In September 2025, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations presented its first-ever report on discriminatory laws and policies, violence, and harmful practices against intersex persons.

Over 190 organisations and activists — including intersex people worldwide — contributed to it, ensuring that intersex voices are now on official United Nations record. Thanks to their work, States will no longer be able to ignore the realities they describe and must begin to rectify historic injustices.

We recently welcomed intersex human rights defenders from all over the world to Geneva as the report was presented at the United Nations. We sat down with them to talk about what it feels like to have this report, how activists can use its recommendations to bring about positive change in their own countries, and their hopes for the future. Enjoy your listening!

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Making Rainbow Waves is a new podcast by ILGA World, telling the stories and raising the voices of LGBTI human rights defenders worldwide.

On this podcast, we hear their unique perspectives on how laws, policies and public attitudes impact the lives of our communities on the ground. They guide us through what is happening in their own countries and regions, and why. They tell us about victories and setbacks for LGBTI persons, and shine a light on the powerful work that our communities keep doing, making rainbow waves to advance equality every day.

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