On Monday, Belgian model Hanne Gaby Odiele shared with the world that she is intersex.

The 29-year-old fashion star, who has modeled for the likes of Chanel, Dior and Alexander Wang, decided to open up about her identity in order to be a voice for the intersex community and to speak out against abuses often endured by intersex youth.

“I have reached a point in my life where I feel ready to share this important part of who I am,” Odiele said. “It is time for intersex people to come out of the shadows, claim our status, let go of shame, and speak out against the unnecessary and harmful surgeries many of us were subjected to as children. Intersex children born today are still at risk for these human rights violations. I will use my voice and platform to help end such abuses.”

The term "intersex" is used to refer to people who are born with any range of variations in their sex characteristics that fall outside the traditional ideas of what constitutes a male or female body. These variations can be found in chromosomes, genitalia or internal organs, for example.

While some of these characteristics are discovered at birth, some people don't find out their intersex until puberty or later in life. Intersex individuals, especially children and teens, are often forced to undergo "corrective" surgery to affirm either a strictly female or male physical identity.

To take a stand against these nonconsensual medical practices, Odiele has partnered up with advocacy group interACT, which works to “stop harmful medically unnecessary treatment and other human rights violations on children born with intersex traits and raise awareness about their experiences.”

“We congratulate Hanne for her courage in sharing her intersex status with the world,” InterACT Executive Director Kimberly Zieselman said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful to have her join interACT’s efforts in strongly advocating for the protection of intersex children from harmful medical treatment and surgery."

"Hanne is a beloved fashion model who has achieved global success in her industry. She also happens to be intersex and understands firsthand the harm caused by unnecessary medical intervention routinely done to ‘fix’ intersex children. Using her passion, her voice and her notoriety, she will undoubtedly further the cause of protecting intersex youth, and help put an end to the human rights violations far too many have suffered.”

Watch Odiele discuss her intersex identity below.

h/t: Pink News