However, there is a disability of the reproductive system, if we want to speak the truth. Of course is nobody's blame.

[@gastinesylvestre2571]

Thank you Staphanie for sharing your experience. Your are a strong person and I appreciate the way you take it. You are not alone.

[@unity-w1t]

Stephanie is such a strong person, it reflected in the way she talked about her experience. Inspirational.

[@moremoola]

What an amazing young woman. So beautiful, intelligent brave and soooo kind! You are a blessing to this world. Stay amazing!

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Has to be rare and so hard for a child to go through growing up. Bless Stephanie , thank you for your story it has helped us all.

[@ricardoserra615]

It takes lots of courage and a strong personality to be able to go through such unspeakable mobbing and humiliation and still end up being a well centered and productive human being. You are very brave and also very pretty!

[@bluebellrose8]

Thanks for sharing Stephanie! Biology and hormones is not always straight forward. I have PCOS which wasn't diagnosed until I was 26. Puberty was terrible. Painful, heavy periods frequently and facial hair because of excess androgens. I felt ugly. I'm more at peace with my body and thankful for laser hair removal which has improved over the years and is now more cost effective. You're a beautiful woman and you have a great attitude:)

[@TeanmaResanaria-ls9eu]

Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story! I feel so bad for you because of all the bullying! It's a shame what those kids did to you. 😢 I would have liked to be your friend at that time! I also went through a difficult childhood because of severe traumatization from my parents, but I was lucky enough to have friends at school. You would have deserved that experience as well, you seem so friendly and kind. Besides that every child deserves friends. I am so glad that you are having good friends now that support you and like you no matter what. ❤

[@kerryjlynch1]

Thank you for having the courage to share this. You are making the world a better place through knowledge.

[@scottminshall6420]

Stephanie, you are beautiful! Don't let anyone tell you any different that your not. I'm sorry you had to go through the bullying in primary school. But as you can see different people make the world go round and if people are truly your friends they won't care about anything that you are or are not, thank you for sharing your story.

[@amirnaserebrahimi1424]

Thanks for sharing your story. It really helps people to understand the differences in the world. Also, your story is way different from those who just think they have a problem!

[@jmd42jmd46]

Thanks for posting! Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is the most common DSD but it is usually the 21 hydroxylase deficiency. Do you have 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, 17-hydroxylase deficiency, Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) deficiency, or some other type? Again thank you so much for posting. The world needs so much education about all the different conditions that cause mixtures.

[@briarrose5208]

It hurts my heart that you were so mistreated, that you felt so badly about yourself when you were growing up. When I was a child I had a friend who may have been intersex. We were only four. I knew my friend was different but I never thought of her difference in a negative way. My parents explained to me that some people are born with characteristics of both sexes, just like some people are born with red hair. Thank you for making this video. You are helping people who are different to value themselves exactly as they arre. You are educating other people who don’t understand. I hope your bones are OK. I hope you’re not sad that you can’t biologically have children. I hope you have good health, good friends and a beautiful life. ❤

[@alyssaoconnor]

All People are born in different shapes, colours and sizes and yours is Beautiful 😊. I have always found it strange that people face criticism for being born the way they are, thank you for breaking the cycle with awareness.

[@patrickadamba6692]

Thank God I came across this video. It has changed my perspective on how to approach these topics. You are an amazing person.

[@suzieleach6036]

Thank you for sharing your story! Such an inspiration.

[@peaceseeker9927]

This is very informative, I did not know about this condition. It's inspiring how she learned how to manage and cope with hit. I recall how I thought as a grade school child and I cannot imagine why even a child would shame or bully another child because they were born different like this.

[@StephSancia]

childhood gender issues is probably one of the most soul destroying issues to experience at a young age especially at school. Other children can be extremely heinous and that in turn affects education, self esteem and motivation. Sharing your story is probably pretty difficult but all kudos Stephanie, Live life and Go Well 🌸🕊️

[@TheLucyblades]

Thanks to Stephanie for sharing her story. I'm so sorry that the bullying and being disrespected happened to her and I wish there was more punlic awareness and genuine sympathy and human decency in the world. So glad she had supportive friends and parents, and so proud that she''s doing inspirational advocacy work now. Absolute legend, I'd love to be her friend. She's amazing. Shame on all of the awful people.

[@dr.graves5541]

Bless your beautiful heart. What you are contributing to make the world a better more empathetic place, cannot even be measured.

[@alanwalker7342]

Our experience's as we grow up are what shape us to be the person that we carry on life as. You have taken all of the negatives and discarded them and built on the positive's and kept a sense of humour too. You should be extremely proud of who you are. Well done to you chick.

[@JOSECABARCAS-p5y]

Your courage and bravery to speak to the world about your personal life and the challenges you face are truly remarkable and inspiring. Wish you all the best in the world! ✨

[@schylerspace]

Intersex stories are so fascinating to me! As a trans woman myself, I find anything that crosses the gender lines fascinating. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@TheGrace020]

crazy that the doctors can just decide to cut things out of the babies if it isnt life threatening let it be!

[@modalities]

Stephanie, publishing your story has helped others and enlightened the rest of us who seek out more information and knowledge. What nearly brought me to tears is the part of your story about your true friend's reaction. It didn't make a difference, and that made all the difference to you. I want to hug them. Thank you !

[@WhotheHellknowsAnyway]

The only friends you need to have are the ones that accept you, as you are. Hope you are well Stephanie, you are such a lovely person.

