Every Body

2023, English, Intersex, USA,

Director: Julie Cohen
Release Year: 2023

Synopsis:

Julie Cohen's 2023 documentary "Every Body" offers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the lives of three intersex individuals in the United States. Through candid and engaging interviews, the film showcases the experiences of activists and advocates Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, and River Gallo. Each of them shares their journey of self-identity, the trauma of being subjected to unnecessary surgeries as children, and their ongoing activism for intersex rights and visibility. 

 

The documentary shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of medical history: the routine practice of subjecting intersex children to irreversible surgeries without their consent, often before they were old enough to understand or make decisions about their own bodies. The film focuses on the personal stories of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo, each of whom was pressured or forced into medical interventions aimed at making their bodies conform to societal expectations of gender. These interventions were often painful, risky, and unnecessary, but they were based on the outdated and harmful medical belief that intersex traits were something to be "corrected." Through humor, empathy, and remarkable honesty, the documentary shows how these three intersex individuals have transformed their experiences into a platform for advocacy. Wall, an African American researcher and activist, was subjected to a gonadectomy at 13. Weigel, an advocate who was assigned female at birth, had her testes removed as a child in order to conform to a female gender identity, despite having neither a uterus nor ovaries. Gallo, an artist and performer, was put on testosterone at the age of 12, forcing them to undergo male puberty even though they were born with intersex traits. Each of these individuals shares their stories of childhood confusion, shame, and a sense of being "othered," illustrating the emotional toll that these forced interventions took on their lives. 

 

One of the most significant aspects of "Every Body" is its contextualization of the history of intersex medical care, particularly the influence of Dr. John Money, a New Zealand sexologist whose work shaped much of the early treatment protocols for intersex individuals. Money believed in a "gender reassignment" model for children born with ambiguous genitalia, and his controversial work on the case of David Reimer, a Canadian child who underwent gender reassignment surgery after a botched circumcision, exemplified the dangers of this approach. Reimer's case, which tragically ended in suicide, became a pivotal moment in the history of intersex medical practices and helped expose the damaging effects of forcing a child into a gender identity they did not choose. While the documentary emphasizes the trauma caused by these medical practices, it also highlights the growing movement for intersex rights. The film’s three subjects are vocal advocates for intersex bodily autonomy, fighting to end the practice of non-consensual surgeries. In the context of broader discussions about gender, "Every Body" also touches upon the intersection of intersex and trans rights. 

 

The film makes the case that both communities are fighting against harmful medical practices, and it challenges the binary thinking that underpins societal understandings of gender. Weigel’s powerful statement that the very existence of intersex people disproves the rigid male/female binary is a key moment in the film, though it is a point that may provoke debate. Her impassioned response to a conservative interviewer’s comparison of intersex bodies to "anomalies" like webbed toes is a testament to the frustration many intersex people feel about being invalidated by those who do not understand their existence. "Every Body" succeeds in presenting the personal as political. It follows Wall, Weigel, and Gallo as they navigate life as openly intersex individuals, sharing not just their medical histories but their hopes for the future. The film captures their activism and their determination to bring about change, focusing on the need for consent, respect for bodily autonomy, and the right to self-determination. Through their voices, "Every Body" emphasizes the importance of creating a world in which intersex people are no longer subjected to invasive surgeries or forced into identities they did not choose. The documentary also provides a broader historical and social context for the intersex movement. By incorporating archival footage from the first meeting of the Intersex Society of North America in 1996, Cohen traces the evolution of intersex activism. The film underscores the significance of this grassroots movement in challenging the medical and societal narratives that have long silenced and marginalized intersex people. 

 

One of the most powerful elements of the documentary is its exploration of the medical community’s treatment of intersex individuals. Cohen delves into the historical roots of these practices, particularly the legacy of Dr. John Money, whose theories on gender and sexual identity led to the widespread use of non-consensual surgeries on intersex children. The film draws a direct line between the harm inflicted upon patients like Reimer and the ongoing trauma experienced by intersex individuals today. It also highlights the urgent need for reform in the medical field, advocating for a model of care that prioritizes the autonomy of intersex people and allows them to make decisions about their own bodies once they are old enough to do so. While "Every Body" is an informative documentary, it does more than just present facts. It humanizes the issue of intersex rights by telling the deeply personal stories of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo. The film also takes care not to sensationalize their trauma, balancing difficult topics with moments of humor and joy. The relaxed nature of the interviews, along with a lively and energetic score, helps the film maintain an optimistic tone, despite the heavy subject matter. 

 

Ultimately, "Every Body" is a call to action for greater awareness and understanding of intersex experiences. The film challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about gender, sexuality, and the medical treatment of intersex bodies. By documenting the stories of three brave and inspiring individuals, Cohen underscores the importance of bodily autonomy and the right to self-determination for all people, regardless of their gender or sex traits. In conclusion, "Every Body" is a deeply moving and essential documentary that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of intersex people. Through the voices of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo, the film tells a story of resilience, activism, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality. With its compassionate approach and its commitment to raising awareness, "Every Body" is a powerful reminder of the need for a more inclusive and accepting world, one that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of human bodies and identities.

 

via: youtube

theguardian.com
imdb and hollywoodreporter.com

Image credits: YouTube