The 2023 Anne Tamar-Mattis Advocacy Award for Intersex Allyship could not be presented to a worthier honoree: an individual who is not only the longest-serving member of interACT’s board of directors, but also a legal pioneer of intersex civil rights dating back nearly 25 years.

We are honored to present the award to Professor Emerita Julie Greenberg. 

Julie took on intersex rights as her own personal fight even as an endosex (non-intersex) person, and quickly became a fierce ally. Julie’s inspiration was sparked by lawyer Sherri Morris, her former student, who came out to Julie as intersex. Sherri was concerned by the lack of reporting on the legal aspects of issues affecting intersex people.

In an interview with interACT staff member Bria Brown-King, Julie explains that for her, “it started out as an intriguing legal and policy issue and then it became an issue of the heart. It pretty much defined my scholarly legal writing for the last twenty years. The way it worked out was pure serendipity.”

Professor Emerita Julie Greenberg

Bria Brown-King (left) and Julie Greenberg (right) after testifying at the California capitol in 2020.

Julie published an article in the Arizona Law Review in 1999 titled Defining Male and Female: Intersexuality and the Collision between Law and Biology and began writing for the now-defunct Intersex Society of North America (ISNA).

Her prolific scholarship advancing the legal rights of people with intersex traits has been cited by a number of state and federal courts, as well as courts in other countries. She is the author of Intersexuality and the Law: Why Sex Matters, which provided an invaluable description, analysis, and critique of how people with intersex variations are treated under existing legal regimes. The book received the 2013 Bullough Book Award for the most distinguished book written for the professional sexological community. 

Julie Greenberg was also a member of interACT’s board from its founding through the spring of 2023.

Anne Tamar-Mattis, the founder of interACT and the award namesake and inspiration, found it “a joy and honor to work with Julie Greenberg from the very beginning of interACT’s history. Julie was one of the early advocates in the legal field for civil rights of trans and intersex folks. She wrote some of the ground-breaking law review articles on these subjects, articles that are cited in important LGBTQ and intersex legal cases at every level. I didn’t know Julie when I reached out to her as a new lawyer and asked for her help in starting interACT, but she stepped right up.

I soon learned that stepping up is what Julie does! From flying to San Francisco to our first ever intersex law planning roundtable in 2007, to years of service on the board, to being a major donor, to being a good friend through all the ups and downs of my years as a founder, Julie was always there for me and for interACT.”

Julie (left, top) and Anne (center, bottom) at the 2014 interACT staff retreat among youth, staff, and board members.

Julie Greenberg speaks at Boston Children’s Hospital in 2017

As a lawyer, Julie had never lobbied or testified before. But, she says, she enjoys new experiences. “Because I have retired from my law professor position, I am able to focus on the work that I’m passionate about. It’s become a part of who I am. I’ve dedicated my personal and professional life to issues affecting the intersex community.”

Anne Tamar-Mattis describes her as more than passionate. “She is a brilliant legal scholar, and she embodies the ethic of humble service. She is always ready to help, whatever the task, and always ready to step back and make room for others’ leadership if that is what is called for.”

Current interACT executive director Erika Lorshbough adds, “Julie’s thoughtful mentorship and deep institutional awareness were essential to my successful landing here as a new leader. Her contributions big and small show up all the time in all aspects of interACT’s work. She will always be a pillar of this organization and of our proud and determined fight for intersex justice.”

We at interACT are endlessly grateful for Julie Greenberg’s long and continued support. She not only meets but exemplifies the standards of the Anne Tamar-Mattis Award as an outstanding ally to the intersex community. 

“Truly, interACT would not be where it is today if not for Julie’s many contributions,” says Anne. “We were so fortunate to have her in the early days, and I am fortunate now to count her as a friend. Thank you, Julie, for all you do!”