Hida Viloria

Hida Viloria is an intersex activist and writer who advocates for the rights of people born with intersex variations. They founded the Organization Intersex International in 2003, which became one of the first intersex-led advocacy groups in the world. Viloria works to raise awareness about intersex issues and challenges medical practices that pathologize intersex conditions. They speak at universities, conferences, and medical institutions to educate professionals and the public about intersex experiences. Their memoir "Born Both: An Intersex Life" documents their personal journey growing up intersex in a society that lacks understanding of intersex variations. The book examines how medical and social systems treat intersex individuals. Viloria has appeared in documentaries and media coverage about intersex topics. They continue to advocate for policy changes that protect intersex children from unnecessary medical interventions and promote acceptance of intersex people in society.

Readers respond to "Born Both" as an educational and personal account of intersex experience. Many appreciate Viloria's candid discussion of their childhood, medical encounters, and identity development. Readers note the book provides insight into a topic rarely discussed in mainstream culture. Readers praise Viloria's ability to explain complex medical and social issues in accessible language. They value the combination of personal narrative with activism and policy critique. Several readers mention the book helped them understand intersex experiences for the first time. Some readers find certain sections repetitive or wish for more detailed exploration of specific topics. A few note the writing style feels academic at times rather than purely narrative. Others express that some medical descriptions could be more thorough. Many readers describe the book as important for increasing visibility of intersex people. They appreciate Viloria's courage in sharing personal details and challenging medical practices that harm intersex individuals.