"Who was Stella Walsh: The Story of the Intersex Olympian"
by Matt Tullis, 6/27/13
Click here to read --->Original story by SB Nation
Excellent article by Matt Tullis about her
which includes a documentary teaser trailer.
My heart goes out to Stella Walsh (Polish name: Stanisława Walasiewiczówna, April 3,1911 – December 4, 1980) because after reading Mr. Tullis' article I sat and thought how hard it must have been to be so silent about something that may have caused her confusion and anguish and feeling so different but having to remain silent about her condition. I teared up just reading about what she went through, of the rumors, the innuendo, and the name-calling.
Intersex individuals like me live in this age of social networks like Facebook where we can connect with other intersex individuals through our private closed groups. Or, we can Skype and speak to those of our tribe across the miles or continents. How lucky we are!
We don't have to feel so isolated and alone. I am still meeting intersex brethren who prior to their connections with others had never met another individual like them. Because of the age we live in there is really no reason to feel so alone any longer. There are so many support groups out there: for intersex individuals, for parents, for intersex teens, for spouses, for intersex individuals who are transitioning from one gender identification, or sex identification to another. When some of us meet others, whether online or in person, we walk away exhilarated and happy to know we have found a kindred spirit, someone with similar or somewhat similar experiences.
Then, I think a lot about those that came before us, like Stella Walsh, who were so isolated and alone in their "secret" and their longing to be accepted. She accomplished so much and she was so brave. She is truly an inspiration.
