Documentary on exploration of femininity screened

Islamabad : The ambassador of the European Union, Jean-François Cautain hosted a screening of the documentary on May 15th, ‘Girl Inside,’ in collaboration with several envoys - Perry John Calderwood (Canada); Ardi Stoios Braken (the Netherlands) and Carlos Morales (Spain) and in partnership with Red Queen Productions to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) observed on (May 17). The event was attended by diplomats; activists and media persons.

Addressing the gathering Ambassador Cautin said a few words about IDAHOT, adding that Pakistan’s parliament had passed a landmark bill that recognises the fundamental rights of the transgender citizen’s, which allows people to choose their gender and to have that identity recognised on official documents, while prohibiting discrimination of any kind. “We applaud all those who raised their voice in this debate,” he said. “It is healthy and constructive - also a commendable and democratic action.”

High commissioner Calderwood said the theme for advocacy this year is ‘Alliances for Solidarity,’ which signals the importance of partnerships. “Canada is proud to be a member of the Equal Rights Coalition, a network of 39 states working in collaboration with civil society organisations to advance the rights of LGBTI persons,” he said. “I hope Pakistan and Pakistanis will be represented at the Equal Rights Coalition Global Conference being held in Vancouver later this year in order to improve the lives of people from gender identity minorities.”

Just over one hour long, the documentary is a moving and intimate portrait of 26-year-old Madison as she transitions over three years from male to female, tracking her emotional, spiritual and physical journey of self-discovery. Advising her on all things feminine is Madison’s glamorous 80-year-old grandmother – with at times hilarious results – resulting in two vastly different experiences of womanhood. It is a thought provoking exploration of gender, femininity and sexuality. The aspect of this transition that really moves the viewer is the support Madison receives from her family despite their misgivings, a refreshing change that comes only with awareness that being a transgender is not by choice but birth.

After the screening there was a Q&A session with Madison on Skype, conducted by the Canadian high commissioner, which allowed her to share her views on questions which came mainly from persons who are working with the LGBTI community.

Later there was a general consensus that the documentary should be viewed by all those who are working with the LGBTI community - and the community itself - since it highlights the importance of proper physical and psychological preparation for those who wish to change their identities and live a ‘normal life.’ Unfortunately facilities or expertise which are available abroad, do not exist here, with the result that many members of the LGBTI community are scarred for life both emotionally and physically, while implementation of the law will be a real challenge because of discriminatory mind-set.