They and Them: Genderpoli

2023, Flemish, Netherlands,

Director: Ingrid Kamerling
Release Year: 2023

Synopsis:

Ingrid Kamerling’s documentary "They and Them: Genderpoli" (2023) delves into the complex and emotionally charged world of gender care at a clinic in Zaandam, Netherlands. This documentary provides a unique insight into the experiences of young people grappling with gender identity and the professionals dedicated to supporting them. The film explores the ethical, emotional, and institutional challenges of gender transition and the surrounding social climate, shedding light on the immense struggles faced by both patients and healthcare providers. 

 

One of the film’s central questions asks whether a 15-year-old can truly know if they ever want to have children. This question, asked by the team coordinator at the gender clinic, highlights the dilemma of requiring young patients to make irreversible decisions about their futures while still in a stage of development. This moment encapsulates the complexity of gender care, where patients must make life-altering decisions, often without the full capacity to comprehend their long-term implications. While one psychologist at the clinic, a trans man, believes that young people know what is best for them, others express concerns about the potential for future regret. The tension between these perspectives is a core theme in the documentary, as it illustrates the challenging ethical decisions involved in guiding young people through the transition process. 

 

The clinic featured in "They and Them" offers psychological support to children and young adults exploring their gender identity and considering transition. The clinic is the only one in the Netherlands to employ "experts by experience"—transgender individuals who bring invaluable personal insight into the care process. These staff members are essential in providing a holistic understanding of the challenges their patients face. However, the diversity of the clinic’s staff also creates friction, especially regarding the use of language. For example, some individuals see the use of pronouns in introductions as unnecessary, while others believe it is an essential part of gender respect. The internal debates about pronouns and gendered language provide a microcosm of the broader societal conversations about gender. Director Ingrid Kamerling switches effortlessly between observing and interviewing, offering an intimate and nuanced perspective on the inner workings of the clinic. She carefully documents the daily pressures and challenges that arise, from insufficient funding to overwhelming workloads. Above all, 

 

"They and Them" underscores the emotional and ethical weight placed on both the patients and the professionals. The clinic's staff—though highly skilled and deeply invested in their work—must navigate these tensions while striving to provide the best care possible for young people undergoing significant emotional turmoil. The film introduces a diverse group of individuals at the clinic. Sem, a young woman with learning difficulties, is one of the central figures, as she navigates her desire to transition while facing numerous institutional hurdles. The documentary highlights the particular struggles involved in supporting children and adolescents with gender dysphoria, especially when mental health care, in general, remains a difficult area to address. In Sem’s case, her learning difficulties complicate the already complex process of gender transition, raising questions about the capacity of young people to make such profound decisions about their bodies and futures. The documentary also explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding gender care. The central moral question, as articulated by Kamerling, is whether children and adolescents should be allowed to make decisions about their gender identity and the possibility of irreversible treatment at such a young age. In many cases, such as Sem's, the decision to undergo gender reassignment requires the young person to forfeit the possibility of biological children. While delaying treatment may lead to the development of physical characteristics that exacerbate gender dysphoria, making irreversible choices too soon could result in future regret. These competing concerns are deeply felt by both the young patients and the clinic’s staff, who are tasked with providing the necessary support and guidance through these delicate decisions. 

 

"They and Them" also addresses the external societal pressures on gender care. In the Netherlands, voices critical of transition therapy and surgical intervention are particularly vocal, and the documentary is mindful of this climate. Kamerling had to navigate these sensitivities carefully in the editing process, balancing multiple perspectives and ensuring that the transition process is depicted as one that requires long-term consideration. With over 120 hours of material, the documentary's challenge was to present a thorough exploration of the complexities of gender care in a concise 78-minute film. Despite this challenge, Kamerling succeeds in presenting a balanced narrative that underscores the need for a careful, considered approach to gender transition. The film’s portrayal of the clinic's internal workings reveals much about the practical and philosophical struggles of gender care. The clinic’s staff, who are under intense pressure due to limited funding and bureaucratic challenges, must deal with a range of emotional and logistical difficulties. Bianca, a non-binary experience expert, expresses regret about their own early surgical intervention, which led to infertility being a prerequisite for gender reassignment. This regret touches on the tension between the medical need for such interventions and the personal cost of losing the ability to have children. 

 

At the heart of the clinic’s work is the constant push and pull between the individual’s autonomy and the professional responsibility to ensure that young patients are making informed decisions. Sander, a cisgender psychologist who leads the clinic, embodies this struggle. He refuses to include pronouns in his email signature, arguing that inclusivity should allow for diverse perspectives. Despite this, he is deeply committed to the well-being of the patients he serves. His resistance to certain aspects of "woke" culture highlights the internal tensions within the clinic and in society at large. However, Sander’s passion for the clinic’s work and his willingness to engage in difficult discussions make him a vital figure in the documentary. "They and Them" not only highlights the moral dilemmas of gender care but also captures the human dimension of these experiences. The film features multiple perspectives, from the young people navigating their gender identities to the professionals trying to provide care in an often hostile environment. It also highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue about gender, identity, and care. Through careful editing and thoughtful exploration, Kamerling aims to provoke conversation and deepen understanding of this highly complex and sensitive subject. In addition to its cinematic release, "They and Them" is expected to serve as an educational tool in schools, hospitals, and among psychologists. The documentary’s goal is to spark debate, encourage further education, and promote a better understanding of gender care, not only in the Netherlands but globally. Kamerling hopes that the film will help people recognize the challenges and ethical considerations involved in gender transition and foster a more informed and compassionate approach to the subject. 

 

Ultimately, the documentary advocates for a more open, thoughtful approach to gender, where individuals can be empowered to make decisions about their identities without fear of judgment or backlash. In "They and Them: Genderpoli", Ingrid Kamerling provides a sensitive and insightful look into the gender care process, highlighting the importance of supporting young people as they navigate some of the most significant and challenging decisions of their lives. The documentary succeeds in its mission to explore the nuances of gender identity, the moral dilemmas involved in gender care, and the internal dynamics within the clinic. It is a powerful reflection on the complexities of gender transition and the need for greater understanding and support for those who experience it.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube