Paper short abstract:

The genital autonomy movement gained visibility by disrupting authorities and cultural codes. It has a strong local emphasis with grassroots mobilizations, consciousness-raising groups, and online networking. Visual representation has allowed for an increase in the autonomy movement.

Paper long abstract:

The genital autonomy movement has gained visibility by disrupting the cultural codes and the authorities of religion and medicine. The movement blossomed from a cluster of independent advocacy groups into a larger umbrella movement that advocates for the recognition of body autonomy. The movement serves as an institutionalized and unified collective challenge to "circumcisionism." Circumcisionism can be defined as the discourses that are deeply embedded within mainstream ideologies that help shape our understandings of sex, health, and reproduction. Genital autonomy encompasses diversity on grounds of social location, political, and religious ideologies. The movement has a strong local emphasis with grassroots mobilizations including local centers and organization chapters, consciousness-raising groups, demonstrations and events, and online networking. Visual representation has brought about an increase in the genital autonomy movement via documentary, film and television, depictions of public events, as well as the circumcision procedures. By questioning circumcisionism genital autonomy has received validation as a legitimate movement for the protection of both females and males. The legitimacy to protect male genitalia has largely remained silenced and overlooked. However, the movement has escalated to include recognition of male circumcision as well as female circumcision as another facet of genital autonomy. An international movement has helped change the lives of its participants and community members by creating a space of genital rights and building dynamic relationships across nations. This paper provides an account of the author's participation in the genital autonomy movement, as it has rendered consciousness and belonging by extending contributions at the grassroots, academic, and organizational levels. Elements of participation include: an application of theory to action as praxis in academia and engaging in internships, creation of local organization chapters, and development of online networking sites.