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My first Intactivist protest

by Tally on November 2, 2014

The first group shot of intactivists protesting against male infant circumcisionIntact Knoxville and Bloodstained Men hosted an intactivist event against circumcision yesterday in Knoxville, Tennessee. I am happy to say that I participated.

The weather was cold. Two days before the event we were enjoying 70 degree, sunny days. Saturday it was in the low 30s. Fortunately the rain and snow predicted for the area did not hit downtown, where the event was held. Still, the cold weather kept many people away from where we were gathered. Read more . . .

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Circumcision and The Infection Myth

by Naida on November 12, 2013

We've all heard this line before- "A circumcised boy won't get infections."

I come to you this morning to discuss the aura of medical authority being used as a smoke screen by supporters of Routine Infant Circumcision. Undoubtedly, we've heard many a reason why circumcision is beneficial. "It's more esthetically pleasing." Parents can usually shrug off an excuse like this if they're unsure about circumcising their son. "It's more hygienic." At this point, some parents may be irked into considering it, but others may still be on the fence because they can teach hygiene. "It prevents infections." Boom. To any parent who hasn't done the proper research, this false promise of better health will win them to the side of circumcision.

I am here to dispel what is probably the most prevalent medical lie. Read more . . .

Tags:
  • Circumcision harm
  • Health
  • Intactivism
  • Rant
  • Naida's blog
  • 1 comment

I am a celebrity, sort of

by Tally on August 29, 2012

Famous in my own mindI was interviewed for an article by the Guardian, a UK website and newspaper. They even quoted me.

If the medical evidence is disputed, why is circumcision so widely accepted in the US? "I find it amazing," says Tally, a pseudonym for a 56-year-old American blogger who was circumcised at birth and is restoring his foreskin through non-surgical methods. He argues that "pecuniary gain" is one factor in its popularity in the US: circumcision typically costs $400 to $800. "I don't see the social conscience that you have in the UK or the Canadians have," says Tally. "We're driven very much by a sense of independence and profit."

Yesterday morning when I was getting ready for work I checked my e-mail messages. I had a request for an interview from Patrick Barkham, a writer for The Guardian, a UK newspaper and website. Patrick was writing an article about male infant circumcision in light of the recent revised policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics. He wanted to talk with me before his afternoon deadline. Unfortunately, afternoon in the UK is morning in the Eastern US.

I had to run some errands, but as soon as I got to my office I replied to Patrick with my thoughts on circumcision and why there is such a push in the United States to circumcise baby boys. I was surprised when I received a telephone call from him about two hours after his deadline. We spoke for about 20 minutes. Read more . . .

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Eradicating Circumcision: Judaism, Intactivism, & Human Rights

by Guest Blogger on October 10, 2011

Jews against CircumcisionJewish Star of David“Although uncircumcised, I am a very proud Jew, with a very strong sense of Jewish identity, and never hesitate to affirm my Jewish identity, to Jew and non-Jew alike, but particularly to myself. I can assure you that having a foreskin has not made me less of a Jew than those without one…”
- Alan Altmann, Circumcision Questions, California Jewish Bulletin, May 31, 1985.

"It's not a parental choice. There's an ethical problem with making this a parental choice, namely that you're not taking into account the wishes upon whom the surgery is being performed."
- Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon, Georgetown University, September 22, 2011.
The Cut Tour: Washington DC Q&A with Ryan McAllister & Rabbi Binyamin Biber Podcast
 

Jewish Intactivism, the Foreskin and Human RightsIntactNews is a news-media organization connecting all facets of the genital integrity movement.

  • Jewish Intactivists, the Foreskin, and Human Rights Part 1.
  • Jewish Intactivists, the Foreskin, and Human Rights Part 2.
  • Jewish Intactivists, the Foreskin, and Human Rights Part 3.

“There are tens of thousands of intact Jewish boys and men around the world who thank their lucky stars they were not circumcised.”
- Brian Levitt, Jewish Intactivist, co-founder of
Jews for the Rights of the Child
Testimony at the California Senate Judiciary Committee Public Hearing on Circumcision.
  Read more . . .

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A parents love, the cycle of life, and genital integrity

by Tally on September 7, 2011

A candle for Jennifer and her baby that died in the womb. May she see the light and know she is not alone.I was saddened to learn that a friend's baby died. Jennifer is a Facebook friend. She is a fellow intactivist and we are both passionate about fighting for genital integrity. I have never met her. As Intactivists we are members of a close-knit community who fight against male infant circumcision and therein lies our bond.

Jennifer lost her baby after 36 weeks of gestation. It may be another week or two before the baby is delivered as a stillbirth. That short time will give Jen a chance to say goodbye to the baby she carried for so long. One of the greatest losses suffered by a parent is the loss of a child.

Many of us in that Facebook community are showing our support by burning a candle. The candle is for Jennifer and her baby that died in the womb. The candle sheds light when in a dark place. With our many candles burning brightly, we wish to let Jen know she is not alone.

Please join me in a moment of silence as we think of those who have lost a loved one.

 

 

 

 

  Read more . . .

