XXY

The XXY condition, the term used to describe males with an extra X chromosome, is one of the most commonly found chromosome abnormalities in humans – about one in every 500 males have this condition, but many do not show any symptoms. The XXY condition can sometimes be a painful and self-questioning conundrum, as in the case of Alex, who is a hermaphrodite. She has been raised as a girl since birth, but is now, at puberty, being made to “choose” her sex by her parents. She is forced into considering the removal of her penis when her parents invite a plastic surgeon to their home to discuss her future. But the potential operation is not the only complication for Alex, she strikes up a friendship with the plastic surgeon's teenage son, Ã�lvaro–who it seems is as confused about sex and sexuality as is Alex. As we watch Alex and Ã�lvaro discover their true selves, we find that their parents are more confused and fearful of the truth than the teenagers. The parent's prejudices and beliefs on what is right and natural unknowingly hurt the children more than they could possibly know. The only non-judgmental viewpoint comes from the filmmaker herself who allows the story to unreel openly and gracefully, which opens the door to tolerance and understanding. (In Spanish with English subtitles) – W.F.G.