Transgender and intersex: out of the box, without rights?

Girl or boy ? From birth we are separated into two categories, two sexes, two genders assigned by medical and administrative institutions. This lack of choice can generate violence.

In the frame of the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights, ISHR is very proud to co-present the panel discussion that will follow the projection of "The Pearl Of Africa", a documentary by Jonny Von Wallström.

Tuesday 14 March 2017
20.00
Large Room - Espace Pitoëff, Geneva

Trans*, genderqueer, intersex people: many are those whose body and identity diverge from gender norms, thus challenging one of the foundations of our social organisation. These people often suffer from serious human rights violations. In response to these situations, a few countries have implemented more favourable legislation. Argentina allows its citizens to freely choose their gender by a simple declaration; Malta, in addition to the same policy, proscribes genital mutilation on intersex children. Such progressive measures pave the way for the respect of trans* and intersex people’s human rights. Can this help address transphobic crime and pervasive discrimination?

Amidst Uganda’s underlying violent social and political climate, The Pearl Of Africa by Jonny von Wallström brings us back to the perspective of the individual. This film, full of grace and lightness, follows the evolution of a romantic relationship between a young transgender woman and her new companion.

Photo: The Pearl Of Africa