The H-slur, Hermaphrodite, or also Herm is a slur often used in a negative, dehumanizing, and fetishizing manner towards intersex, altersex, transsex, and sometimes even non-binary and multigender people. Although this term is a slur, some who have had it used against them and fit the criteria listed above, may reclaim it and use it for themselves. Besides it's reclaimed use, it should not be used on any individual, especially those who have not reclaimed this term, and no individual should use the slur unless they themselves have the right to reclaim it.
Reasons this term is considered a slur by many are listed below, however more reasons and personal experiences may apply to some individuals. It is important to note that this term is most often used on intersex individuals, hence why the points listed below are intersex-focused.
- This term is known to encourage and attract fetishists who see those who do not fit into the binary sexes (and/or binary genders) as something to sexualize and objectify.
- The term promotes the idea that all intersex people have ambiguous genitals, which is not the case, as intersex variations are a diverse spectrum.
- The term is often used in a manner that spreads misinformation towards human genetics, sex, and development.
- The term is often used for animals rather than humans, which causes dehumanization and categorizes those who do not fit in the binary with animals.
- The term is often used in a negative and stigmatizing way within medical care, adding insecurity and pain to the individuals and their families.
- The term is often used in a manner that promotes that not fitting into the binary is the only thing that makes the individual interesting.
- The term often implies a kind of hierarchy of “real” and “fake” intersex people, which is unhelpful and illogical.
Mythology/Religion
In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus or Hermaphroditos was a child of Aphrodite and Hermes. According to Ovid, he was born a remarkably handsome boy with whom the naiad Salmacis fell in love and prayed to be united forever. A god, in answer to her prayer, merged their two forms into one and transformed him into mixed sex. Because of this, Hermaphroditus is often considered the origin of this slur.
Some Hellenic and/or Pagan individuals worship Hermaphroditus, and some varsex individuals may feel closer to Hermaphroditus than other gods.
Flags
The flags were coined by Tumblr user Plurgai on February 18th of 2021. The colors have no confirmed meaning.
Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermaphrodite
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex#The_term_'hermaphrodite'
- https://isna.org/faq/hermaphrodite/
- http://politicalcritique.org/cee/2015/pustovit-we-dont-have-to-treat-intersex-people-like-exotic-animals/
- https://varsex-pride.tumblr.com/search/hermaphrodite
- https://interactadvocates.org/sierra-burgess-is-a-loser/#:~:text=The%20word%20%E2%80%9Chermaphrodite%E2%80%9D%20has%20been,%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9Cfemale%E2%80%9D%20bodies.
- https://isna.org/node/16/
- https://www.facebook.com/155577441747511/posts/allies-the-word-hermaphrodite-is-a-slur-please-do-not-use-it-the-correct-umbrell/312933969345190/
- https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/i-officially-discovered-that-im-intersex-when-i-was-twenty-one-years-old/
- https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/ErosHermaphroditos.html#:~:text=HERMAPHRODITOS%20(Hermaphroditus)%20was%20the%20god,of%20male%20and%20female%20sexuality.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermaphroditus