This document discusses the history of perceptions and treatment of intersex people in America from the 17th century to the 20th century. It describes how intersex was viewed as a "monstrous" birth during the colonial period. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many doctors argued that true intersex people did not exist. By the 20th century, doctors were determining patients' sex and performing surgeries. While understanding of intersex improved with medical advances, hostile beliefs still existed. The conclusion notes that perceptions have changed over time but awareness remains limited.

1. Looking Beyond the Outside: The History of Intersex in America

3. Sine the nineteenth century there has always been different perceptions and definitions of what a true intersexual person is.

7. In his book Aristotle, advised woman to stay away from sex while menstruating, making it clear that it was “unclean and unnatural”

9. Thomas Hall dressed as man and woman, this brought him to the Virginia court.

10. Thomas told the court that he was both female and male and gave a description of his genitals as processing both male and female characteristics.

11. Instead, of making Hall choose a gender, they ordered him dress in male apparel only but to also wear an apron.

13. His discussed practical issues concerning those with indistinct genitals and tried to persuade readers that intersexual people do not exist.

14. He insisted that a person who was truly intersex would have both perfect male and female genital, which was seen as impossible, if such a case did happen the intersex person should choose his/her own gender

16. He suggested that the clitoris determined which sex a intersexual would be.

17. If the Clitoris received sexual pleasure then the person was female and if the penis received sexual please then the person was male.

19. In 19th century, Medical journals began being published and case concerning both genitals were being written.

20. Doctors coined the word hermaphrodite and other words including: hybrid, imposter, and unfortunate monstrosity.

21. Doctors began giving surgeries upon the request of patients in hope make that the patient end up in a happy marital status.

23. Hostile beliefs of intersexual people were still being adapted.

24. It was still impossible for anyone to be labeled as an intersex.

26. Advancements in the medical field, helped the perception of intersex from being monstrous to being more human.

27. Today there is no doubt in the medical field that intersexual people exist, but although this is true many people still don’t know what it means to be intersex and people will always have their own perception.

28. One way to help people become more aware of intersex, is for people to be more open about the topic.