The word "Intactivism" is a blend of the words intact and activism. Intactivists are those who advocate for the right of genital integrity. Specifically, the right of a person to not be subjected to involuntary, non-therapeutic modification of their genitals, particularly as an infant or child. Also known as the genital autonomy or genital integrity movement.

Initially, the people who created and adopted this name had a primary goal of opposing childhood male circumcision (male genital mutilation), since that is the most common modification of normal, healthy genitals performed in the United States. The horrors of female circumcision (female genital mutilation) were not -- and still are not -- denied by the intactivist movement, it was just not the initial focus. These days, intactivists are more likely to be open about their opposition of all childhood circumcision, male and female. They are also extending their voices to the opposition of intersex people being forced into involuntary gender reassignment and other non-therapeutic genital surgeries, until the person is old enough and informed enough to make the decision themselves. Again opposition of these other forms of genital cutting was never excluded from the movement, it just wasn't the initial outward focus.

Many forms of Intactivism

Organized intactivism can happen in any location, in various situations, and takes on many forms. From an information table staffed by a volunteer at a baby/birth fair, to a group of "Bloodstained Men" holding a street demonstration. Seeing people in a white jump suit with a red blood-like spot might look intimidating, but the activists who protest in this fashion seek to engage other people - peacefully - in meaningful conversation, while making an unforgettable visual statement to even those who are just passing by.

There have been many influential people whose efforts have brought the movement to where it is today. Read about some of their stories on our Influential Voices page.

You can also read a more thorough write-up of the etymology and origins of the movement at the IntactWiki "Intactivism" article.