Hareem Qureshi, a second year Animation student at the University of Westminster, is the First Assistant Director for Only Love Matters, the first British film to feature intersex characters in leading roles. The film is a romantic family drama, set in London, and it offers its audience an idea of what it means to be intersex.
For Intersex Awareness Day on 26 October, Hareem shared how she got involved with the project and the importance of marking the day, which highlights the human rights issues faced by intersex people.
What are your preferred pronouns?
My preferred pronouns are she/her.
Why did you choose Westminster and what have you got out of it?
The University is an incredible institute for learning about the Arts and its support of students. I love how the University champions equality and inclusivity for all, regardless of background.
I very much enjoy the creative atmosphere at Harrow Campus, being able to collaborate with students from all creative courses inside lectures and other students outside of the classroom.
I’m also proud to have been selected as the President of the Music Entertainment Society. I have developed my employability and communication skills in the past year and consider myself fortunate to be a part of the University.
How did you get involved with the Only Love Matters project?
I have worked on film and television sets since a very young age as a child actor. I featured in a television series called Moorat which discussed intersex and transgender relationships, when I was just one. Upon hearing about this film project, I offered my services in any way possible and auditioned for a role.
Initially, I was asked to work on the storyboarding, animation, photography, casting and as an Assistant Director. Due to the pandemic, some of the production team members couldn’t attend the set, so I was given a week’s trial as First Assistant Director. After impressing, I was given the role permanently. I’m really grateful I had the chance to work with industry professionals and a brilliant cast.
What is the movie about and why is it so significant?
Only Love Matters is the first feature film in British history to have intersex characters in leading roles. It’s a romantic drama and it creates awareness about what intersex is, unlike previous representations in film which have generally been misleading and negative.
This film explores the ordinary life of intersex people and the issues that they often face, such as childhood sex reassignment surgeries, and discrimination and harassment in their social and professional lives. The film has already won many awards.
It’s World Intersex Awareness Day on 26 October. What does this day mark, and what does it mean to you?
Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions for male or female bodies. About 1.7% percent of the population is born with a variation of sex characteristics.
Awareness about intersex and what it means is very limited and a lot of work needs to be done to raise awareness around it. Historically, out of fear, intersex children have been expected to appear as either male or female. During the last few decades, intersex people have increasingly raised their voices against this.
On 26 October 1996, a demonstration against irreversible so called ‘corrective’ surgeries took place in America, and Intersex Awareness Day has been marked on this day since then.
Are there any resources you could recommend for people that would like to know more?
The Intersex Awareness Day website is a good starting point and there are some great interviews about the subject on the Only Love Matters website as well.
I’d also recommend Orchids: My Intersex Adventure as a good documentary to watch, you can find its trailer on YouTube.
Find out more about studying Animation at Westminster.
