In 'Every Body' intersex people share why they 'feel mutilated' by the healthcare system

It doesn’t matter how compelling a documentary subject is if it doesn’t have equally compelling people to tell the story.

“Every Body” has that and then some.

The film, directed by Julie Cohen (“RBG,” “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down”) with a great deal of compassion and skill, focuses on the lives of three intersex people — people born with “reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male,” according to the Intersex Society of North America.

Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel and River Gallo are three of the 1.7% of people worldwide who are intersex, and they’re who Cohen focuses on to tell the story of struggle, misunderstanding and ignorance that they have to battle.

It’s heartbreaking at times, but it’s also uplifting — the three subjects are fierce advocates and activists, and Cohen’s empathetic storytelling makes it a personal journey. It’s also often entertaining, because the three are so expressive and engaging.

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A 'Dateline' story looms large in 'Every Body'

Cohen begins with a compilation of footage from absurdly over-the-top (but genuine) gender-reveal stunts. That sets the tone for the film, and for meeting the three main subjects.

Weigel (she/her, they/them) was born with XY chromosomes, a vagina and testes. Doctors removed her testes and pronounced her biologically female.

Wall (he/him) was born without a uterus and with a notably small penis; doctors told his parents he was female for the parents’ well-being, according to records Wall pores over. But what about Wall’s well-being?

Gallo (they/them), an actor and filmmaker, was born without testes. Doctors prescribed testosterone and implanted prosthetic testes.

All feel violated, mutilated, physically changed without their consent, and they want to end what is still the common practice of doctors deciding — either through surgery, medication and counseling, or a combination of the three — an intersex child’s identity.

Cohen lays out the history of intersex people and their medical treatment, and it isn’t pretty. John Money, a late Johns Hopkins psychologist, was hugely influential; in fact, the film relates, much of the treatment of intersex children was inspired by a single case of Money’s — now debunked.

That case plays a big part in “Every Body.” Cohen shows Wall, Weigel and Gallo extensive footage from an NBC “Dateline” segment on David Reimer, a twin whose penis was damaged during a botched circumcision. Money recommended sex-reassignment surgery and raising David as a girl.

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The film is a reminder of the dangers of forcing identity on anyone

Despite Money’s documentation that this was a great success, it clearly wasn’t. The “Dateline” interview — we see so much of it Cohen might as well have just aired it in its entirety — is haunting. When Reimer, who eventually identified as a man, got married and adopted children, talks about his treatment at the hands of Money, Wall, Weigel and Gallo sigh in recognition.

If only doctors would wait, Reimer says in the interview, and seek input from the children affected.

More haunting still, though not surprising given the content of the interview: Reimer died by suicide in 2004. He was 38.

It’s sobering, and important, a reminder of the cost of trying to force gender identity on someone. (Cohen throws in a little idiocy from right-wing media personality Ben Shapiro giving a speech about the “science” of genders for good measure.)

But overall the film has a hopeful tone. There is never any question that its three main subjects have been shaped by what they consider life-changing decisions made without their consent. Yet each, in their way, fights for recognition and more compassionate and inclusive medical care for intersex people. The film builds toward a rally in New York, and the end credits are goofy and sweet.

It’s a fitting end to a film about a subject that deserves attention and that deserves an audience. Cohen has done all she can to ensure it gets both.

'Every Body' 4 stars

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Director: Julie Cohen.

Cast: Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, River Gallo.

Rating: R for some language and graphic nude images.

How to watch: In theaters Friday, June 30.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Every Body' review: Julie Cohen artfully tackles intersex experience