My name is Brent Henderson and I'm producing a 10 part documentary series for The History Channel about human sexuality. I'm visiting this message board to understand and possibly discuss the topics of sex reassignment and eunuchs.

I'm a documentary producer and not a doctor, so I apologize ahead of time if I don't use the proper terminology when discussing these sensitive topics.

In one of the episodes we will illustrate the historical significance of voluntary castration, which in ancient times seemed to be motivated by religious and social beliefs. However, in the modern world, it seems many males undergo this procedure for different reasons: sexual desires, gender identifications, hormones, etc.

I want to explore the anatomical science behind these desires. With that said, I need to find subjects that are considering having this procedure as well as ones that have already undergone their transformation.

Below is a two paragraph treatment of the series as well as the website to my company's credits. My email is brent.henderson@tvbyfox.com. Though not an academic, I have spent a great deal of time researching this subject. I recognize its sensitive nature and will treat it accordingly.

best,

Brent

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RITES OF PASSION

8 x 1hr for The History Channel

Dangerous, terrifying, redemptive, uplifting, sex is the most fundamental of all human activities. And because of its power, it’s been surrounded with more myths and rituals, taboos and ceremonies, laws and prohibitions than any other. It’s shaped cultures, started wars, and brought empires to their zeniths – and their knees.

Rites of Passion is a bold new series which plunders the globe to explore the relationship between humanity and its most powerful drive. Intriguing, compelling, fast-paced and forthright, each film spins three stories around a central theme. One will be historical, one anthropological, and one rooted in the contemporary West. Stories will be covered documentary-style, focusing on impressive access, beautiful photography, and expert storytelling. And they will be held together visually by stylish graphic packaging and a swift yet sophisticated narration.

Company website:

www.incubatortv.com

To the Members: Before anyone starts screaming, and we all know why, this one has been checked out and he is valid.

To Brent: Good luck. You aren't the first person interested in such, and after the last couple of fiascoes concerning this that went badly (American Eunuchs comes readily to mind) you should be warned that you could have a problem in getting anyone to talk to you about this.

Members here have been stung by the sensationalism approach before, if not downright lied to about the producer's intents.

You're welcome to be on the Boards, however, we expect courtesy and professionalism as well. Not that I expect it, but should any Member contact me about what they feel is harassment, I will IP ban your provider service from the site.

It may not read like it, but welcome to the EA...

Just to reiterate what Paolo has written, I have had an email correspondence with Brent Henderson and had a long telephone conversation with him yesterday. I think that his current direction is a good one. As with all journalists, however, we will need to be wary. Their agenda is not, and cannot be, the same as ours.

I expect to be providing information toward his project as it proceeds. The History Channel is an excellent venue and not overly sensationalistic. This has the potential to be useful to the community.

Yeah, where's the "eunuch-wannabe" producer when you need one?!

Well, if this is for REAL, and Paolo and Jesus seem to say this guy is for real.... Then I am elated, very happy to see this interest castration and eunuchs. I wish the best for Mr. Brent Henderson and his documentary.

I looked up Brent Henderson's filmography on imdb.com. I have not personally seen his work, though I have heard of some of the shows he has produced. His work seems to be geared toward the edgier side of the mainstream, as opposed to shockumentaries like American Eunuch, which nearly every one here agrees, did not paint flattering let alone accurate picture of the community. If you have had a chance to see some of Brent's work then you probably have a good idea of what to expect from him in the future.

Keep in mind all good documentaries are about uncovering truths that would otherwise remain hidden. In the case of the eunuch community this translates to a person's status as a eunuch and their motivation or desire to become a eunuch. You must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of sharing your most intimate truths or keeping them private. I think as a community we are actually fairly open, but to different degrees, and ultimately this documentary is just another decision on how open you as an individual choose to be.

Jema

Brent Henderson's Filmography (http://posters.imdb.com/name/nm1714505/)

"Surgery Saved My Life" (co-producer) (1 episode, 2007) (producer) (1 episode, 2006)

- Vampire Tumors (2007) TV episode (co-producer)

- Extreme Spine Surgery (2006) TV episode (producer)

"Extreme Makeover" (associate producer) (1 episode, 2005)

- Steve and Ryann (2005) TV episode (associate producer)

I've spent the past two years on the 20 episode series titled Surgery Saved my Life with my current production company. Not all of the shows have broadcast, but here is the former site.

http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/surgery/surgery.html

Also, the overall product of the show has less to do with me and more to do with my Executive Producer Simon Andreae. He is the former director of science and education at Channel 4 in England. While there, he commissioned the documentary Middle Sexes and is also the author of "Anatomy of Desire."

I've got mixed feelings on this project. I agree that the History channel isn't overly sensationalitic and a well-done documentary would be beneficial. I might be interested in talking with Brent about my own situation. This may not be the right time at all for me to do that, though, as I'm in an emotionally vulnerable spot.

OTOH, I've been extremely open about my feelings here as I transition. Being so open was initially really difficult for me and I still sometimes wonder if I'm revealing way too much. Some members have encouraged me to continue this way. Right now I'm a little concerned if I'll continue to feel free to be that open.

Paolo, please don't misread this in any way that I'm feeling harassed . I'm not at all. I've just got some concerns that I need to work through on my own.

-todd

After initially intercepting the gentleman's registration, I reinstated it after being assured by Jesus as to his apparent legitimacy. As I indicated earlier by mail, welcome to our site.

Having been hanging here for a good many years (more than the number that other things haven't been hanging here), I've seen a number of film efforts, as well as some published pieces (i.e., the Philadelphia weekly paper - I forget the name. They did an EXCELLENT workup.). Some of these have been quite well done, some attempted excellence and ended in that direction. Others have been miserable piles of shit (American Eunuchs).

We will not advise anyone to talk or not talk with people such as our new producer friend. That will be strictly your choice, and any consequences from that also your own (i.e., being publicly identified, whether good or bad...). I am always skeptical and wary, yet open to possibilities with things like this.

One good documentary is wonderful, earning a good solid point. One bad one inevitably engenders a deal of unfavorable reaction, and undoes a lot of progress, earning many times that good point for the bad side.

As Sgt. Phil always used to say, "Hey, hey! Let's be careful out there!"