Aleksander Berezkin
Александр Берёзкин
Born1984 (age 39–40)
Novokuznetsk, Russia
Organization(s)Association of the Russian-Speaking Intersex (ARSI) and Intersex Immigrants Network
Known forIntersex human rights activist
Websitearsintersex.org and interseximmigrantsnetwork.org

Aleksander Berezkin (Russian: Александр Берёзкин) is a Russian intersex man, asylum seeker and intersex human rights activist. He is a founder of the first Russian intersex human rights organization Association of the Russian Speaking Intersex (ARSI).[1] He has also started an organization, Intersex Immigrants Network, to support the human and civil rights of immigrants to the US, and those at risk of emigration.[2]

Early life

Aleksandr was born in Novokuznetsk, Russia.[3] He was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome at the age of 17, after learning about his diagnosis directly from his physician. He openly speaks about living with Klinefelter syndrome.[4][3]

He has graduated with a BA in Sociology from Kemerovo State University and an MA in Sociology from Far Eastern State Technical University.[5]

Aleksandr has stated that his doctor told him he will never find someone else with his intersex variation, that he should keep it a secret, and never talk about his identity with anyone.[6][4][7]

Activism

Aleksandr started his advocacy in 2013, following a talk with Hida Viloria, working on intersex and LGBTI issues, organizing educational events for the LGBT community in Vladivostok.[1][8] In 2014 Berezkin had to leave Russia as a result of a homophobic campaign against him. He sought political asylum in the United States on the basis that he was an LBGTQI activist. He was granted asylum in 2017.[5]

In August 2013, he created Facebook group called “Association of the Russian-Speaking Intersex” (ARSI) for intersex people and allies, which further have become the first Russian intersex human rights organization.[1] In the following years he acted as a Russian-Speaking Intersex consultant for the United Nations Free & Equal program.[5]

Aleksandr speaks on health and civil rights issues.[9][10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Berezkin, Aleksander (2016-11-07). "Breaking the ice: intersex in Russia". Intersex Day. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  2. ↑ "Aleksander Berezkin". Intersex Immigrants Network. 2018-12-08. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  3. 1 2 Meyers, Maggie J (2019). ""Tragic and Glorious Pages": The Evolution of Intersex Rights in Russia and Reframing Law and Tradition to Advance Reform". Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy. 26: 109–135.
  4. 1 2 "Люди третьего пола". Радио Свобода (in Russian). Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  5. 1 2 3 billiesnyc (2018-12-08). "Aleksander Berezkin". Intersex Immigrants Network. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  6. ↑ Marusic 10/23/2017, Kristina. "What It's Like To Be Intersex In Russia: "My Doctors Never Explained Anything Honestly To Me"". LOGO News. Retrieved 2021-03-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ Petersen, Jay Kyle (21 December 2020). A Comprehensive Guide to Intersex. ISBN 9781785926327.
  8. ↑ "Silent violence". International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. 2018-05-18. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  9. ↑ Cohut, Maria (July 1, 2020). "Why Is Healthcare Not a Friendly Place for Intersex Individuals?". Medical News Today.
  10. ↑ "University Open Air: Intersex Activism". Brooklyn Public Library. 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
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