About us
Intersex Equality Rights was founded by Valentino Vecchietti (she/her) and has now grown into a collective of diverse people and organisations who are passionate about inclusion.
Intersex Equality Rights campaigns to support people born with diverse sex characteristics. We recognise that the I in LGBTIQA+ is a distinct population.
A key pillar of our work is to lead a research project to measure the intersex population in the UK and further explore lived experiences. We believe that this work is vital to create greater visibility of intersex people and ensure the same protections are afforded to us as anyone else in our society.
We are passionate about inclusion of all people and fight for inclusion of marginalised people globally.
From speaking engagements that highlight the experience of intersex people to campaigns such as #LGBTwiththeI we strive for a world where intersex people are valued and vital in all areas of society.
In 2022 Intersex Equality Rights was Shortlisted for a Rainbow Honours Award in the Category of Community Initiative with a Charity.
Valentino Vecchietti
Valentino Vecchietti (she/they) is an award winning intersex equality campaigner, writer, artist, consultant and diversity speaker, working with cultural organisations, businesses and government.
Valentino founded Intersex Equality Rights, an intersex-led organisation seeking to establish systemic change through research, campaigns and cultural engagement.
In 2021 Valentino created the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag. It became a viral phenomenon and was internally welcomed as the new Pride flag, increasing LGBTIQA+ allyship and intersex visibility, representation and inclusion worldwide.
Arlene McDermott
Arlene McDermott (she/her) is a passionate ally and advocate for LGBTI+ rights. She has participated in numerous panels including at myGwork, Lesbian Visibility Week, the London School of Economics and many more.
She is listed on the Pride Power List 2020-22, Global Diversity List 2020, Visible Lesbian 100 list 2020 and 2021, OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives List 2020 and won the European Diversity Award for Inspirational Role Model 2021. McDermott is on the London School of Economics Advisory Board for their Diversity and Productivity project and is a Director of Trans in the City.
