Intersex

COGNIZANT REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2023 RESULTS

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Bookings in the fourth quarter declined 6% year-over-year.

Key Points: 
  • Bookings in the fourth quarter declined 6% year-over-year.
  • Total headcount at the end of the fourth quarter was 347,700, an increase of 1,100 from Q3 2023 and a decrease of 7,600 from Q4 2022.
  • Voluntary attrition - Tech Services for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 13.8% as compared to 25.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
  • The Company repurchased 4.2 million shares for $298 million during the fourth quarter under its share repurchase program.

Backlash to transgender health care isn’t new − but the faulty science used to justify it has changed to meet the times

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

In the past century, there have been three waves of opposition to transgender health care.

Key Points: 
  • In the past century, there have been three waves of opposition to transgender health care.
  • In 1933, when the Nazis rose to power, they cracked down on transgender medical research and clinical practice in Europe.
  • In 1979, a research report critical of transgender medicine led to the closure of the most well-respected clinics in the United States.

The 1930s − eugenics and sexology collide

  • In the field of sexology – the study of human sexuality, founded in 19th century Europe – scientists were excited about research on animals demonstrating that removing or transplanting gonads could effectively change an organism’s sex.
  • Several trans women also received care at the institute, including orchiectomies that halted the production of testosterone in their bodies.
  • Nazi ideology was based on another prominent field of science of that time: eugenics, the belief that certain superior populations should survive while inferior populations must be exterminated.
  • In fact, Hirschfeld’s sexology and Nazi race science had common roots in the Enlightenment-era effort to classify and categorize the world’s life forms.
  • But in the late 19th century, many scientists went a step further and developed a hierarchy of human types based on race, gender and sexuality.

The 1970s − making model citizens

  • In 1966, Johns Hopkins became the first university hospital in the world to offer trans health care.
  • By the 1970s, trans medicine went mainstream.
  • Nearly two dozen university hospitals were operating gender identity clinics and treating thousands of transgender Americans.
  • Jon Meyer, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins, was skeptical of whether medical interventions really helped transgender people.
  • Meyer and Reter believed that gender-affirming surgeries were successful only if they made model citizens out of transgender people: straight, married and law-abiding.
  • In their results, the authors found no negative effects from surgery, and no patients expressed regret.
  • They concluded that “sex reassignment surgery confers no objective advantage in terms of social rehabilitation,” but it is “subjectively satisfying” to the patients themselves.

The 2020s − distrust in science

  • Legislators have removed books with LGBTQ content from libraries and disparaged them as “filth.” A recent law in Florida threatens trans people with arrest for using public restrooms.
  • Donald Trump’s campaign platform calls for a nationwide ban on trans health care for minors and severe restrictions for adults.
  • But widespread distrust in science and medicine in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how Americans perceive trans health care.
  • Instead, many trans activists today call for diminishing the role of medical authority altogether in gatekeeping access to trans health care.
  • Medical gatekeeping occurs through stringent guidelines that govern access to trans health care, including mandated psychiatric evaluations and extended waiting periods that limit and control patient choice.
  • For now, trans health care remains a question dominated by medical experts on one hand and people who question science on the other.


G. Samantha Rosenthal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

A raunchy new 'Big History' tells the story of sex, but raises some unanswered questions

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 2, 2024

The book is one of the latest additions to the popular “Big History” genre.

Key Points: 
  • The book is one of the latest additions to the popular “Big History” genre.
  • Baker is a science writer with a PhD in Big History and one of the writers behind the Big History Crash Course on YouTube.
  • Sex: Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation – David Christian (Black Inc.) The book is divided into three sections.
  • This development was followed by the rapid appearance of diverse animal species, from fish and amphibians to reptiles, insects, dinosaurs, birds and mammals.
  • The final section, Cultural Afterglow, which extends from 315,000 years ago to the present, traces the history of Homo sapiens from hunter-gatherers, to the first agrarian societies, and on to the present day.
  • Read more:
    Sex and the single gene: new research shows a genetic ‘master switch’ determines sex in most animals

Evolution

  • But to weave his “grand narrative of sex” he also anthropomorphises reproduction of even the earliest living organisms.
  • His argument is that asexual reproduction at this time of catastrophic climatic conditions was causing overpopulation and that sexual reproduction would slow population growth.
  • A few pages later, he writes “furthermore, sex bequeathed upon those hardy, horny eukaryotes the potential for rapid evolution into increasingly complex species”.
  • The long bow being drawn between “sexual” behaviour involving the first exchange of DNA by single-celled organisms and the first modern humans is long indeed.
  • He notes differences in anatomy and genital size, and considers variations in practices such as masturbation and sexual partnering, including polygamy, monogamy, promiscuity, homosexual and bisexual behaviour.
  • He delves into the issues of pleasure, romantic love and parenting, and related forms of social organisation, such as patriarchy and matriarchy.
  • It is, however, the evolution of human culture that radically changes everything.

