Op-Ed: IDAHOBIT 2024 – The Power of ‘Artivism’ to Foster Change

On Thursday 4 April this year, the United Nations made a historic move to protect the human rights of intersex persons, as its Human Rights Council adopted its first-ever resolution specifically addressing discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against persons with innate variations in sex characteristics.

The resolution – brought by Finland, South Africa, Chile, and Australia – encourages States to “work to realise the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health” for intersex people.

The document adopted by the Council expressed “grave concern” about violence and harmful practices facing persons with innate variations in sex characteristics – including medically unnecessary or deferrable interventions concerning sex characteristics. Across the African continent, transgender persons, too, are subjected to violence and harmful practices.

The struggle for intersex recognition has been ongoing for decades. Intersex persons have been – and continue to be – subjected to unnecessary medical and surgical interventions aimed at conforming to binary gender norms, perpetuating systemic discrimination and violence. This pathologization treats intersex bodies as something to be fixed, disregarding the full humanity and autonomy of the person. Culturally, intersex persons often continue to be viewed as “unnatural” or even “cursed”, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misconceptions which, in turn, lead to harmful practices.

Both medically and culturally, the narrative of intersex and transgender persons has often been decided for them, denying them agency and autonomy over their own identities, lives and experiences.

There is, however, a shift taking place.

Intersex and transgender people are telling their own stories. And they are being heard. We look to the life story of Sally Gross, a pioneer in the intersex rights movement who, through the telling and retelling of her multifaceted lived experience, has, even after her passing, brought intersex issues into South African policy. The growth of intersex and transgender activism globally is fueled by these authentic narratives, which highlight the resilience and humanity of disenfranchised individuals and groups who defy societal and gender norms and expectations.

These stories – with their vulnerabilities, joys, and pain – hold the power to soften hearts and change rigged minds, shape public discourse, influence policy decisions, and, ultimately, foster acceptance. Film and narrative storytelling serve as powerful advocacy tools, providing platforms for connection, understanding, and introspection. By presenting narratives that challenge conventional constructs of gender and identity, we can chip away at entrenched biases and create space for the recognition and respect of all gender identities and bodies.

The theme of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex-phobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) – which is celebrated annually on 17 May – is ‘No one left behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All’. The theme underscores the importance of inclusive advocacy. We live in a time when the anti-rights movement is making concerning inroads – particularly across Africa, where religious-based queerphobia is on the rise. There is, therefore, great responsibility on LGBTIQA+ persons, human rights activists, allies and donors to ensure the amplification of intersex and transgender persons’ voices.

Through film, we have the opportunity to shed light on the lived experiences of intersex, transgender, and gender-diverse communities. These narratives celebrate resilience, challenge stereotypes, and confront systemic discrimination and violence.

On the 14th of May 2024, Beyond the Margins, in collaboration with fellow media advocacy organisation, Iranti, – and in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden and the Delegation of Flanders – held a thought-provoking film screening event at the University of Pretoria’s Javett Art Centre.

The event featured four documentaries – Fleeing (to) God, Gogo, Kamohelo (Acceptance), produced by Beyond the Margins, and The Parents of Intersex Children, produced by Iranti in association with Intersex South Africa. The films shed light on the challenges faced by intersex and transgender people, parents and allies across Southern Africa.

Under the theme, Victories, Challenges, and the Role of ‘Artivism’, the aim of the event was not only to celebrate the historic United Nations resolution, but also to highlight the ongoing imperative for creative grassroots efforts in combating discrimination and violence.

The themes explored throughout the films and post-screening panel discussion encompassed a wide array of social, cultural, legal and health-related issues: From the profound impacts of social isolation, shame, and fear on mental health and well-being, to the challenges faced by transgender and intersex persons in accessing essential healthcare and other basic services, including hormone replacement therapy. Furthermore, the intersectionality of socio-economic status, race, levels of education, unemployment, age and gender identity was examined, highlighting the unique struggles faced by both older and younger transgender people.

The role of religion, particularly within the context of familial and community acceptance, was also scrutinized. While some families and religious spaces offer solace and acceptance, others perpetuate discrimination and rejection, exacerbating mental health challenges and increasing the prevalence of survival sex work and HIV/AIDS. Despite South Africa’s progressive Constitution, questions were raised about the country’s efficacy in protecting intersex, transgender and gender-diverse asylum seekers and forced migrants, prompting reflection on the need to continue holding our government to account.

Central to the discussions – which, at times, presented difficult moments – was the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and informed decision-making. The necessity of transparent and ethical medical practices, alongside comprehensive counselling and support services, emerged as critical components in ensuring the well-being and autonomy of intersex children. Education and awareness-raising through film were also emphasised as indispensable tools in promoting societal understanding and acceptance.

The event – which was attended by grassroots activists, parents of transgender and intersex children, government officials, embassy representatives, queer asylum seekers, and included a message of support from Abigail Noko, the Southern Africa regional representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – served as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and action. Participants were able to articulate challenges, but also celebrate victories.

The message was clear: Let us harness the power of ‘Artivism’ to build a more inclusive and equitable society. By centering the narratives of gender and sexual minorities, we challenge existing biases and pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding. This IDAHOBIT, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for equality, freedom, and justice for all.

 

Khanyisile Phillips is a transgender rights activist and Board Secretary of Beyond the Margins. Cameron Smith is the former Acting Intersex Rights Officer at Iranti. This article was first published by Beyond the Margins.