Watch Intersexion: Finding a Place in a Two-Gender World

Intersexion: Finding a Place in a Two-Gender World is a groundbreaking New Zealand documentary that delves into the world of intersex individuals. The film, directed by Grant Lahood, made its debut in 2012 and has since won multiple awards for its honest and compassionate portrayal of an often-misunderstood community. At its core, Intersexion is a film about the human experience. It follows the journeys of several intersex people as they navigate a world that often insists on strict gender binaries. The film explores the ways in which intersex individuals are often marginalized, whether it be through harmful medical treatments or social ostracism. But it also shows the incredible resilience, grace, and strength of the intersex community.

The film begins by introducing viewers to the topic of intersexuality – a term that refers to a variety of physical conditions that result in people being born with atypical sex characteristics. From there, we meet several intersex individuals, each with their own unique experiences and stories to share.

One of the most poignant stories comes from Mani Bruce Mitchell, a Māori intersex activist. Mitchell explains how their culture has a rich history of recognizing and respecting diverse gender identities – a refreshing contrast to the Western world's obsession with binary classifications. Mitchell's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and their advocacy work serves as a powerful call to action.

Another compelling storyline comes from Dawn, a woman who was assigned male at birth and subjected to forced genital surgeries as a child. Dawn speaks candidly about her experiences living as a woman and the challenges she has faced as an intersex person in a society that often forces individuals to choose one gender or the other.

Throughout the film, viewers are encouraged to question the ways in which society insists on rigid gender classifications. Intersexion challenges viewers to think critically about how gender is constructed and to consider the ways in which intersex individuals are often erased from mainstream conversations about identity.

Visually, Intersexion is stunning. The film is shot in a range of beautiful locations throughout New Zealand, from the bustling city streets of Auckland to the serene seascapes of the South Island. The cinematography is particularly effective when capturing the emotional moments of the film, such as when intersex individuals share their deeply personal stories with the camera.

Beyond its aesthetic qualities, Intersexion is an important and timely film. As discussions about gender identity and gender expression become more mainstream, the experiences of intersex individuals must not be overlooked. Intersexion provides an insightful and thoughtful look into an often-misunderstood community, and it is a film that should be required viewing for anyone interested in issues of diversity and inclusion.

Overall, Intersexion: Finding a Place in a Two-Gender World is a beautiful and thought-provoking film. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the intersex community, and it serves as an essential tool for education and advocacy. Whether you are familiar with the topic of intersexuality or are encountering it for the first time, Intersexion is a must-see film that will challenge your assumptions about gender and identity.