Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Transexuals in Iran (updated)

BBC Two documentary explores why so many Iranians undergo sex change operations.

Although homosexuality is a crime punishable by death in Iran, more sex change operations are carried out there than any other nation in the world apart from Thailand, with the government providing up to half the cost for those needing financial assistance.

American-Iranian film maker Tanaz Eshaghian has made a documentary ‘Transsexual In Iran’ exploring the phenomenon. She discusses her film on Woman's Hour here.

Transexuals in Iran is on BBC 2 on Monday 25th February 2008 at 9pm (The programme can be viewed online until next Monday here - duration: 60 min).

On 30 March, the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival will also be showing two films on the subject. The Birthday and Shahram and Abbas, A rare glimpse inside Iranian society and its struggle with gender and sexuality (more information here).

See also:
* Out in Iran: Inside Iran's Secret Gay World - CBC - March 2007
* The Ayatollah and the transsexual, The Independent - 25 November 2004
* Iran's Transsexual Revolution, The Independent - 13 November 2005

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello,

I unfortunately missed the program last night. Do you know if a re-run has been programmed?

Thanks.

Ed. said...

I am afraid I don't know if a re-run is scheduled. I would suggest you contact the BBC directly.

I hope this is helpful.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, you should be able to view this programme using the BBC iPlayer for up to seven days after it went out.

Ed. said...

Yes, I have added the relevant link to iPlayer in the post as well as other links relevant to the subject.

Anonymous said...

Such sad and depressing viewing!

This film is more about homophobia and persecution of gay people In Iran than about trans people.