Hermaphrodites Speak

1996, English, Intersex, USA,

Producer: Intersex Society of North America
Release Year: 1996

Synopsis:

"Hermaphrodites Speak" (1996), produced by the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA), stands as a powerful and groundbreaking documentary, providing an intimate glimpse into the experiences of individuals who are intersex, often referred to as "hermaphrodites" in the past. The documentary captures the historic moment of the first gathering of intersex people in the United States. It reveals the shocking and painful realities that many intersex individuals have faced, particularly regarding the medical treatment they received as children. 

 

What stands out in the documentary is the disturbing fact that many intersex individuals were subjected to surgeries and medical interventions that altered their bodies without their consent or even their awareness. The actions of so-called "experts" in the medical field, who treated these people as though their bodies were something to be "fixed," are presented with stark clarity in the testimonies of the individuals involved. These medical professionals, who were supposed to be caring and knowledgeable, often acted without the consent or understanding of the intersex individuals themselves. 

 

The documentary brings these traumatic experiences to light in a raw and personal manner, underlining the damage caused by such medical practices. Although over two decades old, "Hermaphrodites Speak" remains an important and relevant resource for understanding the experiences of intersex individuals and the harmful practices they endured. It remains a compelling testament to the voices and stories of those who have been marginalized and silenced by medical and societal norms. The documentary opens with Bo Laurent, one of the prominent intersex individuals featured, announcing the gathering of intersex people. The excitement and significance of the event are palpable as Laurent and others share their journeys and stories. Bo Laurent introduces the gathering, saying, “Here we are, at the first global meeting of intersex people.” The joy of being with others who share similar experiences is evident in the voices of those speaking. Mani, who traveled from New Zealand, shares their feelings of elation at being part of such a momentous event. “It’s absolutely incredible to have come all the way from New Zealand for the first day of gathering,” they say, emphasizing the importance of ending the isolation many intersex people feel. 

 

For many of these individuals, this meeting represents the first time they have ever connected with others who understand their experiences. The documentary also explores the deep emotional impact of growing up as intersex in a world that often sees such differences as problems to be fixed. Angela speaks about how she first learned of the Intersex Society and felt an immediate connection to the group, recalling how a friend introduced her to the newsletter "Hermaphrodites With Attitude". “I had confided very sordid details about my surgery and my experience with my body, and she made the connection,” Angela shares. She recalls the relief she felt when she found others who could relate to her experiences, noting the powerful sense of solidarity and validation that emerged from this connection. Angela’s story continues with the revelation of how her body was altered in her youth. Despite having a clear sense of her body and its uniqueness, doctors still chose to perform surgery on her without her consent. “They said they were just going to make it smaller,” Angela says, recalling the moment when her clitoris was removed under the guise of medical necessity. “I loved it… I had this wonderful relationship with it,” Angela reflects, contrasting the joy she once felt with the invasive surgery she later endured. 

 

Another individual, Hida, offers a perspective of survival despite the medical community’s desire to “fix” her body. Hida expresses gratitude for having avoided surgery but acknowledges the emotional toll of dealing with medical professionals who viewed her as something that needed to be corrected. “The problem is not the child,” Hida declares. “The problem is the attitude towards the child.” Hida’s words reflect a recurring theme in the documentary: the issue is not the intersex body itself, but the medical community’s need to “normalize” it. The damage done by these medical interventions is not just physical but psychological as well. Heidi, another participant, describes the years of confusion and trauma she endured after undergoing multiple surgeries in childhood. She reveals how doctors lied to her and her parents, convincing them that these procedures were necessary to ensure her well-being. “I was a 35-year-old pseudohermaphrodite male whose testicles didn’t develop properly in utero,” Heidi confesses, recounting how doctors assigned her a female gender despite her male biological characteristics. These surgeries, done in secrecy and without the patient’s consent, left Heidi with deep psychological scars. “I was operated on in the men’s wing of the hospital, I was in a very small room in a corner of that wing,” she says, describing the alienating and humiliating experience. 

 

The film touches on the continuing legacy of these medical practices, as some doctors persist in altering intersex bodies despite growing resistance. “In my case, I was one of the first operations done in New Zealand,” Mani explains. Despite the passage of time, Mani believes these harmful practices persist today, illustrating how ingrained the mindset of "fixing" intersex bodies is in medical culture. The individuals in the documentary do not just recount their painful histories; they also call for change and liberation. David shares a hopeful message about how the truth can lead to acceptance and understanding. “I have yet to meet a single person who has tried to shame me or hurt me,” he says, reflecting on how honesty about one’s intersex identity is often met with empathy and compassion. His words highlight the potential for society to change, offering a glimmer of hope that acceptance can replace judgment. The documentary ends with a powerful call to action, particularly from Heidi, who warns that the medical community's practices represent a form of genocide. She compares the forced surgeries and treatments of intersex individuals to historical instances of violence and oppression. "Doctors are actually committing genocide right now," she states. “They’re eliminating a race of people who were born different from everyone else.” Heidi’s statement underscores the deep harm done by the medical establishment’s treatment of intersex bodies and urges viewers to reflect on the ethical implications of such practices.

 

The documentary also features Angela reflecting on the loss of sensation and eroticism following her surgery. “There’s something vital that’s being taken away from us,” she says. For Angela, the surgery not only removed a physical part of her body but also eliminated a crucial aspect of her identity and eroticism. This personal loss speaks to the broader impact of surgeries that erase the unique expressions of intersex people’s bodies. "Hermaphrodites Speak" is a poignant, sometimes painful, but ultimately empowering documentary that highlights the voices of intersex individuals who have been silenced for far too long. It paints a vivid picture of the trauma caused by medical interventions, the fight for bodily autonomy, and the emotional and psychological toll of living in a world that demands conformity. Through the raw and authentic voices of those who lived these experiences, the documentary urges us to rethink our understanding of gender, sex, and the human body—and calls for a world in which intersex people are no longer “treated” as anomalies but embraced for who they are.

 

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