Model Hanne Gaby Odiele Comes Out as Intersex

Great to see that the intersex community has a new voice in Hanne Gaby Odiele, who just happens to have graced the pages of Vogue Italia, Marie Clair and Elle and is currently working with some of the fashion industry’s top designers. 

The Daily New reports that Odiele began speaking out on the hidden pressures intersex children endure at a young age to consent to life-changing surgeries. “I am proud to be intersex,” she said, “but very angry that these surgeries [forcing parents and children to "pick" a sex] are still happening.”

She is currently working with human rights campaign group interACT to bring awareness and advocacy on the potentially-harmful medical procedures.

“We are extremely grateful to have her join efforts in strongly advocating for the protection of intersex children from harmful medical treatment and surgery,” a spokesperson for the campaign said in a statement. “Using her passion, her voice and her notoriety, she will undoubtedly further the cause of protecting intersex youth, and help put an end to the human rights violations far too many have suffered.”