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

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 Secret Science - Stream now on ABC iview: ab.co/StreamABCiview

No one should ever be humiliated over a birth defect.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Thanks for sharing your life with us, Stephanie.

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

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!

You're gorgeous

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.

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

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

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

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. ❤

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

Thank you for sharing your story! Such an inspiration.

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.

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.

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.

Stephanie, you are more normal than those who look at you in a different way. You are so brave to share your story and I'm sure it will motivate and encourage many.

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! 💘

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! ✨

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Very moving story ❤

Iam just a man from Belfast and think your more a woman than most I know just belive in the fact that being a mum is no thought blood but thought how much you are there and how much l9ve you share please remember this and your a true inspiration

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 ❤️❤️❤️

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 🌸🕊️

Thank you for sharing this! You are a strong young woman, you ate going to do well in life! A lot of people admire you and love you!

Great story, glad you are happy!! Everyone should be happy, your an inspiration !

Thank you for sharing your story!

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.

What a beautiful, elegant, eloquent young woman. Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your story. I hope your life brings you everything you dream of.

She seems like a wonderful person, so beautiful and UNIQUE. A treasure! And I hope she knows it and remembers it every day now. ❤

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

Thank you for sharing your story. To be different is okay. You are not alone.

I learned so much that I didn't know. Thank you for sharing. You are beautiful and brave

You're such wonderful personality, body language full of confidence the way you express yourself. Thats a blessing.

OMG you are so so brave. Braver than a lot of “normal” people.

This is an enlightening documentary. Thank you!

Beautifully made video 🤍 love her !

Stephanie, you are beautiful not only visually, but your internal light of goodness is shining through ✨️

thank you for sharing your story!

well done !. your right there is no normal just people who are all different in our own unique way. thanks.

Those kids were awful😢

Gosh!...you're such a wonderful and Brilliant person. Thank you so much for sharing your story, you've liberated millions of other human beings around the world. I wish you all the best going forward and Special Greetings from South Africa 💐 💖 🎉

Thanks for the WONDERFUL education.

Loved hearing you ,yes we are ALL different ,my difference is I was born without parents who could care for me so I was placed in care ,the orphan crazy weirdo was my bully mantra and IPICK ME is a beautiful reminder that im going to use ,Thank you for showing the world the beauty in difference

Beautiful lady I am sorry for what you have been through. Bless you. With love from South Africa.

what heals a broken heart? acceptance

Thankyou for sharing. You have a beautiful personality ❤

Thank you for sharing.

Beautiful and brilliant in ALL of the very best ways❤

Thank you for sharing

Lovely video; thank you.

Wish you the best Stephanie.

My niece was born without any genitalia and no vagina.

So amazing - so beautiful - and such a powerful story! 👏💜👏

How you look does not change who you are. You are a wonderful lovely person.

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

You go! So glad you made your way to the happiest life ever.

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

God Bless you Stephanie, you are beautiful, and an inspiration to many.

What a wonderful human being!

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

Being born with some defect is not someones choice. Everyone wants be born perfect and beautiful, which is not the case. So this shouldn't be disgraced or humilated. Respect for all such ppl!!

Self sufficiency is the best virtue

Thank you for your courage.

Social media sites only show good People and things, we always think that nobody knows our pain but lot of people having same question their voices not herard or we don't want hear sad things or someone pain ❤❤❤

Anyone born with both parts and exhibits both male and female qualities is an angel. Dont mess with them in a negative way. Karma will strike you down!

At 4:20 it's not a hypo, it's hypoglycemia, which is low sugar.

You are awesome and special human being one of a kind

Such a brave soul..

I wish you health, happiness, and an unlonely life.

Your an awesome person !

God bless you, girlfriend!! He made you the way you are!! You're awesome!!💛🟣💛

Makes me smile to see you happy 😊

Be Strong Mam! Respect.

Thank you Steph! I am horrified at the children who leaked your emails and bullied you! Who is parenting them??

Thank you sis for sharing your story. I am sorry so many people are shallow and inhumane. My daughter has TS and cannot have kids either. That does not make her less of a woman...she is amazing and fully female. All politics aside, this is about loving others and standing with them in times of need. This is what Jesus taught...so I submit to Him and conduct my life according to His teaching. Physical differences should NEVER be part of our judgment and treatment of other humans!

Only a Sith deals in absolutes! (Seriously though, thanks for sharing)

Stef your condition wasn't abnormal, you're special that's all I would say. ❤

You are a human being, go out an enjoy life the best u can

I don’t understand how anyone could be judgemental towards someone like this. Very inspiring to anyone who struggles with acceptance.

Reminds me of the movie, “Predestination” with I think Collin Farrell

What a lovely person 🙂

Man…That was rough to watch. Hope Steph is doing alright

Stephanie, you are an amazing and special human being! Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry that society stigmatizes people who don't fit the gender norms. I hope you are finding that the world is changing to accept you and others like you. I believe that no one should have the power to alter a child's body until they can consent as an adult.

it's rare, natural and healthy. Not a birth defect.

very interesting story, glad to see your healthy, very pretty to.

You are amazing