The most expensive taxi you'll ever take.

I would say the book takes a strong stance for intersex rights. It's set in the 70's and that is how people talked and behaved then (and still do). If anything, I would say it takes a very optimistic view towards the experience and Cal's transition. Nothing really bad happens to Cal and he's supported by his family. Many intersex people never even get the choice of how they live their life.

Outdated by who's views and standards? That is a bit of a broad opinion.

I do agree that the end ties up a bit too neatly. I wish Eugenides went into more about Cal's feelings about presenting and transitioning to be a man.

You're correct, Cal is intersex, however the experience of transition is fairly accurate. I found how he described Tessie's emotions about Cal's return relatable.

Many people who are intersex, may not transition, but some do.

This is it exactly. The book mainly follows the growth of Cal's family, and how it changes but in ways stays the same. Just as we all do.

Cal's reunification with Desdemona was one of the sweetest and truest things I've ever read.