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Federal Anti-anti-circumcision bill: H.R. 2400: Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011

by Tally on July 14, 2011

US House of Representatives HR 2400: the Anti-anti-circumcision BillThe Federal government is trying to limit states and local governments. A recent House Bill seeks to prohibit states from restricting male genital cutting, although most states have such restrictions for female genital cutting. United States Representative Brad Sherman introduced a Bill in the House seeking to prevent any government entity in the United States from prohibiting male infant circumcision. The Anti-anti-circumcision bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

US Representative Brad Sherman is a California Democrat for the 27th District. He is joined in the Bill by 9 co-sponsors. The names and contact information for the Congressmen are listed below. Everyone is encouraged to contact these Congressmen and let them know how ill-conceived the Bill is.

The Federal Bill is remarkably similar to California State Bill AB 768, which is an Anti-anti-circumcision Bill for the State of California.[1] Read more . . .

Tags:
  • Intactivism
  • Politics
  • Tally's blog
  • 15 comments

California proposes an Anti-anti-circumcision bill

by Tally on July 9, 2011

California State AB 768: the Anti-anti-circumcision BillI am speechless. At least I can still write, though. I just found out that the state of California is proposing to outlaw any local effort to restrict male circumcision. California State Bill Number AB 768, amended, was introduced by Assembly Member Gatto.

Assemblyman Gatto is seeking to reform California's initiative process.[1] California allows members of the public to file ballot measures through the initiative process. Although subject to abuse by monied interests, the California initiative process allows the public to participate in governing themselves.[2]

Along with Assemblyman Gatto's initiative reform, he also seems to be targetting one initiative in particular, the San Francisco Male Infant Circumcision Ban that is coming up for a vote in November. Read more . . .

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  • Intactivism
  • Politics
  • Tally's blog
  • 11 comments

Intactivism is about genital integrity for all children, regardless of religion

by Tally on June 16, 2011

Intactivists, Foreskin Man, and AntisemitismIntactivists seek genital integrity for all children. This means we want to see male infant circumcision end in the United States and do not want female circumcision to be reinstated in the US. Cutting the sex organ of a child, boy or girl,  is barbaric and has no place in the modern world.

Some religions still practice the ritual of genital cutting. Jews practice ritual circumcision of infant boys. Muslims practice ritual circumcision of both boys and girls. In Indonesia, female circumcision is widely practiced on infant girls. Generally, only a sliver is removed.[1]

Recently, the second issue of the Foreskin Man comic book became news because of its imagery. Foreskin Man Number One has the hero fighting an evil doctor to save a boy's foreskin from amputation. Foreskin Man Number Two has the hero, a blond-haired strapping male, fighting "Monster Mohel," a bearded, black-hatted man wearing a prayer shawl.

When the second comic came out late last year, I was surprised that there was not more of an outcry against it. Perhaps the intactivism movement had not garnered enough attention where the comic was considered worth speaking up about. With two cities in California considering banning infant circumcision, the comic was put in the spotlight. The controversy was enough for the backer of the Santa Monica, California, effort to drop out. The ballot measure to ban infant circumcision in San Francisco, California, continues. Read more . . .

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  • Intactivism
  • Tally's blog
  • 18 comments

Foreskin Restoration and Intactivist Calendars

by Tally on April 28, 2011

Foreskin Restoration and Intactivist public Google calendarI created two public Google calendars: one for foreskin restoration and another for intactivism. These calendars can be freely copied and posted on other websites.

The Foreskin Restoration Google calendar shows Foreskin Restoration events. The foreskin restoration calendar has events such as NORM meetings and other meet ups that are of interest to those restoring their foreskin.

The Intactivist Google Calendar shows Intactivist events. The intactivism calendar has events such as demonstrations and marches for genital integrity and against infant circumcision. The intactivist calendar also includes notices of local intactivist meetings and other important events, for example, the date San Francisco residents vote on the SF MGM Bill to ban infant circumcision in San Francisco, California. Read more . . .

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Genital Integrity Awareness Week 2011

by Tally on March 28, 2011

His body, his choice. Stop Routine Infant Circumcision. GIAW Genital Integrity Awareness WeekGenital Integrity Awareness Week (GIAW) starts March 28 and runs through April 3, 2011. This year marks the 18th Annual Demonstration / March Against Infant Circumcision in Washington, DC. The demonstration and march is the annual event promoted by the Stop Infant Circumcision Society.

Every year, on the anniversary the Female Genital Mutilation Bill took effect in 1997, intactivists demonstrate. Intactivists hope to have the protection offered to girls extended to boys. There is an ongoing program to enact a male genital mutilation bill in the United States and in every state. Every child should be able to grow up with intact genitalia.

Washington, DC, Demonstration

Stop Infant Circumcision Society banner truck Washington, DC, is the site of the main demonstration. The 18th Annual March/Demonstration Against Infant Circumcision starts on Monday, March 28th, and runs until Sunday, April 3rd, 2011. Demonstrators meet at the West Lawn of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, every morning at 9am until 6pm. See the Facebook event page for more information.

On Wednesday, March 30th, 2011, the Washington, DC, demonstrators will march from the US Capitol to the White House. The march will begin at 4:00pm. On Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, the Washington, DC, demonstrators will march from the US Capitol to the White House. The march will begin at 4:00pm. Read more . . .

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Restoring Tally is just an ordinary guy who had to confront his prostate and circumcision problems. This site chronicles his journey in dealing with these issues. He has had prostate surgery and he is restoring his foreskin.

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