Second Wave Interview Series, Vol. 2: Shana & Tony Briffa, Mayor of Hobsons Bay (Melbourne, Australia)
Inter/Act’s Second Wave Interview Series, Vol. 2: Shana in conversation with Tony Briffa, Mayor of Hobsons Bay (Melbourne, Australia). Mr. Briffa is the world’s first openly intersex mayor.
Shana: You recently gained widespread notoriety for being the world’s first openly intersex mayor. What made you decide to first run for public office, and how did your intersex condition play a part in that decision? Did you expect that there would be as much international press about it as there has been? How has that experience been for you?
Mayor Briffa: I stood for public office because I know politics is a great way to make a difference and contribute to the community. I’ve always had an interest in history, politics and human rights, and being intersex - along with my experiences as a result of the clinical management of being intersex as a child - contributed to making me a strong advocate.
I didn’t expect the global media attention but I am glad my election as mayor has helped raise awareness of intersex issues. The experience has been humbling because I’ve received so much lovely emails of support from all over the world.
Shana: How do you experience your gender in relation to your intersex condition? Has this changed over your life? Do you ever get responses from the transgender community? …
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