Film Review #1

The film "Middle Sexes" seems to have the purpose of telling the person watching that it is important for society to understand the differences between people who are transexuals, middlesex, and gay/lesbian. The film explains that there are instances where an individual is born without the "benefit" of being "normal," either anatomically and/or mentally. It is possible, and medically proven, to have the physical sex of one gender, but have the mental sex of the opposite, or a blend of the two. It seems that the film is making the point that this may happen more often than many people think. It is not stated whether homosexuality, bisexuality, or transexuality is purely caused by genetics, or that it is entirely attributed to choice - in reality I believe that it is both, the reason being different in each person. I found the most convincing argument to be made in the film was when the ladyboys from Taiwan were interviewed. It is interesting to me that the development of a system that accepted these ladyboys was one that was not occupied or affected by a European influence. This spills over into Indian culture as well, with the segment on the Hijra, even through the influence of European occupation. I found the segment that seemed to allude to the development of any other development of sexual orientation or identity other than "normal" being attributed to genetics alone to be the least convincing, because I believe that personal choice is a factor in this decision as well. A research study that could be done to learn more about the reasons for a "deviant" sexual orientation/identification could be beneficial to society. I would interview people identifying with each orientation/identification and find out about how and when they learned that they were the way that they are currently. By doing a research study along this line of questioning, I believe that we may come to a better understanding of how these differences develop.