Narrated by Gore Vidal, filmmaker Antony Thomas' HBO-aired Middle Sexes offers a sober, almost clinical examination of human beings whose sexuality falls somewhere between male and female, combining physical and/or psychological characteristics of both. The documentary's position is that, contrary to the common Western view that gender-blurring is aberrant—leading to attempts to “correct” through surgery, as well as acts of violence against those “afflicted”—the condition is a perfectly normal one that finds far greater acceptance in other cultures. The film places special emphasis on prevailing attitudes in India and Thailand, contrasting the repressive perspective in the former (affected by the impact of Western colonialism) with the more liberal and permissive attitude in Thailand. Middle Sexes is clearly a plea for understanding and tolerance of sexual diversity, presenting a persuasive rational case, backed by scientific testimony, results from medical experiments, and interviews with transgendered, transsexual, and intersexual subjects. But the film itself exudes an air of resignation, a sense that emotion and ingrained beliefs are more likely to triumph in such matters than reasoned argument. Still, this is a thoughtful, interesting treatment of a little understood social issue. Recommended. [Note: this is also available with public performance rights for $149.95 from Films Media Group.] Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She
(2006) 75 min. DVD: $24.98. HBO Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7831-4729-5. Volume 22, Issue 1
Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She
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