The future of sex

  • Informing some of Baker’s thinking are statistics about the number of Millennials “projected to never get married in their lifetimes” and the decline in rates of casual sex.
  • It would involve more hook-ups and the growing replacement of human-to-human sex with sex dolls and bots.
  • In a “possible future”, he considers how internet technology might lead to virtual, AI-driven partnered sex.
  • Finally, in a “preposterous future”, he suggests that sex could cease to be important to living organisms at all.
  • While Baker’s deliberations are interesting and worth pondering, it is difficult to accept his claim that “the liberalisation of attitudes towards sex has released human sexuality from the grip of culture”.
  • The “grip of culture” is still ever-present in the policing of female sexual behaviour, which continues to the present day the world over.
  • While there is an impressive list of references at the end of the book, Baker admits that many of the beliefs he shares about the evolution of sex are not certain.
  • If Baker’s book helps this endeavour by getting us to think about human sexuality more deeply, then it will prove worthwhile.


Melissa Kang has received research funding from government grant schemes (including the NHMRC and ARC). She is the co-author of books and book chapters about adolescent sexuality and adolescent health.

Menstrual products now available at no cost to employees in federally regulated workplaces

Retrieved on: 
Friday, December 15, 2023

Starting today, federally regulated employers are now required to provide pads and tampons to any employee who needs them while on the job at their workplace.

Key Points: 
  • Starting today, federally regulated employers are now required to provide pads and tampons to any employee who needs them while on the job at their workplace.
  • Employers are required to provide these products at no cost to employees in an accessible and private workplace location, such as a washroom or office supply cabinet.
  • We're providing menstrual products to employees in federally regulated workplaces because periods are a fact of life and there should be no stigma."
  • By making these products free and accessible in federally regulated workspaces, we are taking another step forward to end period poverty and advance menstrual equity.

Groundswell Fund Announces Yamani Yansá Hernandez as Its Next CEO

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 29, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Groundswell Fund announced that Yamani Yansá Hernandez, who brings over 25 years of experience in organization development, executive leadership, and reproductive and healing justice, will be its next CEO.

Key Points: 
  • SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Groundswell Fund announced that Yamani Yansá Hernandez, who brings over 25 years of experience in organization development, executive leadership, and reproductive and healing justice, will be its next CEO.
  • Hernandez comes to Groundswell Fund having served as its interim CEO for the past year.
  • "Yamani comes to Groundswell Fund at a critical time in our twenty-year history," said Kimberly Inez McGuire, Chair of Groundswell Fund's Board of Directors.
  • Hernandez takes the helm as CEO at a time when Groundswell Fund is expected to exceed its Blueprint goal of moving $100 million to grassroots organizations by 2025.

The Lesbian Bar Project Honored with Emmy Award

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jägermeister is proud to announce that The Lesbian Bar Project took home a New York Emmy Award at the 66th annual ceremony in New York City. The third episode of the docuseries was awarded an Emmy in the category for Entertainment - Long Form Content. The NY based episode tells the story of Lisa Cannistraci, her bar Henrietta Hudson, and the Salsa Soul Sisters, the longest running organization focusing on lesbian women of color. The Lesbian Bar Project is part of Jägermeister's #SavetheNight initiative, which dedicates funds and resources to enact positive change in the nightlife industry. In partnership with The Lesbian Bar Project  the initiative is able to give a voice to lesbian bars and help support the queer nightlife community. 

Key Points: 
  • The Lesbian Bar Project is part of Jägermeister's #SavetheNight initiative, which dedicates funds and resources to enact positive change in the nightlife industry.
  • In partnership with The Lesbian Bar Project  the initiative is able to give a voice to lesbian bars and help support the queer nightlife community.
  • The Lesbian Bar Project was started by New York filmmakers Erica Rose and Elina Street to shine a spotlight on the nearly extinct lesbian bar community.
  • Prior to this Emmy Award, The Lesbian Bar Project received a 2023 GLAAD Media Award, 2022 ANA Multicultural Award, two Webby Awards, and a nomination for the Queerties.

Hitachi receives top "Gold" award in "Pride Index 2023"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Today, Hitachi announced that it has received the top "Gold" award in "Pride Index 2023", an index forevaluating activities related to sexual minorities, hosted by the Japanese non-profit group "work with Pride."

Key Points: 
  • Today, Hitachi announced that it has received the top "Gold" award in "Pride Index 2023", an index forevaluating activities related to sexual minorities, hosted by the Japanese non-profit group "work with Pride."
  • This award recognizes Hitachi's activities to promote DEI globally, including in-house seminars and "LGBTQIA+ Guidebook" provided for all employees.
  • In July 2023, Hitachi invited instructors from NPO Nijiiro Diversity to conduct an online seminar for all Hitachi Group Employees.
  • I believe that the achievement of "Gold" award in the "PRIDE Index 2023" is a remarkable step in our journey.

Avangrid Hosts its First Ever Supplier Diversity Summit

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 12, 2023

The event proactively connected diverse suppliers with Avangrid contacts and increased the overall visibility of Avangrid’s Supplier Diversity Program as the company moves to increase its supplier diversity spend to $300 million by 2025.

Key Points: 
  • The event proactively connected diverse suppliers with Avangrid contacts and increased the overall visibility of Avangrid’s Supplier Diversity Program as the company moves to increase its supplier diversity spend to $300 million by 2025.
  • Avangrid launched its expanded Supplier Diversity Program last year and added staff dedicated to proactively supporting diverse suppliers.
  • “Supplier diversity has always been something that is top of mind for me,” said Dominick Manno, Director of Sustainability & Supplier Diversity at Avangrid.
  • Now my journey has come full circle as I lead the Supplier Diversity Program at Avangrid.

ShareWell Partners with Active Minds to Give Free Peer Support to LGBTQIA+ Youth

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 10, 2023

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ShareWell, the first peer support platform connecting people over shared life experiences for healing and connection, today announced a new partnership with Active Minds, the nation's leading nonprofit organization mobilizing youth and young adults to change the culture around mental health. In honor of World Mental Health Awareness Day (October 10) and LGBTQ History Month, ShareWell will donate one year of mental health support to 100 Active Minds young adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning and/or asexual). This donation kicks off a campaign and larger initiative to provide year-long mental health support to 1,000 at-risk LGBTQIA+ youths.

Key Points: 
  • "We are honored to partner with Active Minds to not only bring awareness to the lack of mental health support available but to also provide a solution.
  • Active Minds will give free ShareWell memberships to the young adults in their community requiring mental health support.
  • ShareWell is a mental health platform pioneering peer support as a mental health complement or alternative to traditional teletherapy.
  • Through its many programs, Active Minds is changing social norms and behaviors related to mental health across the country.

Queer leaders: LGBTQI+ people still overwhelmingly absent from corporate boards

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Big corporations such as North Face, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Target and Kohl’s have all recently ran inclusive ad campaigns featuring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people.

Key Points: 
  • Big corporations such as North Face, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Target and Kohl’s have all recently ran inclusive ad campaigns featuring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people.
  • This makes sense from a business perspective, with “pink money” weighing 3.5 trillion euros globally and around 874 billion euros in the EU.
  • And I can testify that diverse corporate boards are a long shot from becoming reality.
  • This comes as a particular surprise given the European Commission’s recent pledges to boost opportunities for the community.

The case for diversity

    • And yet, the case for board diversity is stark.
    • What’s more, a truly diverse board could boost companies’ ratings in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
    • For example, this could mean advocating for queer rights in some of the near 70 countries that continue to criminalize same-sex relationships.

Step forward

    • For DEI initiatives to reach a successful outcome, there must first and foremost be reliable demographic data.
    • Due to historic discrimination against LGBTQI+ people, there has long been a justifiable reluctance to self-identify.
    • The findings showed that when companies are not inclusive, LGBTQI+ employees are willing to leave for those that are.
    • The organization encourages out LGBTQI+ corporate directors to self-identify, be counted, and mentor qualified candidates for board seats.

Leveraging gender policies to appoint more LGBTQ+ women at the top

    • After the share of CEOs in the Fortune 500 dropped by 25% in 2018, a host of European countries, including Norway, Germany, Finland, France and Spain, introduced gender quotas in 2022.
    • As companies look to comply with this law, there is an opportunity to appoint women who identify as LGBTQI+.