My name is Sphesihle Masiu from Mafeteng Lesotho. I am 30 years of age, I’m a proud intersex activist.
Growing up in Lesotho, I always knew I was different, even before I had the words to explain it. The world around me seemed to have only two boxes; male or female but I didn’t fit neatly into either. My childhood was full of questions I couldn’t answer and silences I didn’t understand. For a long time, I carried confusion and shame because society never taught us that being intersex is a natural part of human diversity. Over time, I learned to embrace myself and to find pride in my identity, even when the world didn’t reflect it back to me.
What helped me most was connecting with others who shared my experiences and realizing that I wasn’t alone. Learning about intersex rights and advocacy gave me strength. I found my voice through activism and storytelling by turning my pain into purpose. Support from friends, allies, and the intersex community gave me the courage to live openly and love myself fully.
Awareness is growing, but there’s still a long way to go. Intersex bodies are still misunderstood, and unnecessary medical interventions continue in secrecy. We need laws that protect intersex people’s bodily autonomy, education that includes our realities, and healthcare that respects our dignity. Above all, society must learn that diversity is not something to fix … it’s something to celebrate.
“I was born different, not broken and my difference is my power.”
As an intersex person in Lesotho, I face stigma, isolation, and lack of understanding. Many people still confuse intersex with sexuality or gender identity, leading to discrimination and judgment. Accessing healthcare that respects my identity is difficult, and there are no clear protections for intersex people in the law. Sometimes, it feels like living in a world that refuses to see you but I keep showing up, every day, as myself.
To anyone going through a similar experience: you are not alone. Your body is your own, and you have every right to exist exactly as you are. Don’t let the world’s ignorance define your worth. There is beauty in your uniqueness, and strength in your survival.
My hope is to see a Lesotho where intersex people are visible, accepted, and protected. I want to continue advocating for bodily autonomy, awareness, and inclusion especially in schools and healthcare systems. Personally, I dream of building safe spaces for young intersex people, where they can learn that they are whole, worthy, and powerful.
