In Zimbabwe, intersex individuals, people who are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female, continue to face profound social, legal, and medical challenges. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity, there is no formal recognition of intersex as a gender category, and most intersex people remain invisible in national health, education, and identity systems. Many are subjected to stigma, harmful medical interventions, and exclusion from essential services, while families are left to navigate confusion and silence without institutional support.
To raise awareness and advocate for intersex rights, the Health, Law, and Policy Consortium (HLPC), working alongside Love Alliance and with support from the AIDS Fonds International, launched “Identity in Crisis,” a documentary that explores the lived experiences of intersex people in Zimbabwe. The documentary addresses the silence that surrounds the existence of intersex individuals. During its premiere in Harare, the documentary received overwhelming support, celebrated as a major milestone for advocacy and a potential catalyst for policy change to recognise intersex as a gender marker in Zimbabwean law. “This documentary is not just a film, it is a platform for justice,” said Dorcas Chitiyo, HLPC’s Programmes Coordinator. “We are pushing toward full recognition and protection of intersex persons’ rights from birth to adulthood,” she added.
Participants at the launch of the documentary “Identity in Crisis” pose for a group photo, April 25, 2025, in Harare.
Identity in Crisis, gives voice to the realities of intersex individuals, stories long hidden in shame or ignored altogether. It features moving testimonies from intersex people, parents, and advocates who speak openly about the stigma, the gaps in healthcare, and the pain of being erased by both law and culture. “I grew up being called different names, told to hide myself, “But this documentary says, we exist, and we matter,” said Panashe, a 21-year-old intersex person featured in the film.
One parent, Tapera Moyo, spoke about the confusion and heartbreak her family faced when his child was born intersex. “My parents told us not to talk about it and keep it in the family, like it was something shameful. But now, through this film, we finally have the language and the courage to speak up.”
Sister Mandipasa, the Sister in Charge at Buhera Hospital, shared her reflections during the launch of the documentary “Identity in Crisis” on April 25, 2025, in Harare..
The post-screening dialogue highlighted what advocates have long demanded, a legal recognition of intersex persons and an end to harmful silence. Intersex individuals and parents of intersex children called for the inclusion of an intersex gender marker on national identity documents, support systems for affected families, and proper training for health workers and educators. “Placing a simple indicator on a health card or birth record could mean so much,” said an intersex rights advocate. “It is about visibility and protection.” In the same vein, health professionals at the launch acknowledged the system-wide gaps. Dr. Tapiwa Ndlovu, a medical practitioner, stated, “We need policy guidance and training on intersex health. We cannot keep failing families due to ignorance.”
Following the launch, HLPC announced plans for Identity in Crisis to be screened across the country, particularly in schools, health facilities, and rural communities. The documentary will be used as a tool to initiate conversations, train professionals, and engage policymakers. “This is more than awareness, it is advocacy in motion,” said Dorcas Chitiyo. “We are using this film to push for inclusion in national identity systems and to challenge laws that leave intersex people behind.” The participants expressed optimism that Zimbabwe is entering a new chapter for intersex rights. “We now have stories, faces, and momentum; we are not going back into the shadows,” said Kuda Murisa, an intersex youth advocate and Team Lead of the Zimbabwe Intersex Community.
Identity in Crisis is not only a documentary, it is a call to action that invites everyone to recognise, respect, and protect the lives and rights of intersex individuals. It highlights the often-overlooked challenges and injustices faced by the intersex community to foster understanding and empathy. This is the beginning of a movement toward awareness and advocacy for intersex rights.
