Born Both: An Intersex Life

Born Both is Hida Viloria's memoir about growing up as an intersex person in a world that largely insists on binary gender categories. The author recounts childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the journey of self-discovery while navigating life with a body that doesn't conform to typical male or female traits. Through personal stories and reflections, Viloria details the complex path of understanding their intersex identity during adolescence and young adulthood. The narrative follows their experiences in relationships, education, and activism, including their emergence as a prominent voice for intersex rights and visibility. The memoir interweaves personal experiences with broader discussions of gender, sexuality, and human rights issues affecting the intersex community. Viloria documents encounters with medical establishments, social institutions, and cultural assumptions that impact intersex individuals. Born Both presents an intimate look at gender identity while challenging conventional binary frameworks. The work stands as both a personal testimony and a broader examination of how society constructs and enforces gender norms.

Readers describe this memoir as an honest, detailed account of growing up intersex. Many note it helped them understand intersex experiences and challenges. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of complex medical and identity topics - Balance of personal story with intersex advocacy/education - Raw emotional moments and family dynamics - Writing style that makes medical content accessible Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in middle sections - Some repetitive passages - Could be more concise - Limited focus on adult relationships Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (100+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Opened my eyes to intersex issues I'd never considered" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets bogged down in details at times but important perspective" - Amazon reviewer "Would have liked more about current life vs childhood" - LibraryThing reviewer The book resonates particularly with LGBTQIA+ readers and those seeking to learn about intersex experiences.

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🔹 Hida Viloria identifies as both legally female and intersex, and uses "s/he" and "he/r" as pronouns, making Born Both one of the first intersex memoirs written from a non-binary perspective. 🔹 The author discovered s/he was intersex at age 26, despite having grown up without medical intervention - a rarity as many intersex infants undergo surgeries without their consent. 🔹 Approximately 1.7% of people are born with intersex traits - roughly the same percentage as people born with red hair. 🔹 Viloria served as Chairperson of the Organisation Intersex International (OII) and has been a pioneering advocate for intersex human rights at the United Nations. 🔹 The memoir spans three decades and explores Viloria's journey from a Catholic Latinx childhood in New York to becoming a leading voice in gender activism and intersex awareness.