Middle Sexes

I show this DVD in my feminist philosophy classes and (undergrad) students really engage with the material. It takes a critical look into dogmatic notions of gender norms/performances in order to challenge our unreflective ideas about what it means to a woman or a man (or somewhere in between) in society. I like its multicultural approach too - students need to know that Western notions of human sexuality are not necessarily universal. It also examines the philosophical debate about whether we are born with a gender or if gender expression is born from social pressures.

I was introduced to this film via a Coursera Social Psychology course. It's well done and informative. However, some parts are too mature for a younger audience. I purchased it for an 8th grade class on Bullying; even though it makes it's case in a powerful manner, parts, especially in the second half, are much to graphic for a Jr. HS classroom. I recommend it with the caveat that it be reviewed before being, and appropriate scenes selected before showing to a less mature audience.

First, I was confused by the title given only one intersex individual's story was told. I think it is very irresponsible to conflate the experiences of trans and intersex identified folks. I failed to see what the director, Antony Thomas', intentions were.Second, I was extremely bothered by the fact that no one who was biologically born a woman and seeking to queer gender boundaries appeared in the film. I can only infer that this might be due to penis worship. This is summarized in the film by Mark, the man who left his wife and kids to be with a Thai Lady-boy: "it's one thing to have breast implants... but to have your tackle sawn off, it's just a big step". Translation: of course women want to have penises, but why on earth would a man ever want to be a woman?Third, I found the presentations of non-American gender ideals, while typical, very exoticizing, reductionist, and offensive. The argument about nature is very understandable, given the western idea that if it is found in nature than it is Right. However, to use examples of animals in order to transition into discussing non-mainstream-Euro-American cultures, very... Walt Disney. That aside, the lack of context was by far the most offensive part of the film. Again returning to the Thai Lady-boy examples, where was an analysis of the historical treatment or cultural position of Kathoey. Sure one was a model and many are the subjects of touristic voyeurism, but what about Kathoey who can't pass as American 50's show girls? (To say nothing of the films claim that Thailand has never been colonized.)(To practice what I preach: I am a college educated, white, middle-class, queer, American woman. While I have traveled, I do not claim to know much about cultures other than my own; and, where I have spent more extensive time, those experiences were viewed with the lens of my American experiences.)

I use this in the gender/sexuality unit of my Introduction to Sociology course and it is very well-received. It's very good for talking about social construction of gender.sexuality. I highly recommend it.

I love this film, and I own it. Whenever complicated discussions around gender come up and someone is new to these concepts, I recommend this film.Love Love Love it. Humanity is entirely complex. And that in itself, is a very simple concept to grasp.

excellent documentary

I am a sex educator and use clips from this DVD in my human sexuality courses. I received this DVD in a timely fashion. It did not have scratches and it played perfectly. Excellent company to work with. No problems or complaints. Thank you

I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Gender Studies and this documentary was very helpful in understanding how gender is socially constructed. Highly recommended!