A few weeks ago I talked about a book published last year that had immediately enraptured me both for the themes and for the language with which it carried on a story concerning intersexuality – Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin. And just a couple of days ago I had the amazing opportunity to chat with the author herself, Abigail, who was incredibly happy about the article and the space Bossy dedicated to her book. She agreed to an interview in the blink of an eye. I’ll leave you to the questions, so you can read Abigail first hand.
– When and How did you become interested in issues like inter sexuality?
After watching the Argentinian film XXY, I learnt about inter sexuality. A few years later, I began to think about how society treats intersex people, and what that says about the value we give to gender.
– There are many Intersex people in this world, but most of them are afraid of coming out. Did you take any kind of inspiration from an intersex person you had the chance to meet, for Golden Boy?
No, prior to writing I had not met an intersex person, however I feel there are many young people much braver than me who have found tumblr and other sites great places to explore and be open about their gender or/and sex.
– What’s the reason why, in your opinion, we avoid talking about inter sexuality?
I think we are uncomfortable as a society with discussing sexual or gender issues. I think mostly this discomfort is due to fear that those in power have of being usurped. For instance, priests in the Catholic church are in power and wish above all to continue to enjoy their power. If women and gay people don’t see them as authority figures, they lose their power. Powerful people have used fear and propaganda to keep us down for centuries, and it is now ingrained in us. Religion has played a large role in the historical shaming of intersex people, because it has a hierarchy of power in the people who follow it.
– What would you recommend to all those who are interested in LGBT-related issues, or in inter sexuality?
Get on the internet and find your community.
– What does it mean, for you, being a full-time feminist (as you – rightly- have described yourself?)
Being a full-time feminist means that every day I make a choice to make equality a part of my life, mind, and behavior. I set out purposefully to support women, to create a dialogue with men, and to interject when I see ignorance and misunderstanding. For me this has meant that in my work I often choose to share my financial gains with women (although I do also employ men regularly, to film my music videos or produce my songs with my band Girlboy), and when I see a woman working, or reaching for her ambitions, I like to show my support. In my romantic relationships with men, this has meant when there is misunderstanding, I take the time to think about why that could be, and to discuss whatever problems we face. Thinking about the influence of the gender concept on our behavior and decisions is now ingrained in my subconscious.
– What do you think about the HeforShe Campaign?
I think the HeforShe campaign is a fantastic initiative, and of course men and boys should be involved in seeking equality for women, because we are people, and you are people, and people should help out other people. I think more engagement too could be found from addressing the problems males face from gender inequality, because while the problems girls and women face from sexism are much more violent, I sometimes think the pressures on boys and men are more poisonous. If we think about it clearly, we see that the gender inequalities men face often lead to the gender inequalities women face. For instance, domestic abuse is often about a man’s assertion of power and control, but if he didn’t think he needed those things in the first place, would the abuse ever happen? Similarly, rape culture is often about male entitlement, but that sense of entitlement comes from what we as a society tell men about their gender, and what it means.
– When Emma Watson gave her speech at the HeforShe campaign, last September, she stated the LGBT people’s life will improve only when Gender Equality will be truly effective. Do you agree with that?
I think there have been many improvements for LGBTQIA people over the last few decades, particularly because of movements like third wave feminism, and advocacy groups like ACTUP and TAG in New York. I personally believe that gender equality underlines every other equality, and certainly the issue of sexuality. For instance, if we didn’t distinguish between gender, in terms of giving different genders disparate values and attributes, what problem would we have with two men loving each other?
– I cannot wait to read you next book. Have you already started working on it?
I write compulsively, and most of the time, and am working on a project right now, which tackles feminist and LGBT themes. I really hope that one will be my next book! I would love to share it with Golden Boy readers.
– Abigail, I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and all your answers. You’re such a beautiful soul.
You’re so welcome! Thank you for talking about Golden Boy. I have been in touch with several intersex people from Italy who have written to me to say how much they found solace in Max. The loveliest thing about having this book is that I can connect to people on that level, and by talking about it, you are a part of that. So thank you!
