Be Like Others: Transsexuals in Iran

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Available Summary:

"In Iran, according to Islamic law, homosexuality is punishable by death. However, sex-change operations are not only legal, they are embraced by a society that accepts male or female, but nothing in between." -YouTube.

Note from Jack:

I have not watched this entire documentary, but there is at least one trans man in it. At the beginning of the film, Iranian doctor Dr. Mir Jalili is introduced as a practitioner who performs transition surgeries for both trans men and trans women.

An unnamed trans man comes to see Jalili, pursuing a medical transition. The man explains that he is sexually attracted to women and wishes to be intimate with them as a man, and asks whether it would be possible for Jalili to operate on him without government permission. Jalili is firm in saying that no, government permission is needed before any surgery is performed, and the man needs a referral from a psychiatrist. In response, the trans man insists that the doctor must introduce him to a psychiatrist who is educated on trans identities, not one who will demean him or refuse to believe his male identity.

Jalili, addressing the trans man, mentions that he does not think the man needs coaching on the correct things to say, in order to obtain permission. "You were like this since childhood," he confirms. The man agrees; "My mother tried desperately to put a skirt on me. But I resisted. I've driven tractors and motorcycles." Smiling, he adds, "Girls already like me. Imagine how popular I will be once I have a beard."

At the end of the appointment, the trans man grasps the doctor's hand and says, "Doctor, I don't know what to say. I am so grateful. I'll do anything for you. I owe you my life. I'll give you everything I have." As the trans man leaves, the doctor dabs at his eyes with a tissue.