This comprehensive yet accessible resource provides readers with everything they need to know about intersex - people who are born with any range of sex characteristics that might not fit typical binary notions about male and female bodies.
Covering a wide variety of topics in an easy-to-read way, the book explores what intersex is, what it is not, a detailed overview of its 40 or so different variations, historical and social aspects of intersex and medical intervention, along with practical, proven advice on how professionals can help and support intersex people.
Written by an intersex man with over 65 years of first-hand experience, this book is an ideal introduction for any medical, health and social care professional or student, as well as family members and friends, seeking to improve their practice and knowledge.
Jay Kyle Petersen was born in 1952 with a rare variation of intersex called intersex male of genetic and hormonal origin in a small county hospital in Pipestone, Minnesota, a conservative rural farming area, raised on a small family owned dairy farm near - by located in Southwest Minnesota in the Upper Midwest Plains of the United States of America. His grandmother Alice was his lifelong ally. He received his Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and holds additional Masters Degrees in Philosophy/Religion from San Jose State University, Master of Music Education University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art from Southwest Minnesota State University.
In 2018 he was asked by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London to write A Comprehensive Guide To Intersex, published in 2021 a definitive resource guide for professionals, parents, allies and anyone interested in learning more about intersex. His book is cataloged in 570 libraries and 22 countries.
In 2025 National Public Radio (NPR) The Show KJZZ Phoenix, Arizona interviewed Jay about his book and intersex basics education. And 2025 Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, Minnesota selected and archived Jay for his significant contribution to the State of Minnesota for writing his book. Jay's intersex narrative, A Changed Life: Becoming True to Who I Am is published in 'Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics A Journal of Qualitative Research', 2015, Johns Hopkins University Press and in VOICES, Intersex Symposium, 2016, Johns Hopkins. His MSW dissertation The Mental and Physical Health Characteristics of Homeless Women, Tucson, Arizona, 2001 was used by then Governor Janet Napolitano in policy development making process for women throughout the State of Arizona before she was appointed Head of Homeland Security by President Barack Obama. Jay served his country in AmeriCorp National Service as a case manager working with homeless veterans.
Jay's art painting career began in 1977 after he broke free from drug and alcohol addictions. Among his many exhibits include: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota Gallery; Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson, de Young Museum, San Francisco. Permanent collections of his paintings include IHLIA LGBTI Heritage Museum, Amsterdam Netherlands and Schwulen Museum Berlin, Germany. Among his many donations of art include a shelter for trafficked women and children, domestic violence shelters, an orphanage in Mexico and children's neurology ward, Beijing China.
In 2017 a short documentary JAY directed by Nickolas Duarte Crown Chimp Productions, Tucson, Arizona premiered at the St. Louis International Film festival and went on to win Best of Arizona film festival in 2018. Jay has shared his story and taught Intersex 101 workshops in Arizona beginning in 2015 which expanded to include Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island.
Jay's art painting website at https: //www.jaykylepetersen.com
NPR podcast https: //www.kjzz.org/the-show/2025-05-22/were-born-this-way-without- a-choice-how-trumps-policies-on-gender-impact-intersex-people
Documentary JAY at www.crownchimp.com/jay
MSW Dissertation at Proquest or www.kobo.com
His story is archived at - theoutwordsarchive.org
Minnesota Historical Society https: //storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff9c23776f1d4b729caac2d034f2a09f