[@samanthalacroix2687]

I was born the same way in 1969 and the doctors were even more primitive than today. I was butchered at three hours old, placed on Testosterone before my 11th birthday, had my developing breast removed just prior to my 13th birthday all without my knowledge or consent. I uniquely understand what you have gone threw and I am sorry this is still happening.

[@melusine826]

Those kids were awful😢

[@amygb]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can only imagine and hope that there are countless people feeling empowered and educated. I'm so sorry for the bullying you experienced. I believe that when we know better, we can do better.

[@elinordrake9716]

Thank you for sharing your story, you did a wonderful job!

[@acousticarchivefortwayne930]

"Everybody's a little different and that's normal." Great quote. Only you can be you, and you strike me as being a wonderful corageous young woman.

[@gdionwood]

Kudos to you for having the courage to be yourself and speak out about your struggles thanks to the evils of this world. Bullying people that are deemed different than the norm should be a crime.

[@davebeaumont6478]

Stephanie. That would be a hard thing to go through. I'm so glad that you can talk about your story and the feelings you went through. Most of all you are able to accept how you look and feel, and if they can't accept you then they are missing out on a very beautiful girl and who is absolutely gorgeous. Take care and good luck in your many endeavors. ❤

[@Riverrage_03]

I’ve always been small and felt self conscious I can’t even comprehend wht it must been like! You must be so strong ❤

[@LD-qj2te]

The bullying makes me so sad . How can people be so cruel. Here is a beautiful person in every way.

[@4thorder]

You are a beautiful person, regardless of what you were or were not born as. I know I would care less about any of that. I love how open you are about this now because it will help others.

[@michaelau5159]

Being who we are is so important. Lovely outcome to a tear jerking story.

[@julianichols6356]

Wow! You are such an amazing, strong, and beautiful young woman. Thank you for sharing your powerful message. I love that - “we are all different so it’s normal” fantastic! . Big love to you ❤️❤️❤️

[@xophaser]

the kids' bullying was bad, but the doctors were worse that made the decision.

[@jamesproudlove1527]

You condition is extremely rare. Thank you for sharing with us, how you cope on a daily basis.

[@empresslonnie1love391]

I truly don’t know what to say . But im glad she’s telling her story

[@Princelargo]

Very brave to share this very delicate issue. You certainly are a beautiful woman.

[@jay-cm3hb]

Your an inspiration and very strong beautiful lady, your story will help others and your journey through all the hard times has made you so brave, it's so lovely to see you smile at the end of this, I wish you all the happiness in your future.

[@quietcell]

Well done Stephanie. I wish more people knew about being intersex. It really encourages people to think differently about sex, gender and childrens rights to make decisions about their bodies.

[@saint777a]

Thank you Stephanie for sharing your situation. This is the first time I am hearing an intersex person talking about their condition and the challenges they face. I am a Lutheran Pastor in Singapore. We all have our struggles but some like you have more challenges. Thankful that mum and dad are loving. You are beautiful and you articulate well. I pray that God will bless you and watch over you. May your life be fruitful and impactful. You are much loved.

[@johns9928]

Thank you Stephanie, for telling your story and educating the masses...Love and Prayers from an Italian-American Male, Conservative, Republican, Catholic, NYer

[@lynnpeppa1]

Grade school children, and middle school children are the cruelest of human beings. No one really gets away from harsh things being said to you during those years. We all have been scarred somehow 5:05 during those years and you were extra courageous and brave Bravo Stephanie ….. you are a hero and a beautiful one at that❤️

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

She’s a pretty young woman. The more the public learns about this the better.

[@saltiestsiren]

Kids can be so, so cruel. I was reminiscing on my own experience with bullying yesterday for mental health reasons and it affected me so deeply in spite of it being "only verbal". It made me feel ashamed of who I was and who I was didn't simply disappear as I grew up. That deep sense of loneliness is the realest thing.

[@Colleen-w5o]

Never heard of this Very brave to tell her story

[@1tx.s3nu]

so proud of you girl we support you all the way everyday from fernando family (next door)

[@ianclarke3627]

You're gorgeous

[@gerriegeldenhuys6253]

Lady, you are differently born, not faulty. You are a beautiful woman and deserve all the great things God has planned for you. Live life to the fullest. Nobody is perfect inside and out.

[@tommoriarty8361]

You’re a very Bonny Girl, as we like to say here in Glasgow - God bless you, stay safe, and thanks for sharing your story ❤

[@freedomzvision]

I honestly cried a lot watching your video. But tears turned into love and blessings when I saw you happy. Thank you for sharing. LOVE !!!!

[@Tacticool.shorts]

Interesting how they just chose her gender for her. Lucky she actually feels comfortable about it.

[@ridleyroid9060]

God, the bullying the loneliness the humiliation, Ive experienced it myself in all 12 years of school but it must have been that much worse for Stephanie. It pisses me off, you get trauma that you deal with for the rest of your life. I am so sorry Stephanie, truly hope you are happy now.

[@gbubemia]

This is an enlightening documentary. Thank you!

[@JudyCBell]

Thanks for sharing your story. You are beautiful. I must admit to be honest that I could hardly make out your words due to the loud music being played over the top. I missed most of the details, but enjoyed your warmth and candor. Please keep on educating the world about who you are. Blessings to you.

[@SamW604]

Thanks for sharing your story. You are a role model for how to overcome adversity and challenges.

[@crafty24]

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you were bullied and made to feel bad about something completely out of your control. You're beautiful. Keep moving forward 👍🏻