Experiences of parents of an intersex child – A case study

Intersexuality represents a wide range of rare congenital disorders with diverse pathophysiology which affect the development of chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex and which often require specialist help from the early childhood. The issue of intersexuality is rarely discussed outside the clinical environment. Meanwhile, the social situation of intersex people is often particularly difficult, which is largely due to ignorance and social unawareness about human biodiversity. Therefore, a pedagogical approach to these issues, taking into account the experiences of parents of intersex children, seems to be a necessity. The research aimed to identify and reconstruct parents’ experiences regarding the treatment of their intersex child. The study used the interpretative paradigm and the case study method, and it focused on the individual, future-oriented action and understanding of social interpretations. The findings show that parents of intersex children need the support of doctors, psychologists, family as well as safe social environment.