Better Together 2025: Intersex Voices Leading the Way

On Kaurna Country in Adelaide, South Australia, the Better Together conference was held on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November 2025. This annual gathering of LGBTIQA+ communities, allies, and advocates brought together diverse voices to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and confront challenges.

This year’s conference was preceded by controversy, with some speakers withdrawing following a Better Together podcast that included content not supportive of the trans community. InterAction carefully considered its involvement and released a longer statement reaffirming its commitment to solidarity and intersectionality. An excerpt from that statement reads:

“InterAction is not a transgender organisation and we don’t claim to speak on behalf of trans people. But we do recognise that many people with intersex variations grow up to be transgender or gender diverse (while equally many do not). We recognise the importance of intersectionality in our work, and the importance of solidarity… We can never agree that the rights of transgender people are a hill not worth dying on.”

This statement underscored InterAction’s strong human rights commitments, its belief in bodily autonomy, and the principle of “nothing about us without us.” It also emphasised the importance of repair, accountability, and structural change.

Opening the Conference

The conference began with a Welcome to Country and The Long Walk, setting a tone of respect and unity. Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, CEO and Founder of The Equality Project, opened with a heartfelt apology for mistakes made in the lead-up to the event and reaffirmed a commitment to trans rights.

The opening plenary featured Dr Channy McGowan, ensuring intersex voices were heard from the very beginning.

Intersex Leadership at Better Together

Intersex issues led the conference agenda, with intersex advocate, radio host, IPSA Victoria co-state rep and InterAction board member, Paul Byrne-Moroney facilitating one of the first sessions: “The I in LGBTIQA+: Who we are, what we are, our strengths, challenges and achievements.”

Panellists Ronie Nyasha Zuze, Simone-lisa Anderson, Margie McCumstie, and Channy McGowan unpacked the basics of innate variations of sex characteristics, shared lived experiences, and highlighted both challenges and achievements. The session reinforced a powerful message: “The ‘I’ in LGBTIQA+ is for intersex, not invisible.”

Day One also included workshops on inclusive practice, funding, neurodivergence, co-design, aged care, and storytelling.

Better Lives Project: Changing Healthcare and Education

On Day Two, Simone-lisa Anderson, Better Lives Coordinator, IPSA Tasmania state rep/ parents rep and InterAction board member, spoke about addressing stigma and misconceptions and promoting affirmative Healthcare/Education within a human rights framework.

She highlighted the groundbreaking Better Lives Project, which began with a pilot educating midwives in 2021 and expanded in 2022 to health and education sectors. This project shifts the focus from surgical pathways to psychosocial support, empowering health professionals and educators to better support intersex people.

Simone-lisa’s involvement spans government consultation, lecturing, co-design, and advocacy within Tasmania.

Breaking Barriers Through Knowledge and Lived Experience

The final intersex session was led by Margie McCumstie, InterAction’s Training and Communications Coordinator and IPSA NSW co-state rep. Her talk, “Born This Way: Breaking Barriers through Knowledge and Lived Experience,” combined personal narrative with professional expertise to challenge misconceptions and promote visibility.

Margie drew on resources such as the InterLink Resource Hub and the Yellow Tick Program, inspiring attendees to become stronger allies and more inclusive professionals. Her session used storytelling to foster understanding and drive change.

Closing Plenary and Pride March

The conference concluded with a joyful and celebratory Closing Plenary, before participants joined together in the Pride March through Adelaide CBD- a vibrant demonstration of solidarity, resilience, and pride.

Reflections

Better Together 2025 was a landmark event for intersex visibility and advocacy. Despite the challenges leading up to the conference, the commitment to repair, solidarity, and human rights shone through.

InterAction’s involvement highlighted the importance of centering intersex voices, affirming that inclusion is not optional- it is essential. By leading discussions, sharing lived experiences, and driving systemic change, intersex advocates ensured that the “I” in LGBTIQA+ was visible, powerful, and celebrated. Allies now have a clear pathway to action in supporting intersex human rights movements in Australia.