Every Body
By Monique Jones,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Gripping, heartfelt, mature docu about intersex Americans.
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Every Body
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Excellent portrayal of intersex community
What's the Story?
In EVERY BODY, three intersex activists -- Alicia Roth Weigel, River Gallo, and Sean Saifa Wall -- tell their personal stories about growing up intersex. They share trauma they've faced and how they're reclaiming their identities and fighting for other intersex people around the world. The film also offers historical information about discrimination against intersex people and how it became cemented in medical practice.
Is It Any Good?
Julie Cohen's compelling documentary is bound to teach many viewers plenty of things they didn't know about the intersex experience. Every Body makes it clear how many people actually identify as intersex -- as well as, sadly, how discrimination against intersex people became ingrained in medical practice thanks to a single 20th century medical researcher. The film shows how slow the medical community has been to move away from harmful practices that include surgery on children at birth, forcing children to wear clothes of a specific gender, and invasive medical procedures. But there's also a focus on how intersex people have been able to make their own mark and advocate for themselves and others like them.
It seems impossible that anyone could watch Every Body and not come away with feelings of empathy and compassion for this long-marginalized group. In a world in which gender-based legislation is aiming to further discriminate against people who don't fall within the male-female binary, the film shows clearly and powerfully why this type of legislation isn't just unnecessary, but violent. And it shows how Weigel, Gallo, and Wall have risen up to help create the blueprint for a better, more just world for future intersex people.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Every Body defines gender expression and identity. Why is a binary definition discouraged?
How has the trauma faced by the featured intersex interviewees affected their lives? How do you think you'd respond in their place?
How do Alicia, River, and Sean Saifa demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
How has the fight for intersex equality in the United States affected the fight for global intersex equality?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 30, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: September 12, 2023
- Cast: River Gallo , Sean Saifa Wall , Alicia Roth Weigel
- Director: Julie Cohen
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Non-Binary actors, Gay actors
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: some language and graphic nude images
- Last updated: October 11, 2023
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