Living between genders | “Orchids” – Documentary about intersex people
“Hermaphrodite” used to describe Phoebe, a woman with a men’s chromosomes. Wherever possible, Phoebe actively seeks to disrupt the cataloguing with as much honesty and humour as she can. In her film “Orchids” she comes clean on her journey of self-discovery to embrace her future and reconcile the past shame and family secrecy surrounding her intersex condition. Despite her mother’s refusal to be in the film, Phoebe hits the road…
Original title: Orchids – My Intersex Adventure
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© 2010, Licensed by First Hand Films
Phoebe’s happy and carefree childhood came to an abrupt end at puberty when she was told she would never menstruate nor have children. The reasons why were never discussed and the topic as such remained taboo. At the age of 17, her mother felt Phoebe was old enough to understand the true nature of her body and the family secret was finally revealed. Phoebe then faced an orchidectomy, invasive surgery to remove her undescended testes, the emotional scars of which are still raw today.
Phoebe’s road trip around Australia exposes her to the stories of other intersex people and holds a mirror to her own experience. She learns valuable lessons in resilience and healing but also sees the pervasive impact her condition has on all her relationships.
At home, Phoebe and James want to start a family but dealing with infertility and the stress of the adoption process puts pressure on their marriage. Phoebe also starts to understand the difficult decisions her parents faced and is excited but apprehensive when they eventually agree to be interviewed. Will talking openly with her mother give Phoebe the answers she has been looking for?
A Film by Phoebe Hart