Intersex activist and educator, Pidgeon Pagonis, discusses their memoir and the campaign to end nonconsensual surgeries on intersex kids. The hosts also review the film adaptation of 'Red, White & Royal Blue' and critique its depoliticized portrayal of LGBTQ characters.
Secrecy surrounding intersex identity can have a detrimental impact on a person's sense of self and must be addressed.
The memoir format allows for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by intersex individuals during childhood and adolescence.
Advocacy work is crucial in protecting intersex individuals from non-consensual medical procedures and promoting awareness and acceptance.
Deep dives
Discovery of Intersex Identity and the Impact of Lies and Secrets
Pigeon Pagones, an intersex activist and educator, shares their experiences of growing up with lies and secrecy surrounding their intersex identity. Pagones highlights the impact that this secrecy had on their sense of self and the importance of addressing this issue when discussing intersex stories. The memoir format allows readers to understand the journey of coming to terms with intersex identity and the challenges faced during childhood and adolescence.
Uncovering the Truth and Acceptance at College
Pagones recounts a transformative moment in college when they attended a psychology class focused on women's issues. It was during this class that they were introduced to the concept of intersex and realized that many aspects of their own experiences aligned with this identity. This revelation led to an emotional phone call with their mother, where the truth about their intersex condition was finally revealed. This pivotal moment propelled Pagones on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
The Fight for Intersex Rights and Future Goals
Pagones has been actively involved in advocacy work to protect intersex individuals from non-consensual medical procedures and promote awareness and acceptance. They were instrumental in persuading Lurie Children's Hospital to end such surgeries, a significant achievement for intersex rights. Moving forward, Pagones continues to work towards intersex justice, challenging harmful practices, and raising broader social awareness about intersex identities and experiences.
Analysis of Sex Scene
The podcast episode discusses a sex scene from a romantic film where the characters engage in a slow and romantic encounter. The scene is described as a parody of a sex scene, with an emphasis on hand clasping and a lack of passion. The importance of including more diverse sexual representations in media is highlighted.
Critique of Political Statement
The podcast episode critiques a speech delivered by a character in the film about coming out and the right to privacy. It is described as preachy and out of place in a movie that otherwise lacks political themes. The discussion also explores the lack of connection to current queer politics and the emphasis on outdated language. The need for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of queer and intersex issues is emphasized.
This month, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder discuss Amazon Prime’s adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s best-selling queer rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue. They also speak with intersex activist and educator Pidgeon Pagonis about their memoir Nobody Needs to Know and the campaign to end nonconsensual surgeries on intersex kids. The hosts end the show, as always, with some new additions to the Gay Agenda.
