Biography:
Small Luk, the first intersex person to openly acknowledge her biological sex characteristics in Hong Kong, has made significant contributions towards advocating for the rights of intersex individuals. Born with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, Luk underwent a series of surgeries in her childhood to construct a urethra. However, the surgeries proved unsuccessful, leading to immense physical and emotional pain for Luk, causing her to attempt suicide several times. Luk’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance has played a vital role in raising awareness about intersex conditions and promoting the rights of intersex people.
Small Luk was born as the first child in her family, and at birth, doctors identified the presence of both male and female reproductive organs. Classified as male, Luk underwent over 20 surgical procedures between the ages of 8 and 13 to create a functional urethra. Unfortunately, at the age of 12, the surgery failed, leading to immense anguish for Luk. The physical and emotional trauma resulting from the unsuccessful surgery pushed Luk to the brink of despair, and she fought for her life, becoming the sole survivor among the seven children operated on to fix their anatomies at Hong Kong’s Kwong Wah Hospital in the 1970s.
As Luk entered adolescence, the physiological changes in her body further complicated her identity. She experienced breast development, stomach cramps, and blood in her urine. Medical professionals discovered that her body did not respond to androgen, leading Luk to undergo further procedures to remove her male genitalia. After these procedures, Luk embraced her true identity as a woman.
Throughout her journey, Luk faced various forms of discrimination and bullying. She was subjected to discrimination from classmates and teachers, exacerbating the challenges she faced due to her intersex condition. Despite the adversity she experienced, Luk pursued her education and achieved remarkable academic success. She obtained degrees in social work and traditional Chinese medicine, along with a master’s degree in gender studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Luk’s determination and resilience inspired her to establish a holistic treatment clinic in Hong Kong, where she helps others with their physical and emotional well-being.
Driven by her personal experiences and a desire to improve the lives of intersex individuals, Small Luk founded the organization Beyond Boundaries – Knowing and Concerns Intersex in 2011. The organization aims to raise public awareness about intersex people and advocate for their rights, including ending forced genital normalizing surgery and conversion therapies. Luk firmly believes in the importance of educating the public about intersex conditions, extending anti-discrimination laws to cover intersex individuals, and ensuring that intersex children have a say in decisions regarding their own bodies.
Small Luk’s advocacy work has garnered attention both locally and internationally. She has been invited to numerous events, including the United Nations meeting in Thailand, where she presented on the issues faced by intersex individuals and their rights. Luk’s tireless efforts have brought meaningful change and representation for intersex people in Hong Kong and beyond. In 2018, she participated in the forum where NGO Intersex Asia was founded, further amplifying the voices of intersex individuals in the region.
Small Luk’s remarkable journey and dedication to promoting intersex rights have transformed public perception and understanding of intersex conditions. Through her advocacy, she has brought attention to the unique struggles faced by intersex individuals and has been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive society. Luk’s influence on women’s history stems from her commitment to gender equality and her contribution to destigmatizing and empowering intersex women.