I Exist: A Three-part Documentary Empowering Intersex Individuals in Areas of Barangay New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, and Barangay 770 Zone 84 Sta. Ana, Manila, Philippines

This study explores the impact caused by a three-episode documentary series entitled ‘I EXIST’, intended to raise awareness regarding intersex persons especially those from Barangay New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, and Barangay 770 Zone 84, Sta. Ana, Manila. The documentary deals with the challenges intersex persons face, drawing from both narratives and expert inputs, such as misunderstanding, social stigma, and lack of legal acknowledgment. This research will focus on the experiences of individuals with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) and Hermaphroditism to develop a deeper understanding of intersex issues, point out the gaps in healthcare, and voice the rights of the intersex. Based on Formalist Theory and Social Learning Theory, this study engaged 60 participants who are 20 residents and informants from Sta. Ana, Manila, as well as in Taguig City, and three case studies from the organization of Intersex Philippines, above 18 years old. Experts in their fields were also tapped into the research. Descriptive qualitative and quantitative methods of interviews, focus group discussions, and survey questionnaires were utilized in the mixed-method approach. The post-evaluation involved both the residents and the experts who were actively involved in the validation and strengthening of the final output of the study. The documentary reportedly informed and impacted 94% of the participants and showed a strong agreement in 82%. The respondents were found to be open to a decrease in discrimination against the intersex population with the idea that 88% supported this. The stories presented in the documentary were moving for 82% of participants, creating empathy and understanding. Generally, the study shows that visual storytelling is a potent tool for creating awareness, removing stigma, and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups as it contributes to the ongoing discussion about intersex issues in the Philippines.