Well, I've just watched it and must say that I am impressed.

Congratulations are certainly due thefraj and the the other people who took part. Also to Channel 4 for presenting the subject without being judgemental.

I can appreciate dingbat's point in as much as the one man seemed to have a position somewhat different than the others. But that suggests that the three could be categorised in some single group and I don't think that would be sustainable. If anything the diversity of reasons for seeking castration is a very great deal broader than represented by the film.

One aspect which in a way pervaded the film but which was only actually articulated very briefly is the near total absence of assistance available to those who wish to be castrated. Perhaps it would have overly complicated the film but I do feel that this was a lack and failed to say that this is an issue which needs to be addressed. (Although the discerning viewer might come to that conclusion for himself.)

It also didn't - and in this The Guardian's otherwise flippant reviewer is correct - really tackle issues of castration, self-image and societal roles. Either in considering what is limited in the image of masculinity that a male cannot find a place in it or in the lack of any acceptable role for the eunuch.

Carping perhaps to find such fault: on the whole I'm heartened by the presentation and very glad that it went out.

C4 seems to have fumbled the ball a bit; on the program page the invitation to discuss point to the Family talk board but the only discussion seems to be in the Channel4News forum (and that as daft as one might expect) http://community.channel4.com/eve/forum ... 3450002077

And by the bye I installed Chennel4's On Demand software in order to view this. It's a big brute, installs .Net if you haven't got it, plays around considerably with other MS products like Live Messenger and Media Player as a result; requires an new Digital Rights Management plugin supplied by MS and isn't quite as stable as one might like. All together an inordinate amount of trouble if this is the only thing one wanted for.

I know now is a good time to dropp in for a few to hear some words. i thought i would write a few myself. i have not seen the footage so there for have no idea how the documentary has come accross for the masses. i wanted to say that never have i been more happy, in my life. i love my self more than ever. castration was the turning point in my life, for the better. i may have left a small piece of myself on the chopping block, but i have emerged a complete person.

i find myself smileing, and other smileing back. days are filled with thoughts of clear life.

one comment i had come accross, was untrue. never have i thought of getting injected w/T. that is not me. after everything i have come threw to get to the lower levels of T i live w/today. there is no turning back. never would i want to. castration is a choice i made right. the point is i made the choice, as we should all have the right to do.

im not sure if the documentary had included my first thought after surgery. but it was life changing when the right words just flowed out of my mouth. "free at last, free at last. thank god all mighty i am free at last!". those words ring all to true to this day. i hope the film can give others an idea of what some eunuch or castration seekers may be going threw. its awsome to be able to see others thoughts and ideas on the subject. to think that some one else may have been feeling what i felt threw the years leading up to my surgery is awful. help should be available for people of our kind, we all have taken the first step in bringing the subject to light, and banding together as we have. i wish we could demand the understanding which is our god given right. things can only get better, if we let them.

I thought of thanking everyone for the chance to be myself and speek my mind. for those who have takin the time to listen, i am here for you.

z

Have watched the documentary on Ch4. What a waste of time. Nearly an hour of program to find out there are some guys out there who want to remove their testicles. I thought the whole thing was a waste of time and very light weight.

amm_uk (imported) wrote: Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:48 am Have watched the documentary on Ch4. What a waste of time. Nearly an hour of program to find out there are some guys out there who want to remove their testicles. I thought the whole thing was a waste of time and very light weight.

As you can see from reading some of the above posts, those involved with the program - those who have either been through it or desperately want to be - would disagree with you. Before you dismiss the program and the participants out of hand, maybe you can tell us a bit more about why you're here to begin with, and why exposure of the Community in a pretty positive light seems to mean nothing to you?

This is a reply to Z (his post on previous page),

Thanks for clarifying that Z. I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with the outcome and that you feel so whole now. The end of the programme certainly concerned me, it's possible that I misunderstood the comment about T injections but that was the implication. I'm very happy that you have put me right about that, thanks.

Hi Paolo, I appreciate your comments. I have been a member of the Eunuch Archive for a number of years, but do not post that often. I am seeking to be castrated one day soon, but it is not easy in the UK. I just thought the program glossed over some of the issues (I know this was a 1 hour program not a multi part documentary), but I just found the whole thing a bit too light weight. As a hetro sexual male, in a long term relationship, none of the cases fitted my circumstances, also I feel they should have got some input from a medical professional, prob easier said than done, but should have been possible. Any thing that helps the acceptance of castration as a choice is good, I am not convinced this program did that. After all 2 of the subjects were regretting their decision, not exactly a positive image? Oh well, will put on tin hat now, and wait for the flak and flames.

Andy

Thanks for clarifying this, amm_uk.

So far, I have no way to see the program and can't judge whether it's "lightweight" or "balanced" or what.

I had mixed feelings concerning channel four’s programme. Although I understand what amm uk is getting at, I can’t see how it would have been possible to go much further; especially considering it’s the first time a documentary about us has been shown in the UK. I felt the programme gave an overview without getting too personal; it will give people an insight to the varied life’s we all lead without condemning. I will be interested to see what reactions the papers and other publications pick up on.

Well-done The Fraj (Rog) I thought you came across very well, you must have balls of steel to go through that!

And yes, I know I don’t post much, but I do try and keep up with the current topics and post when I think I have something worth saying.

umm.. so how can I see this?

It's to be hoped that someone has it on a Tivo and can transfer to DVD. Unfortunately C4's online service is only available in the UK and RoI.