Jeff Cagandahan

Jeff Cagandahan is a prominent Filipino intersex man and intersex human rights activist. Raised female and diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cagandahan successfully petitioned the Philippine courts to change name and sex markers, becoming the first person to win such a case. Cagandahan filed a petition for a correction to his birth certificate on December 11, 2003, later presenting medical testimony in support of the petition. The petition was granted on January 12, 2005.

The Supreme Court opined that he had "allowed 'nature to take its course' and had not interfered with what 'he was born with'" but also accepted a role for self-determination. The court opined:

quotation|Ultimately, we are of the view that where the person is biologically or naturally intersex the determining factor in his gender classification would be what the individual, like respondent, having reached the age of majority, with good reason thinks of his/her sex... Respondent is the one who has to live with his intersex anatomy. To him belongs the human right to the pursuit of happiness and of health. Thus, to him should belong the primordial choice of what courses of action to take along the path of his sexual development and maturation.

Activism

Cagandahan became an advocate as a "mission to help others". He states that intersex people in the Philippines face specific issues, including the affordability of medication and healthcare, lack of information, and lack of acceptance.

Cagandahan has helped to create a national intersex organization, Intersex Philippines, and also participated in the Asian Intersex Forum in 2018 which established Intersex Asia. He is currently a board member of Intersex Asia.

Cagandahan organized the 1st Philippines National Intersex Forum in November 2019 supported by Intersex Asia and COC Nederland.